To the north, the Grand Canyon State incorporates a large gorge and excessive deserts. In the central and japanese elements lie mountain peaks and forests. Toward the south are big cacti and a desert with excessive summer season temps. Arizona is likely one of the most geographically compelling states, and with American, Native American and Mexican influences, it’s additionally one of the vital culturally numerous. These premier scenic byways tie all of it collectively.
- Historic Route 66 – All-American Road
- Kaibab Plateau – North Rim Parkway – National Scenic Byway
- Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Road
- Navajo Nation
- Diné Tah (Among the People) Scenic Road
- Kayenta-Monument Valley Scenic Road
- Naat’tsis’aan-Navajo Mountain Scenic Road
- Oak Creek Canyon (does NOT have National or All-American designation)
- Red Rock Scenic Byway – All-American Road
- Sky Island – National Scenic Byway
- Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road
- Coronado Trail – National Scenic Byway
- White Mountain
- Apache Trail (CLOSED)
Historic Route 66 – National Scenic Byway & All-American Road – 420 miles
“The Mother Road,” as John Steinbeck referred to as it in his 1939 guide, The Grapes of Wrath, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. It’s essentially the most well-known freeway in America and but, in locations Route 66 is troublesome to comply with and disappointing. 2026 marks its 100th birthday. Over the previous century, freeways have changed most of Route 66’s two lanes. Motels and eating places have come and gone. Some states have labored to protect and market the route’s historic significance. Arizona’s section is likely one of the greatest, largely as a result of it has so many excellent pure sights.
Entering Arizona from New Mexico on I-40, you’re additionally on Historic Route 66. It’s about 50 miles west to Petrified Forest. One of the extra uncommon nationwide parks and the one one solely devoted to fossilized wooden, a 28-mile highway weaves by way of this geological masterpiece. More than 200 million years in the past, this was as soon as a residing forest. Over time, it turned a desert, eroding into a colourful panorama of buttes, hills and mesas with clusters of petrified wooden, one of many world’s largest concentrations. There are overlooks and mountaineering trails alongside Petrified Forest Road, and when you attain US 180, take a proper. It’s 20 minutes to Holbrook and the Wigwam Motel.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wigwam Motel is certainly one of seven constructed all through the U.S. Completed in 1950, Holbrook’s has 15 freestanding constructions with sink, rest room, bathe and the unique hand-made hickory furnishings. And sure, you’ll be able to keep right here. Ignoring cultural accuracy, the unique architect referred to as his designs wigwams however they’re truly teepees. The different two surviving Wigwam Motels are in Cave City, Kentucky and alongside Route 66 in San Bernardino, California.
Of course, highway journeys are additionally about distinctive finds. Holbrook is residence to Arizona Sake, the state’s first industrial kura, or brewery. Yokohama, Japan native Atsuo Sakurai is the one First-Grade Sake Brewer within the United States and his sake sells in shops and eating places across the nation. In Holbrook, Arizona Sake is open for tastings and brief excursions by appointment solely.
From Holbrook, get again on I-40 and Route 66. It’s half-hour west to Winslow. If the road “Standin’ on the corner Winslow, Arizona” involves thoughts, you’re pondering of Take It Easy, by the Eagles. Jackson Browne wrote the music on an Arizona/Utah highway journey. Winslow’s engaging downtown does job of enjoying up its Route 66 heritage with a lot of signage, memento outlets and a few eating places.
Another 21 miles west on I-40/Route 66 is the exit for Meteor Crater. Signs with “5 Miles to Impact” and “3 Miles to Impact” depend down the 6.5 miles from freeway to customer heart. More than 50,000 years in the past, a 150-foot-wide meteorite crashed right here, leaving an almost mile-wide, 550-foot-deep gap. Because Meteor Crater is just like the scarred floor of the moon, NASA astronauts educated right here for the primary lunar touchdown within the Nineteen Sixties.
From Meteor Crater, it’s ½ hour to the following cease alongside I-40/Route 66. At exit 204, go three miles south to Walnut Canyon National Monument. A one-mile loop descends partly into the forested canyon the place the paved path passes by 25 cliff dwellings. If you look throughout the valley, you’ll see extra ruins tucked into the rock partitions. During the 1100s CE, a prehistoric tradition archaeologists name Sinagua constructed these dwellings whereas persevering with to farm beans, corn and squash on the canyon rim.
