Arizona’s diverse landscapes, ranging from deep canyons and expansive deserts to volcanic mountain ranges, are attracting travelers eager to explore the state’s breathtaking scenery. A recent surge in social media posts highlighting Arizona’s scenic drives, particularly on platforms like Instagram, is fueling interest in road trips across the state. The hashtag #roadtrip is gaining traction as visitors plan their journeys to experience the unique beauty Arizona offers.
The state’s vast size and variety of terrains provide an abundance of options for scenic driving, guaranteeing a different experience with each route. From short day trips to longer adventures, Arizona’s roads promise stunning vistas and memorable stops. Interest in these drives is growing, with many seeking to immerse themselves in the state’s natural wonders. A key draw for many is the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems, making Arizona a prime destination for adventurous travelers.
Exploring Arizona’s Most Scenic Routes
One of the most popular scenic drives is the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179), a relatively short 15-mile stretch connecting Interstate 17 with Sedona. Despite its length, the byway is renowned for its dramatic scenery, offering striking desert vistas and unique landmarks, including a cathedral built atop red rocks. The area as well provides access to numerous hiking trails and the historical Spanish village of Tlaquepaque, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Family Road Trip highlights this route as a must-see for its unbeatable desert scenery.
For those seeking expansive views of the Grand Canyon, the Desert View Drive (SR 64) offers a 23-mile route to some of the most popular viewpoints of America’s most famous natural landmark. This drive provides gorgeous views along the way, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the canyon without extensive hiking.
Venturing Beyond the Well-Known Paths
Beyond Sedona and the Grand Canyon, Arizona offers a wealth of less-traveled scenic routes. The Apache Trail, a 40-mile stretch from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Dam, is described as a spectacular drive through the Superstition Mountains. Parts of the trail are unpaved, adding to the sense of adventure. Family Destinations Guide notes that the Apache Trail features cliff-hugging roads and stunning views of Canyon Lake. The town of Tortilla Flat, with its walls covered in dollar bills from visitors, provides a unique stopping point along the way.
Oak Creek Canyon (US-89A), running from Flagstaff to Sedona, is another highly recommended drive. This 15-mile route winds through one of Arizona’s most photogenic canyons, offering cool shade, swimming holes and vibrant fall colors. Ever After in the Woods emphasizes the sluggish reveal of the landscape with each curve, making it a particularly rewarding experience.
Arizona’s appeal extends to those seeking diverse geological formations. As Ever After in the Woods puts it, road trips here sense like “flipping through a geology textbook written by someone with a serious sense of adventure.”
Planning Your Arizona Road Trip
With so many options available, planning an Arizona road trip requires considering personal preferences and desired experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring national parks, driving past the buttes and mesas of Monument Valley, or hiking the desert hills of Sedona, Arizona offers a road trip itinerary to suit every traveler. The state’s diverse scenery and iconic landmarks ensure an unforgettable journey.
As interest in Arizona’s scenic drives continues to grow, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. The increasing popularity of these routes highlights the state’s growing reputation as a premier destination for road trip enthusiasts.
What scenic drives in Arizona are you most excited to explore? Share your plans and experiences in the comments below!
