To the north, the Grand Canyon State contains a large gorge and excessive deserts. Within the central and jap elements lie mountain peaks and forests. Towards the south are large cacti and a desert with excessive summer time temps. Arizona is among the most geographically compelling states, and with American, Native American and Mexican influences, it’s additionally one of the crucial culturally numerous. These premier scenic byways tie all of it collectively.
- Historic Route 66 – All-American Street
- Kaibab Plateau – North Rim Parkway – Nationwide Scenic Byway
- Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Street
- Navajo Nation
- Diné Tah (Among the many Folks) Scenic Street
- Kayenta-Monument Valley Scenic Street
- Naat’tsis’aan-Navajo Mountain Scenic Street
- Oak Creek Canyon (does NOT have Nationwide or All-American designation)
- Purple Rock Scenic Byway – All-American Street
- Sky Island – Nationwide Scenic Byway
- Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Street
- Coronado Path – Nationwide Scenic Byway
- White Mountain
- Apache Path (CLOSED)
Historic Route 66 – Nationwide Scenic Byway & All-American Street – 420 miles
“The Mom Street,” 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 tough to observe 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 phase is among the greatest, largely as a result of it has so many excellent pure sights.
Coming into 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 many extra uncommon nationwide parks and the one one solely devoted to fossilized wooden, a 28-mile highway weaves by means of this geological masterpiece. Greater than 200 million years in the past, this was as soon as a dwelling forest. Over time, it grew to become 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 Street, and when you attain US 180, take a proper. It’s 20 minutes to Holbrook and the Wigwam Motel.
Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, the Wigwam Motel is considered one of seven constructed all through the U.S. Accomplished in 1950, Holbrook’s has 15 freestanding buildings with sink, bathroom, 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 opposite two surviving Wigwam Motels are in Cave Metropolis, Kentucky and alongside Route 66 in San Bernardino, California.
In fact, highway journeys are additionally about distinctive finds. Holbrook is house to Arizona Sake, the state’s first business kura, or brewery. Yokohama, Japan native Atsuo Sakurai is the one First-Grade Sake Brewer in america 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 nook Winslow, Arizona” involves thoughts, you’re considering of Take It Simple, by the Eagles. Jackson Browne wrote the track on an Arizona/Utah highway journey. Winslow’s engaging downtown does an excellent job of enjoying up its Route 66 heritage with a number of signage, memento outlets and a few eating places.
One other 21 miles west on I-40/Route 66 is the exit for Meteor Crater. Indicators with “5 Miles to Influence” and “3 Miles to Influence” rely down the 6.5 miles from freeway to customer middle. Greater than 50,000 years in the past, a 150-foot-wide meteorite crashed right here, leaving an almost mile-wide, 550-foot-deep gap. As a result of Meteor Crater is much like the scarred floor of the moon, NASA astronauts educated right here for the primary lunar touchdown within the Sixties.
From Meteor Crater, it’s ½ hour to the subsequent cease alongside I-40/Route 66. At exit 204, go three miles south to Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument. A one-mile loop descends partly into the forested canyon the place the paved path passes by 25 cliff dwellings. If you happen to look throughout the valley, you’ll see extra ruins tucked into the rock partitions. Through 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 an alternative maintain straight and observe Route 66 into Flagstaff. It’s 11 miles to downtown and alongside the best way, you’ll see just a few Route 66 icons such because the Western Hills Motel and its superior lined wagon neon signal. Virtually 7,000 ft above sea degree and positioned 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 displays on nature, geology and Native American historical past and tradition. All through 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 ft 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 means of Seligman, Peach Springs and Valentine, partially throughout the lands of the Hualapai Tribe. Search 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 Customer Heart, the place Route 66 joins I-40 once more. In 5 miles, get off the freeway and observe the Oatman Freeway. This a part of Route 66 travels 24 miles throughout desert and over a slim, lovely mountain go earlier than dropping into Oatman.
This artsy, Wild West holdover has boardwalk streets and staged gunfights. However 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, in search of snacks and snout scratches from guests. Sure, they may 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 – Nationwide 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. However first you need 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 Sundown Crater Volcano and Wupatki. The nationwide monuments sit close to one another and are linked by a 36-mile loop highway that curves by means of each parks earlier than rejoining US 89 farther north.