From Walnut Canyon, don’t get again on I-40; as a substitute preserve straight and comply with Route 66 into Flagstaff. It’s 11 miles to downtown and alongside the best way, you’ll see a couple of Route 66 icons such because the Western Hills Motel and its superior coated wagon neon signal. Almost 7,000 toes above sea degree and situated on the base of Arizona’s highest mountain, Humphreys Peak, Flagstaff is surrounded by forests and outside actions. It’s a pleasant small metropolis with breweries, artwork galleries and the Museum of Northern Arizona with reveals on nature, geology and Native American historical past and tradition. Throughout Flagstaff, Route 66 options prominently on indicators, in a block-long mural and within the pavement by the prepare station.
From Flagstaff, I-40/Route 66 begins descending some 2,000 toes from ponderosa highlands into desert because it heads west. At exit 139 previous Ash Fork, Route 66 leaves the freeway and goes northwest. The topography is stark and dry because the freeway goes by way of Seligman, Peach Springs and Valentine, partially throughout the lands of the Hualapai Tribe. Look for retro drive-ins, motels and memento outlets as you drive 105 miles to Kingman, the longest remaining part of Historic Route 66 within the nation.
In Kingman, the Arizona Route 66 Museum is within the Powerhouse Visitor Center, the place Route 66 joins I-40 once more. In 5 miles, get off the freeway and comply with the Oatman Highway. This a part of Route 66 travels 24 miles throughout desert and over a slender, stunning mountain move earlier than dropping into Oatman.
This artsy, Wild West holdover has boardwalk streets and staged gunfights. But the city’s most well-known residents are burros, descendants of donkeys used after which deserted throughout Oatman’s gold mining days. The wild-but-tame burros wander the streets and scrubland, on the lookout for snacks and snout scratches from guests. Yes, they are going to poke their heads right into a car’s open window! It’s one other 25 miles to I-40 and the California state line.
Kaibab Plateau – North Rim Parkway – National Scenic Byway – 44 miles however 240 miles following this itinerary from Flagstaff
This scenic byway is the entry highway to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. But first it’s a must to get there and so this route explores the area north of Flagstaff. Leaving city on US 89, take a detour 16 miles north to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki. The nationwide monuments sit close to one another and are related by a 36-mile loop highway that curves by way of each parks earlier than rejoining US 89 farther north.
Flagstaff lies close to a big volcanic space the place the Sunset Crater Volcano erupted about 1,000 years in the past. There are a number of mountaineering trails by way of lava flows close to the bottom of the 1,000-foot-high cinder cone. In distinction, Wupatki National Monument preserves dozens of magnificent human-made ruins, relationship again to the 1100s CE. Ancestors of modern-day Pueblo communities constructed busy villages that have been the middle of tradition and commerce. There’s no tenting in both monument; nevertheless, Bonito Campground, run by the US Forest Service, lies simply exterior Sunset Crater Volcano.
Back on US 89, it’s 20 miles north to Cameron the place a left flip onto Arizona State Highway 64 results in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. But proceed straight as we’re shifting onto the equally spectacular North Rim, 160 miles away.
From Cameron, it’s 58 miles to Bitter Springs the place a left onto US 89A continues north. (Staying on US 89 results in Horseshoe Bend and Page, featured in our Navajo Nation article, under.) You’re now on the Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Road which leads by way of a harsh but vibrant panorama to Navajo Bridge. Opened in 1929, it spans the Colorado River, 500 toes under. Driving throughout the bridge into the tiny settlement of Marble Canyon, a proper flip leads onto Lees Ferry Road. This brief, spectacular and historic stretch provides the primary up-close view of the Vermilion Cliffs. They are a part of the Grand Staircase, an infinite layer cake of sedimentary rock stretching from Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion nationwide parks south to the Grand Canyon that has exquisitely eroded over time. Lees Ferry Road skirts the cliffs for six miles earlier than useless ending on the Colorado River.
Lees Ferry was a pure passage essential to the exploration and settlement of the area. Ferryboats crossed right here from 1872 till the Navajo Bridge was accomplished downstream. Today, Lees Ferry provides entry to fisherman and different river fanatics. It additionally marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon and is a significant launch level for multiday rafting journeys. There’s additionally a campground.
