I think you guys might be in for a surprise. The road south of San Manuel is all dirt. You run out of pavement after about 3 miles. We used to hunt down by Reddington Pass.
I would much prefer to take this route..
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/33.3...m0!1m0!1m0!3e0
I would much prefer following 60, 70, and 110 South through Globe, Bylas, Safford and on down to I 10. I think you would also..