Flagstaff lies close to a big volcanic space the place the Sundown Crater Volcano erupted about 1,000 years in the past. There are a number of mountaineering trails by means of lava flows close to the bottom of the 1,000-foot-high cinder cone. In distinction, Wupatki Nationwide Monument preserves dozens of magnificent human-made ruins, courting again to the 1100s CE. Ancestors of modern-day Pueblo communities constructed busy villages that had been the middle of tradition and commerce. There’s no tenting in both monument; nonetheless, Bonito Campground, run by the US Forest Service, lies simply outdoors Sundown Crater Volcano.
Again on US 89, it’s 20 miles north to Cameron the place a left flip onto Arizona State Freeway 64 results in the South Rim of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. However proceed straight as we’re transferring 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 Web page, featured in our Navajo Nation article, under.) You’re now on the Fredonia-Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Street which leads by means of a harsh but vibrant panorama to Navajo Bridge. Opened in 1929, it spans the Colorado River, 500 ft under. Driving throughout the bridge into the tiny settlement of Marble Canyon, a proper flip leads onto Lees Ferry Street. This brief, spectacular and historic stretch offers the primary up-close view of the Vermilion Cliffs. They’re 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 Street skirts the cliffs for six miles earlier than useless ending on the Colorado River.
Lees Ferry was a pure passage important to the exploration and settlement of the area. Ferryboats crossed right here from 1872 till the Navajo Bridge was accomplished downstream. Right now, Lees Ferry offers entry to fisherman and different river fanatics. It additionally marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon and is a serious launch level for multiday rafting journeys. There’s additionally a campground.
Again on US 89A and persevering with west, the freeway follows the southern boundary of the immense Vermilion Cliffs Nationwide Monument. Quickly a roadside oddity named Cliff Dwellers seems. It options gigantic boulders and an deserted buying and selling put up constructed within the Twenties by a Ziegfeld Follies’ dancer and her husband.
Largely undeveloped, Vermilion Cliffs has no customer middle and no paved roads. However there are unbelievable mountaineering trails, together with one close to the Utah border that results in the world-famous, multihued rock formation, The Wave. Nevertheless, to achieve it, it’s essential to apply for a allow by means of a lottery.
At its western boundary, Vermilion Cliffs additionally has condors. At sure instances of the yr, quite a lot of these enormous, endangered birds soar and roost. There’s even a viewing website about three miles north of US 89A on unpaved Home Rock Valley Street.
32 miles previous Marble Canyon, the highway journey leaves the Vermilion Cliffs, shortly and steeply climbing some 4,000 ft. The temperature drops and woodlands seem. Inhabited by aspen and numerous pine varieties, Kaibab Nationwide Forest lies north of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park.
Like many forests within the western U.S., wildfires have taken their toll through the years and that’s evident alongside US 89A in addition to deeper into the park. Quickly the freeway reaches Jacob Lake and a left flip onto AZ 67 leads immediately 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 practically 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 Guests Heart, elevation 8,000 ft.
The dramatic views from the North Rim are primarily those you see from the South. However 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 automobiles mid-Might by means of late fall. Winter climate closes the highway however backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding are allowed.
The North Rim is 1,000 ft greater than the South. Because the crow flies, it’s about 10 miles between the edges’ guests facilities. Nevertheless it’s greater than 200 miles to drive! The North Rim has quite a few overlooks. At an elevation of 8,803 ft, Level Imperial has the park’s loftiest view. Angels Window is a cool gap within the rock which you could 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 well worth the drive alongside Cape Royal Street, offering a few of the most sweeping views of a park that’s 277 miles lengthy and averages 4,000 ft 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.
Beginning 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. Referred to as the Diné Tah (Among the many Folks) Scenic Street, go north 24 miles to Window Rock, the capital and tribal headquarters of the Navajo Nation. Take a look at the Navajo Nation Museum the place the mission is “to attain Hózhό by means of modern and conventional displays.” Hózhό primarily means steadiness or peace inside oneself, a sentiment to remember all through this, or any, highway journey.
From Window Rock, the Diné Tah Scenic Street continues north on Navajo Route 12 by means 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 Nationwide Monument, with numerous overlooks alongside the best way. The monument consists of a maze of canyons with partitions greater than 1,000 ft excessive. Folks have repeatedly lived right here for five,000 years and as you look down from numerous viewpoints, you’ll be capable of see ruins on the canyon flooring, on ledges and tucked underneath overhangs. Alongside Navajo 64, Mummy Cave is my favourite smash.