Back on US 89A and persevering with west, the freeway follows the southern boundary of the immense Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Soon a roadside oddity named Cliff Dwellers seems. It options gigantic boulders and an deserted buying and selling put up constructed within the Nineteen Twenties by a Ziegfeld Follies’ dancer and her husband.
Largely undeveloped, Vermilion Cliffs has no customer heart and no paved roads. But there are unimaginable mountaineering trails, together with one close to the Utah border that results in the world-famous, multihued rock formation, The Wave. However, to achieve it, you have to apply for a allow by way of a lottery.
At its western boundary, Vermilion Cliffs additionally has condors. At sure instances of the yr, a variety of these large, endangered birds soar and roost. There’s even a viewing website about three miles north of US 89A on unpaved House Rock Valley Road.
32 miles previous Marble Canyon, the highway journey leaves the Vermilion Cliffs, rapidly and steeply climbing some 4,000 toes. The temperature drops and woodlands seem. Inhabited by aspen and varied pine varieties, Kaibab National Forest lies north of Grand Canyon National Park.
Like many forests within the western U.S., wildfires have taken their toll over time and that’s evident alongside US 89A in addition to deeper into the park. Soon the freeway reaches Jacob Lake and a left flip onto AZ 67 leads instantly south to the North Rim. You’ve reached the Kaibab Plateau – North Rim Parkway.
The Grand Canyon has greater than 90 species of mammals and almost 450 varieties of birds, so that you would possibly see bison, elk or wild turkeys alongside this part. It’s 44 miles to a useless finish on the North Rim Visitors Center, elevation 8,000 toes.
The dramatic views from the North Rim are basically those you see from the South. But the North solely will get about 10% of the park’s guests as a result of it’s extra remoted and the parkway is just open to autos mid-May by way of late fall. Winter climate closes the highway however backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding are allowed.
The North Rim is 1,000 toes greater than the South. As the crow flies, it’s about 10 miles between the edges’ guests facilities. But it’s greater than 200 miles to drive! The North Rim has quite a few overlooks. At an elevation of 8,803 toes, Point Imperial has the park’s loftiest view. Angels Window is a cool gap within the rock you can stroll throughout. From the Angels Window overlook, the Colorado River might be seen far under, persevering with to carve the canyon because it’s been slowly doing for six million years. Cape Royal is the farthest viewpoint and the tip of the journey. It’s definitely worth the drive alongside Cape Royal Road, offering a few of the most sweeping views of a park that’s 277 miles lengthy and averages 4,000 toes deep.
Navajo Nation – 390 miles
This route contains three scenic roads and a few of the greatest landscapes within the Navajo Nation, a big space comprising all northeastern Arizona with sections in Utah and New Mexico. Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend are the primary highlights.
Starting on the New Mexico/Arizona state line on I-40 and Historic Route 66 (see above), it’s two miles to exit 357 and Navajo Route 12. Called the Diné Tah (Among the People) Scenic Road, go north 24 miles to Window Rock, the capital and tribal headquarters of the Navajo Nation. Check out the Navajo Nation Museum the place the mission is “to achieve Hózhό through contemporary and traditional exhibits.” Hózhό basically means stability or peace inside oneself, a sentiment to remember all through this, or any, highway journey.
From Window Rock, the Diné Tah Scenic Road continues north on Navajo Route 12 by way of excessive desert with the Chuska Mountains framing the background. It’s 53 miles to Tsaile the place you’ll take a left and head west on Navajo Route 64. The freeway skirts the north rim of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with varied overlooks alongside the best way. The monument consists of a maze of canyons with partitions greater than 1,000 toes excessive. People have constantly lived right here for five,000 years and as you look down from varied viewpoints, you’ll be capable of see ruins on the canyon flooring, on ledges and tucked beneath overhangs. Along Navajo 64, Mummy Cave is my favourite destroy.
From Tsaile, it’s 24 miles to the monument’s Welcome Center and South Rim Drive Highway. Here, canyon partitions are solely about 30 toes excessive. There’s a cottonwood-shaded campground, comfy motel, restaurant and reward store. This can also be the place excursions depart and return. Guided excursions are the one strategy to discover the canyon’s inside but it surely’s positively definitely worth the sandy drive for a better view of ruins and petroglyphs. And sure, folks stay within the canyons. Back on South Rim Drive Highway, a number of extra overlooks peer throughout and into the canyons, ending at Spider Rock, a 750-foot-high sandstone spire rising from the canyon flooring.
