A new HGTV list purports to feature the 25 best road trips but not a single Arizona scenic drive was included. The list runs the gamut, highlighting several California, Florida, and Colorado roads but also featuring less known options in New Mexico, South Dakota, and Montana.
“As for the destination, these fan-favorite routes are packed with must-dos,” the HGTV article says. “But more importantly, these popular drives (and detours) feature sights you’d miss if you took the most direct route.”
Not to dump on the Midwest, but a Kansas road trip made the list for its “views of flat prairie.” Yet, Arizona’s roads with stunning red rock formations, unexpectedly pastoral or high mountain views, and otherworldly desert drives didn’t make the list.
And though HGTV does include Route 66, it fails to mention any of the magnificent Arizona attractions along the Mother Road like the Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, and the Painted Desert or towns Kingman, Winslow, Seligman, Oatman, or Williams.
Here are 14 scenic roads in Arizona that should have made the list and why you need to take these paths less traveled.
My 4 favorite Arizona scenic drives
If you’re looking for a scenic Grand Canyon State road trip, here are four of my favorites.
1. Red Rock All- American Road
The route winds through stunning red sandstone formations
- Roadway: State Route 179
- Length: 8 miles
- Points of interest: Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Red Rock All-American Road, also known as State Route 179, is a 7.5-mile scenic byway in Arizona recognized as an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration for its exceptional natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. It serves as the gateway to Sedona’s famous Red Rock Country.
The route winds through stunning red rock formations such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte, passing through the Village of Oak Creek and continuing into Sedona within the Coconino National Forest. The byway offers numerous scenic pullouts for photography, hiking and biking opportunities including trails of varying difficulty levels. Notable stops along the route include the Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architecturally remarkable chapel built into the red rock buttes, and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a charming arts and shopping area on the banks of Oak Creek
2. Apache Trail
The trail features narrow, winding roads with steep cliff drops
- Roadway: State Route 88
- Length: 40 miles
- Points of interest: Goldfield Ghost Town, Lost Dutchman State Park, Tortilla Flat, Tonto National Forest, Canyon Lake
The Apache Trail, officially Arizona State Route 88, is a 42-mile scenic drive through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest linking Apache Junction with Roosevelt Lake. Named after the Apache Indians who used it as a migratory path for over 1,000 years, it was built in 1903-1905 as a supply road for the construction of Roosevelt Dam.
The trail starts paved from Apache Junction to just past Tortilla Flat (milepost 220) then becomes a winding, mostly unpaved road with steep cliffs, sharp curves, and minimal safety barriers making it unsuitable for RVs. It passes stunning desert landscapes including saguaro forests, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake, as well as historic sites like Goldfield Ghost Town, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Tonto National Monument. The stretch from Fish Creek Hill to Apache Lake is particularly scenic but challenging with a 1,500-foot descent over three miles.
A 5-mile section from Fish Creek Vista (milepost 222) to near Reavis Trailhead Road (milepost 227) was closed from 2019 to 2024 due to damage from the Woodbury Fire and flooding but has reopened after a $4 million interim repair by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). While ADOT recommends high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, recent reports indicate the graded dirt road is manageable for most passenger cars if driven cautiously.
3. Sky Island Parkway (Catalina Hghway) National Scenic Byway
This short drive spans multiple ecological zones
- Roadway: Forest Service 833, 10 and 11
- Length: 27 miles
- Points of interest: Coronado National Forest, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley
The Sky Island Parkway National Scenic Byway, also known as the Catalina Highway, is a 27.2-mile scenic route that begins on the east side of Tucson and climbs through the Coronado National Forest to the summit area of Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
This byway is renowned for its dramatic elevation gain of over 6,000 feet, starting among giant saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert and ascending to shady conifer forests near 9,000 feet allowing travelers to experience a remarkable variety of ecosystems and climates—akin to driving from Mexico to Canada in just 27 miles. The route offers spectacular vistas including overlooks like Babad Do’ag Vista, Aspen Vista, and Windy Point Vista where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the desert and the “sky islands” which are isolated mountain ranges rising from the desert floor.
The byway provides numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and in winter, alpine skiing at the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski area in the continental US.
4. Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Historic Road
The route showcases a rich blend of history
- Roadway: State Route 89A
- Length: 10 miles
- Points of interest: Jerome Historic District, Historic Downtown Clarkdale, Old Town Cottonwood Historic District, Tuzigoot National Monument (Clarkdale), Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood), Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale), Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
The Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Historic Road is a 10-mile scenic byway along Arizona State Route 89A that connects three historic towns rich in mining and cultural history.
Starting in Jerome, visitors can explore the Jerome Historic District and the Jerome State Historical Park’s Douglas Mansion which highlights the area’s copper mining past. Jerome is known for its arts and crafts scene and dramatic switchbacks on the road descending from the town offering expansive views of the Verde Valley.
Traveling onward to Clarkdale, the route passes the Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient Sinagua pueblo overlooking the Verde River and the Verde Canyon Railroad, a scenic train ride through the surrounding countryside. Clarkdale itself was a master-planned town built to support the copper mining operations in Jerome and retains a historic downtown area.