From Tsaile, it’s 24 miles to the monument’s Welcome Heart and South Rim Drive Freeway. Right here, canyon partitions are solely about 30 ft excessive. There’s a cottonwood-shaded campground, snug motel, restaurant and present store. That is additionally the place excursions depart and return. Guided excursions are the one option to discover the canyon’s inside however it’s positively well worth the sandy drive for a better view of ruins and petroglyphs. And sure, individuals stay within the canyons. Again on South Rim Drive Freeway, 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 Heart after which, proceed by means of Chinle, taking a proper onto US 191. Comply with the freeway north to Navajo Route 12, then journey northwest to US 160 and at last, 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 Street. 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 guts 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 things you want. A 17-mile-loop takes you thru the tightest focus of pillars and buttes similar to The Mittens, Three Sisters and Elephant Butte. Nevertheless it’s filth and I wouldn’t drive an RV on it. Think about 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 Path of the Ancients, outlined in our article on Utah’s scenic byways.
Again in Kayenta and heading west on US 160, go 19 miles to Arizona State Freeway 564 the place a paved highway leads 9 miles north to a customer middle and free campground. Navajo Nationwide Monument options forested canyons, mountaineering trails and cliff dwellings. Uninhabited for the previous 700 years, Betatakin is essentially the most simply seen smash 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 Web page, 66 miles to the northwest. Referred to as the Naat’tsis’aan-Navajo Mountain Scenic Street, the primary main spotlight requires a guided tour. Positioned south of the freeway about six miles from Web page, Antelope Canyon is a much-Instagrammed slot canyon. Set on non-public land throughout the Navajo Nation, a number of corporations supply excursions.
Adjoining to the Navajo Nation with Lake Powell instantly to the north and the Colorado River to the west, Web page is surrounded by dazzling pure magnificence. Glen Canyon Dam created Lake Powell and Web page, too. The city was based in 1957 as a housing camp for dam builders. Extreme drought and human consumption imply Lake Powell isn’t as stuffed with water because it as soon as was. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a powerful sight and Web page is the place most boaters come to camp and launch. The bridge and 710-foot-high concrete dam are unbelievable, too, with a number of overlooks providing completely different vantage factors.
The ultimate spotlight is one other social media darling (the Nationwide Park Service’s phrases, not mine). Horseshoe Bend lies only a few miles south of Web page on US 89. A ten-minute stroll from the parking space results in a sudden 1,000-foot drop-off. Over hundreds of thousands of years, the Colorado River lower by means of the sandstone, eroding a criminal round a colossal butte. It’s unbelievably fairly and well worth the crowds. You’re additionally very near the beginning of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park in addition to our article on the Kaibab Plateau – North Rim Parkway (see above).
Oak Creek Canyon & Purple Rock (Nationwide Scenic Byway & All-American Street) – 45 miles
If you happen to’re touring from Flagstaff to Phoenix, these byways supply a beautiful different to close by I-17. In addition they result in and from Sedona, a religious hub and considered one of Arizona’s most lovely cities. Leaving Flagstaff, observe 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 lined in ponderosa pines. You’re in Coconino Nationwide Forest and so there are various mountaineering trails, picnic spots and locations to camp alongside this whole drive. After 9 miles, remember to cease on the Oak Creek Vista, an overlook to the left, elevation 6,400 ft. That 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 ft down the escarpment. With just a few switchbacks, it’s the trickiest a part of this highway journey. The acute elevation change and comparatively plentiful water imply vegetation and bushes fluctuate drastically, 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 Path, the preferred hike alongside this route. If you happen to’re up for an out of doors trek, remember to analysis this and different trails earlier than you go as this space will get busy and you may want alternate options.
For 12 miles, AZ 89A curves by means of Oak Creek Canyon. Ranging in depth from 800 to 2,000 ft, the gorge is a riot of coloration and texture with tan, purple and crimson 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 called after its signature characteristic, an 80-foot-long sandstone rock, worn right into a chute and lined with algae making a slick trip. 5 miles extra and there’s one other swimming gap, Grasshopper Level.