It’s 20 miles again to the Welcome Center after which, proceed by way of Chinle, taking a proper onto US 191. Follow the freeway north to Navajo Route 12, then journey northwest to US 160 and eventually, west into Kayenta. You’ve pushed 70 miles from Chinle. Then, heading north on US 163, you’re now on the Kayenta-Monument Valley Scenic Road. The 45 miles from Kayenta to Mexican Hat, Utah are the stuff of journey brochures and Hollywood films. Agathla Peak, King-on-His-Throne and Alhambra Rock are simply a few of the stellar, 400- to 1,000-foot-high rock formations which have made Monument Valley synonymous with basic American West surroundings.
The coronary heart of Monument Valley lies about midway between Kayenta and Mexican Hat, on the Arizona/Utah border, 24 miles north of Kayenta. From gas, campgrounds and meals to Navajo rugs, pottery and jewellery, you’ll discover most all the pieces you want. A 17-mile-loop takes you thru the tightest focus of pillars and buttes resembling The Mittens, Three Sisters and Elephant Butte. But it’s grime and I wouldn’t drive an RV on it. Consider taking a tour with a Navajo information in a car geared up for the sandy roads. You’ll additionally see restricted areas solely accessible with an official escort, hear Navajo tales and make completely timed pictures stops when the daylight is good. Heading north, this route continues as a part of Trail of the Ancients, outlined in our article on Utah’s scenic byways.
Back in Kayenta and heading west on US 160, go 19 miles to Arizona State Highway 564 the place a paved highway leads 9 miles north to a customer heart and free campground. Navajo National Monument options forested canyons, mountaineering trails and cliff dwellings. Uninhabited for the previous 700 years, Betatakin is essentially the most simply seen destroy from a 1.3-mile roundtrip path that ends at an overlook. There are additionally ranger-guided excursions for a better look.
From US 160, it’s 13 miles farther west to the intersection of AZ 98 the place you’ll go proper, heading towards Page, 66 miles to the northwest. Called the Naat’tsis’aan-Navajo Mountain Scenic Road, the primary main spotlight requires a guided tour. Located south of the freeway about six miles from Page, Antelope Canyon is a much-Instagrammed slot canyon. Set on personal land inside the Navajo Nation, a number of firms supply excursions.
Adjacent to the Navajo Nation with Lake Powell instantly to the north and the Colorado River to the west, Page is surrounded by dazzling pure magnificence. Glen Canyon Dam created Lake Powell and Page, too. The city was based in 1957 as a housing camp for dam builders. Severe drought and human consumption imply Lake Powell isn’t as filled with water because it as soon as was. But it’s nonetheless a formidable sight and Page is the place most boaters come to camp and launch. The bridge and 710-foot-high concrete dam are unimaginable, too, with a number of overlooks providing completely different vantage factors.
The ultimate spotlight is one other social media darling (the National Park Service’s phrases, not mine). Horseshoe Bend lies only a few miles south of Page on US 89. A ten-minute stroll from the parking space results in a sudden 1,000-foot drop-off. Over tens of millions of years, the Colorado River minimize by way of the sandstone, eroding a criminal round a colossal butte. It’s unbelievably fairly and definitely worth the crowds. You’re additionally very near the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park in addition to our article on the Kaibab Plateau – North Rim Parkway (see above).
Oak Creek Canyon & Red Rock (National Scenic Byway & All-American Road) – 45 miles
If you’re touring from Flagstaff to Phoenix, these byways supply a stunning various to close by I-17. They additionally result in and from Sedona, a religious hub and certainly one of Arizona’s most stunning cities. Leaving Flagstaff, comply with I-17 south to exit 337 and Arizona State Route 89A.
As you proceed south, AZ 89A, aka Oak Creek Canyon Drive, crosses a excessive plateau coated in ponderosa pines. You’re in Coconino National Forest and so there are a lot of mountaineering trails, picnic spots and locations to camp alongside this whole drive. After 9 miles, be sure you cease on the Oak Creek Vista, an overlook to the left, elevation 6,400 toes. This is the sting of the Mogollon Rim, a steep slope extending 200 miles throughout northcentral Arizona and into New Mexico.
