Vegas to Flagstaff via Prescott Valley, Jerome, Sedona, and Clarkdale
For those who missed it, we enjoyed a fantastic drive to Flagstaff on July 24th.
Only four cars made the trip, but we drove proudly and represented the Las Vegas Region PCA during this joint event with the Arizona Mountain Region.
A special thank-you goes to E.C. Muller, President of the Arizona Mountain Region, and Jeff Boehm, the Drive Meister who organized the route and brought the entire event together.
Day One: Las Vegas to Prescott Valley
We departed from the upper parking lot at Railroad Pass Casino at 8:30 a.m., equipped with gift bags filled with snacks and water for the drive to Prescott Valley.
The group maintained a comfortable pace and arrived at approximately 11:00 a.m. This gave everyone plenty of time to shop for picnic supplies, refuel for the next day’s drive, and explore the surrounding area.
Some members visited historic downtown Prescott, while others took in local attractions such as the beautiful Granite Dells.
At 4:00 p.m., we reconvened at Rosa’s Pizzeria for a happy hour hosted by the Prescott contingent. After an enjoyable evening, everyone settled in for a good night’s rest before the next morning’s scenic drive.
A Bonus Gathering
We met again at 8:30 a.m. the following morning for the most scenic portion of the trip.
As an unexpected bonus, our meeting location was also hosting an impressive collection of hot rods, which happen to be my next favorite type of automobile.
What a great way to start the day.
Mountain Roads to Jerome
We departed Prescott Valley and began the climb through the mountains toward Jerome, followed by several scenic stops on the way to Sedona.
This route is outstanding when traffic cooperates. Slow cars, motor homes, and commercial trucks can make the drive challenging, but fortune smiled on us that morning.
For the most part, we enjoyed clear roads.
Even better, many slower drivers noticed the long line of Porsches in their mirrors and did something we do not see often enough anymore. They pulled over, allowed us to pass, and even gave us enthusiastic waves.
That alone went a long way toward restoring my faith in humanity.
I also learned that anyone hoping to find premium parking in Jerome should arrive around 8:30 a.m.
Sedona, Flagstaff, and a Dramatic Arrival
The scenery through Sedona and along Highway 89 toward Flagstaff was spectacular, although traffic became much heavier.
As we arrived at Fort Tuthill County Park, the skies darkened and rain began to fall. Lightning soon followed, raising the hair on everyone’s arms.
E.C. witnessed one particularly dramatic bolt strike the trunk of a pine tree no more than 50 yards from the pavilion. It was both terrifying and impressive.
Fortunately, we were safely gathered under the pavilion roof, where we enjoyed the cooler weather, our picnic lunches, and great conversation.
A Drive Worth Repeating
For those who missed this trip, stay tuned.
We will likely organize it again, perhaps during the spring when temperatures are milder and the desert landscape takes on a different character.
Either way, it was a memorable adventure for everyone who made the journey.
Great roads, beautiful scenery, cooperative traffic, and wonderful company made this a drive worth repeating.