After crossing the much-photographed Midgely Bridge, the highway exits the canyon and arrives in Sedona, 30 miles from Flagstaff. Sedona is a serious vacationer vacation spot the place eating places, spas, artwork galleries and plenty of issues mystical await your go to. Then, it’s onto the Purple Rock Scenic Byway linking Sedona to I-17 and factors south.
Sedona’s inspirational location has lots to do with its religious popularity. Tinted crimson by iron, sandstone has eroded into canyons, buttes, arches and pinnacles. There’s breathtaking surroundings all alongside the Purple 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 putting concrete and glass construction was accomplished in 1956.
From right here, the byway wanders by means of Coconino Nationwide Forest previous formations similar to Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. Varied trails might be explored offering nearer views. After passing by means of the Village of Oak Creek, the byway reaches I-17, some 15 miles from Sedona.
Sky Island (Nationwide Scenic Byway) – 27 miles
There’s lots to like about Tucson: Large cactus, excellent Mexican meals, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Pima Air & House Museum, DeGrazia Gallery within the Solar and San Xavier del Bac Mission are a few of my favorites. And though Tucson lies within the Sonoran Desert the place summer time highs common above 100°F, you don’t must go too far to minimize the warmth, and even ski in winter.
To achieve this Nationwide Scenic Byway, head towards the mountains dominating the skyline northeast of the town. From downtown, it’s about 15 miles to the bottom of the Santa Catalinas and the beginning of the Mt. Lemmon Freeway. Tucson’s elevation is 2,389 ft and this byway will climb greater than 6,000 ft 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 go by means of 5 life zones, some examine it to driving from Mexico to Canada. And maintain an eye fixed out for every kind of reptiles, birds and mammals together with javelina, deer, bear and coatimundi, a part of the racoon household. The vegetation and animals right here may 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. Which means “Frog Mountain,” it’s the Tohono O’odham tribe’s conventional title for the Santa Catalina Mountains. The point of view is a good spot to get photographs of metro Tucson in addition to saguaros and the desert panorama. There’s additionally a trailhead, considered 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 means of the rugged terrain, as bushes change from oak to juniper after which cypress to walnut. Windy Level offers a few of the greatest vistas, with mountains layered throughout the horizon. You’ve come 14 miles and the elevation is 6,400 ft.
Search for extra pullouts, a campground and mountaineering trails earlier than reaching the Palisades Customer Heart, which has info on pure and cultural historical past, loos 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 Street – 180 miles
To achieve 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. Subsequent 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 house to quite a few Arizona firsts: first fort, first European settlement, first American mining neighborhood, first printing of a newspaper and first state park.
5 minutes south of Tubac is Tumacácori Nationwide Historic Park. A spot of spirituality, battle and cooperation, Tumacácori began as an O’odham village then grew to become a Spanish satellite tv for pc mission and at last, a headquarters mission. Based in 1691, it’s Arizona’s oldest mission website. Right now, 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 Street, take a proper onto By way of Frontera, a left onto South River Street 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 Street, heading north. In slightly 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, seashore and picnic space. Waterskiing, fishing and birding are fashionable actions.
When you’re again on AZ 82 heading north, drive seven miles to Patagonia. Birders will need to take a look at the Paton Heart for Hummingbirds. Then, drive or stroll the one-mile path to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Protect. This space is a floodplain valley between two mountain ranges. A few of the richest remaining streamside habitat within the area lies alongside Sonoita Creek. Excessive in biodiversity, numerous varieties of vegetation, bushes, birds, butterflies and endangered fish are discovered on this huge protect.
Persevering with 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 Space designation.
Heading north of Sonoita on AZ 83 (not AZ 82), it’s 4 miles to Gardiner Canyon Street. Go left after which in lower than a mile, flip proper onto Fish Canyon Street, additionally designated Forest Service Street 163. Proceed about 5 miles to Kentucky Camp. The filth highway won’t be proper to your RV so examine forward. You may as well mountain bike.