From right here, the freeway begins winding a number of hundred toes down the escarpment. With a couple of switchbacks, it’s the trickiest a part of this highway journey. The excessive elevation change and comparatively plentiful water imply crops and bushes differ tremendously, too. About three miles from the rim, you’ll attain the historic Pumphouse Wash Bridge earlier than persevering with one other three miles to West Fork Trail, the most well-liked hike alongside this route. If you’re up for an outside trek, be sure you analysis this and different trails earlier than you go as this space will get busy and you may want options.
For 12 miles, AZ 89A curves by way of Oak Creek Canyon. Ranging in depth from 800 to 2,000 toes, the gorge is a riot of coloration and texture with tan, purple and purple rock formations accented by inexperienced vegetation. From West Fork, it’s 3.5 miles to the opposite main attraction alongside the byway, Slide Rock State Park, the place ½ mile of Oak Creek is open for swimming. The park is known as after its signature characteristic, an 80-foot-long sandstone rock, worn right into a chute and coated with algae making a slick trip. Five miles extra and there’s one other swimming gap, Grasshopper Point.
After crossing the much-photographed Midgely Bridge, the highway exits the canyon and arrives in Sedona, 30 miles from Flagstaff. Sedona is a significant vacationer vacation spot the place eating places, spas, artwork galleries and plenty of issues mystical await your go to. Then, it’s onto the Red Rock Scenic Byway linking Sedona to I-17 and factors south.
Sedona’s inspirational location has quite a bit to do with its religious popularity. Tinted purple by iron, sandstone has eroded into canyons, buttes, arches and pinnacles. There’s breathtaking surroundings all alongside the Red Rock Scenic Byway, which begins in downtown Sedona with a left off AZ 89A onto AZ 179. Heading south three miles, the Chapel of the Holy Cross perches excessive atop rocks to the left. The placing concrete and glass construction was accomplished in 1956.
From right here, the byway wanders by way of Coconino National Forest previous formations resembling Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. Various trails might be explored offering nearer views. After passing by way of the Village of Oak Creek, the byway reaches I-17, some 15 miles from Sedona.
Sky Island (National Scenic Byway) – 27 miles
There’s quite a bit to like about Tucson: Giant cactus, excellent Mexican meals, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Pima Air & Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery within the Sun and San Xavier del Bac Mission are a few of my favorites. And though Tucson lies within the Sonoran Desert the place summer season highs common above 100°F, you don’t need to go too far to minimize the warmth, and even ski in winter.
To attain this National Scenic Byway, head towards the mountains dominating the skyline northeast of town. From downtown, it’s about 15 miles to the bottom of the Santa Catalinas and the beginning of the Mt. Lemmon Highway. Tucson’s elevation is 2,389 toes and this byway will climb greater than 6,000 toes over 27 miles earlier than ending at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley. With such radical elevation modifications, the variations in vegetation are extraordinary, too. As you move by way of 5 life zones, some evaluate it to driving from Mexico to Canada. And preserve an eye fixed out for all types of reptiles, birds and mammals together with javelina, deer, bear and coatimundi, a part of the racoon household. The crops and animals right here might by no means survive within the surrounding deserts, making these mountains an remoted “sky island,” giving the byway its title.
Arizona’s iconic saguaro thrives as you start the two.5-mile climb to Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook. Meaning “Frog Mountain,” it’s the Tohono O’odham tribe’s conventional title for the Santa Catalina Mountains. The viewpoint is a good spot to get pictures of metro Tucson in addition to saguaros and the desert panorama. There’s additionally a trailhead, certainly one of many alongside the byway.
The subsequent overlook is Molino Canyon, which appears to be like into Molino Basin. As you enter the canyon, there’s a campground and one other path. The freeway then strikes steeply by way of the rugged terrain, as bushes change from oak to juniper after which cypress to walnut. Windy Point offers a few of the greatest vistas, with mountains layered throughout the horizon. You’ve come 14 miles and the elevation is 6,400 toes.
Look for extra pullouts, a campground and mountaineering trails earlier than reaching the Palisades Visitor Center, which has info on pure and cultural historical past, bogs and a bookstore with maps and souvenirs. Surrounded by ponderosa pine, you would possibly encounter snow.
