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OK I am a creature of habit, and when going to places like Campaign TH or the Sierra Ancha I have always taken US 60 through Superior, Miami, Globe and then left on 188 towards Tonto Monument, because that is just the way I have always gone...

However, recently someone told me I was crazy and that the best way to those areas (from North Central Phoenix where I live) is 202E to 87N and then 188 turn off towards Tonto Monument and the Sierra Ancha turnoff near Roosevelt.

I don't see a huge difference in miles, but you do have the lights to contend with using the 60.... however, I was interested to know what people think who have lived in AZ for most of their lives or longer than me...the 60 through Globe...or 87 North to 188...any quick feedback would be nice

friendofThundergod wrote:..the 60 through Globe...or 87 North to 188..

I vote only take: the 60 through Miami at Globe to connect with 188N to 288
(way too many miles backtracking on Hwy 188 to take 87N to 188S to 288)

@Grasshopper
that was always my theory thanks, plus I think they are down to one lane now on 188 towards Pumpkin Center..I will keep with original route!

Depends on where you live....I use the 87 to 188 all the time. It may be a few more miles but I think it's way faster. No dealing with Gold Canyon, Superior. One Speed Zone through Punkin Center/Tonto Basin and from McDowell/87 there are 4 Traffic Lights total the whole Trip....Everyone that I have driven that way was actually impressed with the Drive Time and the ease of the Drive.

If you go through Punkin Center/Tonto Basin and stop at Big Daddy's Pizza, that's a game changer.
Of course Globe/Superior have good Mexican food so it's win/win.

@Outdoor Lover
Its funny because someone explained it to me nearly exactly like you said...and it did get me thinking, have I been taking a longer way for the last few years?..I think I will clock it this weekend, go through Globe on way there, and take 87 home

@friendofThundergod
Be sure on your way in today via Hwy 60 to top off with gas before turning north on Hwy 188 or you may risk (for the 3rd time) running on empty by Sunday

I use to hammer that loop on my Triumph, but to this day I still hate all the lights on Shea till I get to the 101. From my house to 288/188 intersection via US 60 is 112 miles. From 288/188 via Beeline Shea back is 115 miles. So it's obvious we go back on US 60 because of Libby's El Rey Mexican restaurant.

friendofThundergod wrote:Pumpkin Center

Locals would be offended by that... to them (as well as officially) it's Punkin Center, not Center

@Grasshopper
Getting gas in globe as we speak, raining

friendofThundergod wrote:@Grasshopper
Getting gas in globe as we speak, raining

Gee how ironic, sitting here at work as we speak.... :tt:

friendofThundergod wrote:@Grasshopper
Getting gas in globe as we speak, raining

heading up to Devils Chasm Sat.; hope not too much rain to prevent us from getting there as only 1 of us has 4wd, the rest just AWD and high clearance of around 8 1/2"

What if though, you have completed the old 88 drive from Torilla Flat to Roosevelt?

Do you drive it back, go right through Globe or left through Punkin Center?

@tibber I've been following the forecast up there and just had an earlier telecom today from Oregon Hiker checking in from having been ruins hunting since this past Monday He is putting that Sierra Ancha "Echos in the Canyon" book by Richard Lang to good use. The NWS forecast has change some for middle/upper Cherry Creek Road FR203 area.. http://hikearizona.com/forecast.php?e=T ... MwTlE9PQ==

skatchkins wrote:What if though, you have completed the old 88 drive from Torilla Flat to Roosevelt?
Do you drive it back, go right through Globe or left through Punkin Center?

Depends upon if you have enough cash on hand to buy an ice cream cone at Tortilla Flat or would rather spend the same amount of money for a Mexican meal and ice cream any where along the other two routes.

they're both wrong, and offer a false dichotomy.

the other, unspoken travel method is 87 to el Oso road, over the Lone Pine saddle, and down to the 188. mileage wise it is a great shortcut, timewise not so much. but hey, it's the journey, man!

87 is shorter when there are festivals along the 60. But generally I will go through Miami when going to these eastern Supes areas and Cherry Creek.

I don't select the route on what's the fastest, slowest or scenic. It depends on where I want to eat. Heading to Payson I may stop by the Rock Springs Café.

@Nighthiker
That's quite the detour for some pie

And the pie isn't as good as it used to be at Rock Springs when it was Penny's Pies now it is just Rock Springs Pies since Penny retired and no one can figure out the way she used to make them...