Exit 248 (Bumble Bee / Crown King Rd) on Interstate 17 in Arizona is a crucial highway marker for Class 8 commercial truck drivers negotiating the steep Black Canyon Freeway climbs. While Exit 248 provides access to the Bradshaw Mountains, the unpaved, winding Crown King Road is entirely unsuitable for heavy commercial tractor-trailers. Heavy haulers facing high engine temperatures and brake strain on this steep grade must plan ahead. There are no diesel fueling facilities or staging yards directly at Exit 248. Truckers should maintain momentum and proceed northbound toward Sunset Point or southbound toward Black Canyon City for secure roadside pull-offs.
Nearby Towns and Trucking Facilities
Exit 248 connects to rural mountain communities including Bumble Bee, Crown King, and Cleator, supporting specialized off-road, heavy equipment, and bulk material haulers.
Driver Amenities and Rest Needs
Amenities at Exit 248 are minimal. Drivers are advised to plan ahead for meals, rest breaks, and supplies at major travel centers located north or south.
Regulatory and Operational Information
Extra caution is required due to severe highway grade changes and steep canyon drops. Always review mountain driving standards and
FMCSA guidelines.
Fuel and Equipment Services
There are no commercial truck fuel stations, high-flow diesel lanes, or semi-truck repair shops directly located at Exit 248 (Bumble Bee / Crown King Rd). Drivers requiring fuel, emergency mechanical repairs, or mobile diesel service should utilize real facilities at nearby exits along Interstate 17:
Parking and Staging
No official commercial truck parking, staging yards, or overnight pull-offs exist directly at Exit 248. Due to narrow unpaved shoulders leading toward Bumble Bee, Class 8 vehicles should avoid pulling off here. Drivers should utilize dedicated truck parking facilities located north and south on Interstate 17:
- Sunset Point Rest Area (ADOT) - I-17 Southbound, Milepost 252, Black Canyon City, AZ 85324 (Mile Marker 252, ~4 miles north). Amenities: Dedicated semi-truck parking bays, rest facilities, vending machines, drinking water, and well-lit 24/7 access.
- Love's Travel Stop #722 Truck Parking - 14725 S Spring Valley Rd, Mayer, AZ 86333 (I-17 Exit 263, MM 263, ~15 miles north). Amenities: 53 dedicated commercial truck parking spaces, CAT Scale, bulk DEF, showers, and 24/7 store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exit 248 suitable for standard long-haul staging?
No, Exit 248 has limited turning radius options and is best reserved for rural or emergency stops.
Are high-capacity fuel bays available at Exit 248?
No, full truck stop fueling facilities should be accessed at Exit 229 or Exit 262.
How steep is the grade near Exit 248?
Northbound I-17 features continuous 5% to 6% grades through this stretch.