Was wondering if any of the folks out in UT can give some advice on driving between SLC and PHX tomorrow and back on Sunday in light of the possible snow in the forecast.

Would you stick on I15 to Vegas and then head down 93 to Phoenix OR would you go I15 to I70 and then south on 89 though Panquitch and then to Flagstaff and head south on I17 into Phoenix?

Which of these routes would be better in the rain/snow on the way down and the snow on the way back on Sunday?

If it looks like the weather is dicey for such a trip I will certainly recommend to my son that he stay in SLC.

Any suggestions on the route would be appreciated.

We just did this drive 2 days ago. I never take the 89 route through panguich in the winter. To many crazy weather variables and road condition issues. It is always way safer to take I15 to Vegas, then I11 to 93 in Kingman. Its a little bit longer drive, but very little issues related to weather. I have found both routes take around 9ish hours.

Hope this helps

Yes thank you. I'm trying to advise my son who will be making the drive and I recommended the interstate to Vegas and then down. Figured interstate would be the best option.

Again, thanks, and if anybody else has ideas by all means I'd love to hear them.

Ya he should be pretty safe taking that route. With Interstate 11 now fully open bypassing the Hoover Damn it almost doesn't make sense to go any other way anymore (Other than a beautiful scenic drive).

I15 is very well maintained and plowed very quickly when it snows. My mom is from UT so I've done that drive hundreds of times over my life and never had an issue driving it in the snow.

Panguich and Kanab on 89 is a lot more scenic, and a shorter route, but you're better going through Vegas with the storm coming through. I-15.

Ok. Sounds like Vegas baby! is the way to go.
Thanks

FYI, the best way to Hwy 89 is SR20 just south of Beaver, UT. Exit 95 I believe. There’s no reason to take 70.

I agree with the others, leave RT 89 for another day. Looks like rain/snow for the next several days. I've driven Rt 89 from I-70 and it would be nice if the weather were great.

Well the kids made it from SLC to Phoenix ok, left after work and spent the night in St George and had decent weather. Traffic tie up north of Phoenix delayed them a bit on Christmas Eve but they made it just fine. Trip was quicker headed back on the 26th, they did that in one fairly easy day and the weather held so wasn't much of a factor.

Thanks again for the tips.

Great to hear everything went well!