I have info on Pit Stops for two routes in and out of the Valley of the Sun: I-17 and the Beeline Hwy (SR 87) at Payson:
Driving to Christopher Creek area or up to the Rim: ‘Round about Payson, we start to need a stop for various reasons. There are many fast food options once you’re in town, but if you prefer a different culinary selection, keep driving until Hwy 260. Turn right (east). Right after that turn there are big grocery stores on both sides of the street. This is also a good time to stock up on ice or other last minute essentials (like marshmallows).
Despite the beauty and consumer opportunities of the grocery stores, the best place to stop in Payson is Green Valley Park, located at the West end of Payson’s historic Main St. It has grass, picnic tables, playground, bathrooms and 3 lakes. Here’s a photo of the lake: http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv12501.php
To get there from SR 87, take Main Street west. (This takes you past the quaint, historic main street of Payson–nice perk; not that you can get out and shop with kids melting down in the back…) Continue until you see the lake on the right. For the playground, turn right on Green Valley Rd. The parking lot is a little ways up the road. Playground (with bathrooms!!) is toward the lake. Bring a picnic and enjoy this great pitstop.
Driving up HWY 17: If you are tempted to investigate Montezuma’s Castle on your way to or from somewhere, stay on task. Unless, as I like to pretend occasionally, you are not on a schedule and the kids will not melt down any time soon. It is in a good location to stop if you are going up to the Flagstaff area, sort of half way. So, we checked it out last time we were coming down from camping up there. It’s 10 minutes to get to the monument visitor center from the freeway exit. Once there and I saw the huge sycamore trees (I love them) and the creek (Beaver Creek) running alongside them, I thought the drive was worth it and I grabbed our towels. Well, there is a lovely picnic area and you can walk 30 minutes to the ruins (we took a pass on that, as I did not feel like cajoling 80 pounds worth of twins to walk themselves back up the hill ), but don’t expect to cool your toes in the creek that is close enough to taste. No creek access at the monument. Yes, it’s blocked off, I tried. It’s just cruel, really.
Oh yeah, and they are not out to make a buck off the tourists there. They only sell water. No ice cream, no popsicles, not even granola bars, apples, or frybread. The bathrooms are clean, however.
Last word? Do it if you have the time.
Here’s a link to their website for info: http://www.nps.gov/moca/