The byway ends one other seven miles up the mountain at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski vacation spot within the continental U.S. Open year-round, in hotter months you’ll be able to trip the raise for mountain-top views and mountaineering.
Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road – 180 miles
To attain this scenic highway in southern Arizona, there are a few must-stops alongside the best way. Leaving Tucson and driving south on I-19, go 48 miles to Tubac, an artsy city with distinctive outlets, galleries and jewellery shops. Next to Tubac Plaza is Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum, which focuses on Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican and U.S. pioneer historical past. The park is residence to quite a few Arizona firsts: first fort, first European settlement, first American mining neighborhood, first printing of a newspaper and first state park.
Five minutes south of Tubac is Tumacácori National Historical Park. A spot of spirituality, battle and cooperation, Tumacácori began as an O’odham village then turned a Spanish satellite tv for pc mission and eventually, a headquarters mission. Founded in 1691, it’s Arizona’s oldest mission website. Today, the primary characteristic is the church, accomplished in 1823.
From Tumacácori, get again on the freeway and head south 11.5 miles to exit 12. Then, take a left and go east on Ruby Road, take a proper onto Via Frontera, a left onto South River Road after which a left onto Arizona State Route 82. Following these instructions, it’s lower than seven miles from I-19 to AZ 82. You’re now on the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road, heading north. In a little bit greater than six miles, search for the Patagonia Lake State Park turnoff to the left. It’s 3.5 miles to this reservoir, set amongst desert hills with barren mountain peaks within the distance. There’s a campground, seaside and picnic space. Waterskiing, fishing and birding are fashionable actions.
Once you’re again on AZ 82 heading north, drive seven miles to Patagonia. Birders will wish to try the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. Then, drive or stroll the one-mile path to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. This space is a floodplain valley between two mountain ranges. Some of the richest remaining streamside habitat within the area lies alongside Sonoita Creek. High in biodiversity, numerous varieties of crops, bushes, birds, butterflies and endangered fish are discovered on this massive protect.
Continuing north on AZ 82, it’s 13 miles to Sonoita and southern Arizona wine nation. There are about 20 wineries, which incorporates close by Elgin. Shy of a mile excessive above sea degree, the elevation and cooler temperatures make this prime grape rising land, the primary area in Arizona to have earned the American Viticultural Area designation.
Heading north of Sonoita on AZ 83 (not AZ 82), it’s 4 miles to Gardiner Canyon Road. Go left after which in lower than a mile, flip proper onto Fish Canyon Road, additionally designated Forest Service Road 163. Continue about 5 miles to Kentucky Camp. The grime highway may not be proper in your RV so test forward. You can even mountain bike.
Located in Coronado National Forest, this former mining firm headquarters was inbuilt 1904 after which deserted the following yr after the chief engineer mysteriously died. After that, it was a cattle ranch for 50 years. Today, Kentucky Camp is an historic district with reveals and a restored adobe cabin you’ll be able to lease, reservations required. Outside the camp’s boundary, tenting, mountaineering, mountain biking, horseback using, wildlife viewing and stargazing are what you do right here. Kentucky Camp additionally lies on the Arizona National Scenic Trail, which stretches 800 miles throughout the state, from Mexico to Utah. Not to be confused with a scenic byway, this path is for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and runners, not autos.
Though not formally on the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road, Tombstone and Bisbee are close by must-sees. From Sonoita, it’s 40 minutes east on AZ 82 to Tombstone. Sure, it’s touristy with shootouts, boardwalks and stagecoach rides. Tombstone appears to be like like an Old West film set and whereas “The Town Too Tough to Die” is notorious for brothels and the gunfight on the O.Okay. Corral, it was by no means that tough and lawless. Instead, within the late 1800s, silver made Tombstone one of the vital trendy, rich communities within the west. When the mines closed in 1923, Tombstone turned quiet and sleepy. Then, within the Nineteen Fifties, the city started its resurgence as books, comics, TV and movie popularized its Wild Wild West picture. The Nineteen Nineties films Tombstone and Wyatt Earp draw 1000’s of tourists annually.