Positioned in Coronado Nationwide Forest, this former mining firm headquarters was inbuilt 1904 after which deserted the subsequent yr after the chief engineer mysteriously died. After that, it was a cattle ranch for 50 years. Right now, Kentucky Camp is an historic district with displays and a restored adobe cabin you’ll be able to hire, reservations required. Outdoors the camp’s boundary, tenting, mountaineering, mountain biking, horseback driving, wildlife viewing and stargazing are what you do right here. Kentucky Camp additionally lies on the Arizona Nationwide Scenic Path, which stretches 800 miles throughout the state, from Mexico to Utah. To not be confused with a scenic byway, this path is for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and runners, not automobiles.
Although not formally on the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Street, Tombstone and Bisbee are close by must-sees. From Sonoita, it’s 40 minutes east on AZ 82 to Tombstone. Positive, it’s touristy with shootouts, boardwalks and stagecoach rides. Tombstone appears to be like like an Previous West film set and whereas “The City Too Powerful to Die” is notorious for brothels and the gunfight on the O.Ok. Corral, it was by no means that tough and lawless. As an alternative, within the late 1800s, silver made Tombstone one of the crucial trendy, rich communities within the west. When the mines closed in 1923, Tombstone grew to become 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 Nineties films Tombstone and Wyatt Earp draw 1000’s of holiday makers every year.
From Tombstone, it’s 23 miles south on AZ 80 (not AZ 82), to Bisbee. One other vacationer favourite, this city is each related and fully completely different from Tombstone. Generally known as the “Queen of the Copper Camps,” Bisbee was one of many world’s richest mineral websites. By the early 1900s, it was the most important metropolis within the Territory of Arizona and one of the crucial refined metropolises within the west. Sound acquainted? However in contrast to Tombstone, mining continued in Bisbee till the Nineteen Seventies. Its reasonably priced location and engaging historic district drew artistic varieties and at the moment, this free-spirited city is thought for artwork, music, eating, nightlife, festivals and plenty of outside actions. The setting is spectacular, too. Positioned 10 miles north of the Mexico border at 5,538 ft 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 Path – Nationwide 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 called after Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. Within the 1540s, he handed close to this route whereas main an expedition from Mexico to present-day Kansas, in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola, legendary lands of gold positioned someplace within the southwest. Coronado by no means discovered the gold and it’s believed his expedition killed quite a lot of Native Individuals alongside the best way, too.
Some 200 miles from Phoenix in east central Arizona, the byway begins in Clifton. Identified for copper and never gold, the city lies in a canyon within the Higher 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.
Persevering with from the mine’s statement space and pushing farther north on US 191, the highway tightens because it squeezes by means of Chase Canyon. Prepare for lots of turns: with greater than 460, this freeway is considered one of America’s curviest. Steep drop-offs result in enjoyable grassland and forest in about 15 miles. Varied trailheads, picnic areas and campgrounds are positioned alongside the freeway because it continues to climb over ridges and up mountainsides. From Clifton’s elevation of about 3,500 ft, you’ll climb one other 5,000 ft over the primary half of this drive.
About 48 miles from Clifton, search for the Rose Peak Picnic Space 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 considered 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. On the prime, Blue Vista offers views from 9,346 ft excessive.
Pine forests blended with oak and aspen result in Hannagan Meadow. It’s additionally a wonderful part of the byway for summer time wildflowers and massive recreation animals, similar to deer and elk. It’s one other 23 miles to Alpine, an excellent place for gas and meals. That is additionally the place you’ll be able to decide up the White Mountain Scenic Street. 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 achieve White Mountain Scenic Street, go 1.5 miles north on US 191 and switch left onto Three Forks Street, additionally designated Forest Service Street 249. It’s a beautiful drive into the wilderness of the White Mountains. That includes extra forests, meadows, lakes, fishing, mountaineering trails and wildlife, it’s 68 miles to Indian Pine however take note, the primary 20 are on well-maintained gravel and elements are closed in winter.
Apache Path – 46 miles however a five-mile part is closed to site visitors indefinitely
This implausible byway lies east of Phoenix and follows Arizona State Route 88. However in 2019, a serious wildfire broken a part of it so badly {that a} five-mile, unpaved part remains to be closed. Then, a storm dumped about six inches of rain, severely impacting the highway. Particles from a big rockslide made it impassable. From the south, you’ll be able to nonetheless entry Misplaced Dutchman State Park and Tortilla Flat. And from the north, you’ll be able to attain Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake. The continuing potential for flooding alongside the hearth scar means a gap date for the byway’s center part is unknown.