The Most Scenic Drives in Arizona You Need to Take!

What if you could experience the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, all within the confines of a single state? Welcome to Arizona, where scenic drives offer a gateway to the state’s natural wonders. From the historic Route 66 to the awe-inspiring Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona’s roads are paved with opportunities for unforgettable road trips¹.

Spanning over 80 miles, the Arizona Route 66 segment is one of the longest remaining stretches of the iconic historic route¹. Travelers can immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the “Mother Road” while witnessing the state’s diverse desert landscapes. Further north, the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway boasts over 400 switchbacks and an elevation exceeding 9,000 feet, delivering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains¹.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the historic charm of the longest remaining stretch of Route 66 in Arizona
• Experience the heart-pounding Coronado Trail Scenic Byway with its 400+ switchbacks
• Witness the stunning red rock formations along the Red Rock Scenic Byway
• Explore the rugged beauty of the Apache Trail, a National Scenic Byway
• Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Arizona’s scenic drives

Exploring the Iconic Route 66 in Arizona

No trip to Arizona would be complete without a journey along the iconic Historic Route 66. Also known as the “Mother Road,” this historic highway stretches for 401 miles across Arizona, offering a nostalgic trip back in time with its retro motels, classic diners, and vintage roadside attractions².

Travelers can start their Route 66 adventure in the charming town of Seligman, the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66,” and continue their drive through towns like Kingman and Oatman, taking in the stunning desert landscapes and exploring the Grand Canyon Caverns, the historic Route 66 Museum, and the Walnut Canyon National Monument along the way³.

Along the way, visitors can also discover the unique Route 66 attractions that dot the landscape, from the Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook to the Western Hills Motel in Flagstaff, which has been operating since the 1950s⁴. The historic town of Williams, the “Last Route 66 Town,” offers classic souvenir shops and retro diners, while the town of Peach Springs is home to the Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the world³.

Whether you’re a history buff, a road trip enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore, a drive along Historic Route 66 in Arizona is an unforgettable experience that will take you back in time and showcase the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this iconic highway².

Arizona scenic drives: The Breathtaking Red Rock Scenic Byway

Nestled in the heart of Arizona’s red rock country, Sedona is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The best way to experience the beauty of this enchanting town is by driving along the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This 7.5-mile⁵ stretch of road offers breathtaking views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte⁵.

Visitors can make a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a stunning architectural marvel built into the red rocks⁵. Along the route, travelers can explore the hiking trails and picnic spots, capturing the beauty of Sedona on camera⁶.

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is approximately 14 miles⁶ long and typically takes around 20 minutes to drive without stops⁶. However, it’s recommended to allow several hours to fully experience the many attractions and activities along the way⁵. Certain stops on the byway may require a $5.00 use pass to access the Coconino National Forest, which spans 1.8 million acres with diverse ecosystems⁵.

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is open year-round⁷, with the best seasons for the drive being spring, summer, and fall⁶. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, golfing, and simply taking in the breathtaking views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations⁶.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a lover of scenic drives, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a must-visit destination in Arizona⁷.

Experience History on the Apache Trail

For a captivating journey through Arizona’s rich past and stunning natural beauty, the Apache Trail is a must-visit scenic drive. This 42-mile loop⁸ takes travelers through the breathtaking Superstition Mountains, offering panoramic views of lakes, canyons, and towering rock formations. Along the way, visitors can explore the historic Goldfield Ghost Town, a restored mining town that offers a glimpse into Arizona’s Wild West heritage, and stop at the serene Canyon Lake, where they can enjoy a scenic boat tour or try their hand at fishing⁹.

While the drive features narrow stretches, steep drop-offs, and hairpin turns, the rewards of this journey through Arizona’s natural splendor and rich history are well worth it. The route can be taken as a circle route through Globe, totaling 120 miles round trip⁸, and plan on about 6-8 hours to complete the journey, depending on how many stops are made⁸. The park fee for Lost Dutchman State Park, located along the Apache Trail, is $7 per vehicle⁸. The Apache Trail is more popular during the winter season, and it’s recommended to start the journey early in the day to fully appreciate the surrounding desert beauty⁸.

The Apache Trail’s Circle Route covers a distance of 120 miles, starting and ending in Apache Junction, Arizona¹⁰. The Phoenix-Globe Highway through Superior was completed in May 1922, providing a route for drivers to circumnavigate the Superstition Wilderness Area¹⁰. The Apache Trail was designated Arizona’s first historic and scenic highway in 1988¹⁰. At the end of the 42-mile journey, visitors will find the Roosevelt Dam, which was at one time the largest masonry dam in the world and was later raised 77 feet (23 m) to 357 feet (107 m) in 1989⁸⁹¹⁰.

Conclusion: Embark on Arizona’s Most Scenic Drives

Arizona’s magnificent scenic drives offer an unparalleled adventure for road trip enthusiasts. From the historic Route 66, which spans 401 miles across the state¹¹, to the breathtaking Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona, these routes provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Arizona’s natural wonders. The Apache Trail, a 40-mile loop starting in Apache Junction¹¹, takes travelers on a journey through the state’s rich history, while the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, stretching 123 miles through the White Mountains¹¹, showcases the region’s rugged beauty.

Beyond the iconic drives, Arizona boasts an impressive array of national forests, national parks, and scenic byways¹². Saguaro National Park in Tucson offers an 8-mile scenic loop drive¹¹, allowing visitors to marvel at the towering saguaro cacti and diverse desert flora. The Petrified Forest National Park, with its Painted Desert views¹², and the Grand Canyon North Rim, accessible by a 42-mile drive¹², are just a few of the state’s natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, Arizona’s scenic drives provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the state’s diverse landscapes and create lasting memories. From guided tours¹³ to the stunning red rock formations of Sedona¹³, the state’s natural beauty and rich heritage offer a captivating road trip experience that will leave you in awe of this remarkable destination.