From Tombstone, it’s 23 miles south on AZ 80 (not AZ 82), to Bisbee. Another vacationer favourite, this city is each related and fully completely different from Tombstone. Known because the “Queen of the Copper Camps,” Bisbee was one of many world’s richest mineral websites. By the early 1900s, it was the biggest metropolis within the Territory of Arizona and one of the vital subtle metropolises within the west. Sound acquainted? But in contrast to Tombstone, mining continued in Bisbee till the Nineteen Seventies. Its reasonably priced location and engaging historic district drew artistic sorts and at this time, this free-spirited city is understood for artwork, music, eating, nightlife, festivals and plenty of outside actions. The setting is spectacular, too. Located 10 miles north of the Mexico border at 5,538 toes above sea degree, Bisbee sits in a valley of the Mule Mountains. And with a mixture of Italianate, Neo-Classical, Baroque Revival and Carpenter Gothic structure, Bisbee’s look is as appealingly eclectic as its residents.
Coronado Trail – National Scenic Byway – 123 miles
Arizona is a state of extremes and this highway journey captures the drastic modifications in geology, elevation and nature because the byway parallels the New Mexico border.
The scenic byway is known as after Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. In the 1540s, he handed close to this route whereas main an expedition from Mexico to present-day Kansas, on the lookout for the Seven Cities of Cibola, legendary lands of gold situated someplace within the southwest. Coronado by no means discovered the gold and it’s believed his expedition killed a variety of Native Americans alongside the best way, too.
Some 200 miles from Phoenix in east central Arizona, the byway begins in Clifton. Known for copper and never gold, the city lies in a canyon within the Upper Sonoran Desert. As US 191 begins twisting uphill, the open pit Morenci Mine quickly overtakes the view. It’s one of many world’s largest copper mines and might be toured with a reservation. There’s additionally an overlook from the byway, about 10 miles from Clifton.
Continuing from the mine’s commentary space and pushing farther north on US 191, the highway tightens because it squeezes by way of Chase Canyon. Get prepared for lots of turns: with greater than 460, this freeway is certainly one of America’s curviest. Steep drop-offs result in enjoyable grassland and forest in about 15 miles. Various trailheads, picnic areas and campgrounds are situated alongside the freeway because it continues to climb over ridges and up mountainsides. From Clifton’s elevation of about 3,500 toes, you’ll climb one other 5,000 toes over the primary half of this drive.
About 48 miles from Clifton, search for the Rose Peak Picnic Area the place a one-mile roundtrip path leads up 8,786-foot-high Rose Peak to a watchtower with sweeping views. Then, it’s one other 13 miles to certainly one of Arizona’s most vital geological formations, the Mogollon Rim, an escarpment operating some 200 miles from New Mexico throughout Arizona’s midsection. Forming the southern fringe of the Colorado Plateau, it’s a steep climb up the rim. At the highest, Blue Vista offers views from 9,346 toes excessive.
Pine forests combined with oak and aspen result in Hannagan Meadow. It’s additionally a wonderful part of the byway for summer season wildflowers and massive sport animals, resembling deer and elk. It’s one other 23 miles to Alpine, place for gas and meals. This can also be the place you’ll be able to decide up the White Mountain Scenic Road. As you proceed on US 191, it’s 17 miles to Nelson Reservoir and good birdwatching and fishing, relying on the season. The byway ends one other ten miles north in Springerville.
- To attain White Mountain Scenic Road, go 1.5 miles north on US 191 and switch left onto Three Forks Road, additionally designated Forest Service Road 249. It’s a stunning drive into the wilderness of the White Mountains. Featuring extra forests, meadows, lakes, fishing, mountaineering trails and wildlife, it’s 68 miles to Indian Pine however take into accout, the primary 20 are on well-maintained gravel and elements are closed in winter.
Apache Trail – 46 miles however a five-mile part is closed to site visitors indefinitely
This incredible byway lies east of Phoenix and follows Arizona State Route 88. But in 2019, a significant wildfire broken a part of it so badly {that a} five-mile, unpaved part continues to be closed. Then, a storm dumped about six inches of rain, severely impacting the highway. Debris from a big rockslide made it impassable. From the south, you’ll be able to nonetheless entry Lost Dutchman State Park and Tortilla Flat. And from the north, you’ll be able to attain Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake. The ongoing potential for flooding alongside the hearth scar means a gap date for the byway’s center part is unknown.