The road continues to Old Town Cottonwood, known for its historic district, boutiques, antique shops, and Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
10 other scenic roads in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Transportation also maintains a list of scenic roads. Here are nine other uniquely Arizona offerings:
1. Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (US Route 89A)
The drive features towering red rock cliffs, lush oak canopies, and eventually tall Ponderosa pines as you ascend
- Location: Sedona to Flagstaff
- Highlights: This 14-mile route winds through a lush canyon with red rock cliffs, oak-lined streams, and switchbacks. Slide Rock State Park is a must-stop for natural water slides.
- Distance: ~14 miles
- Tips: Fall for vibrant foliage. Parking at Slide Rock fills fast
2. Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Highway (US Route 89A)
A low-traffic drive through some of Arizona’s most dramatic and less-visited landscapes
- Location: Marble Canyon to Jacob Lake
- Highlights: This 80-mile drive showcases the Vermilion Cliffs’ vibrant hues, Navajo Bridge over the Colorado River, and access to Lee’s Ferry. The road climbs to Kaibab Plateau forests.
- Distance: ~80 miles
- Tips: Remote; limited services. Ideal for accessing North Rim Grand Canyon
3. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (US Route 191)
The route follows the path taken by Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540
- Location: From Springerville to Clifton in eastern Arizona
- Highlights: Known as the “Devil’s Highway,” this 123-mile route descends through the White Mountains offers alpine forests, meadows, and the dramatic Mogollon Rim. Expect 460 curves, minimal traffic, and views of Blue Vista.
- Distance: ~123 miles
4. Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road (State Routes 82 & 83)
A rewarding drive for nature lovers, birdwatchers, wine enthusiasts
- Location: Loop from Patagonia to Sonoita, southeast of Tucson
- Highlights: This 30-mile drive winds through rolling grasslands, vineyards, and oak-studded hills. Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita’s wineries are key stops. Views of the Santa Rita Mountains are stunning.
- Distance: ~30 miles
- Tips: Spring for wildflowers. Visit Patagonia for birdwatching
5. Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive (US Route 60)
The drive features steep climbs and descents with many curves and switchbacks
- Location: Between Globe and Show Low
- Highlights: This 40-mile stretch descends into the dramatic Salt River Canyon often called the “Mini Grand Canyon.” Expect rugged cliffs, river views, and desert flora. The Apache Gold Casino and pullouts offer great photo stops.
- Distance: ~40 miles
- Tips: Steep grades; drive cautiously. Best in spring or fall for mild weather.
6. North Rim Parkway (State Route 67)
Scenic drive that connects Jacob Lake to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
- Location: From Jacob Lake to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
- Highlights: This 44-mile drive passes through Kaibab National Forest’s meadows and aspen groves, leading to the quieter North Rim. Viewpoints like Point Imperial and Cape Royal offer epic canyon vistas.
- Distance: ~44 miles
- Tips: Open mid-May to mid-October due to snow. Park entry fee required.
7. Gila-Pinal Scenic Road (State Route 77)
The route showcases a blend of desert, mountain, and riparian ecosystems
- Location: From Globe to Winkelman, southeast of Phoenix
- Highlights: This 35-mile route winds through the Tonto National Forest, with views of the Pinal Mountains, saguaro cacti, and the Gila River Valley. The historic mining town of Globe offers a charming stop.
- Distance: ~35 miles
- Tips: Spring for wildflowers. Limited services; fuel up in Globe.
8. Black Hills Backcountry Byway (State Route 87 to Bush Highway)
Scenic, historic, and moderately rugged drive
- Location: From Payson to the Salt River, near Phoenix
- Highlights: This 60-mile drive descends from pine-covered Mogollon Rim to the Sonoran Desert. Highlights include Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and the Salt River’s sparkling waters. Saguaro Lake is a great stop for boating or picnics.
- Distance: ~60 miles
- Tips: Best in spring or fall. Watch for wildlife; narrow sections require caution.
9. Desert View Drive (South Rim, Grand Canyon)
The drive hugs the South Rim and includes 9 named viewpoints
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View
- Highlights: This 25-mile drive along the South Rim offers jaw-dropping Grand Canyon vistas at points like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower. Sunset views are spectacular.
- Distance: ~25 miles
- Tips: Park entry fee required. Crowded in summer; arrive early.
10. Swift Trail (State Route 366)
A mountain road that climbs from the desert floor to Mount Graham reaching elevations around 9,000 feet
- Location: Near Safford, ascending Mount Graham in the Pinaleño Mountains
- Highlights: This 36-mile road climbs from desert scrub to pine forests, offering panoramic views of the Gila Valley. Highlights include Wet Canyon Bridge and heliograph lookout towers. The upper section is unpaved.
- Distance: ~36 miles
- Tips: High-clearance vehicles for upper parts. Closed in winter above 7,400 feet.
More on scenic drives with a focus on Arizona
- 9 Arizona Road Trips with Scenic Mountain Views
- 10 Scenic Byways in Arizona That Are Perfect for a Road Trip
- The Most Exhilarating Drives in Arizona
- Scenic Route It Is
25 most popular road trips, according to HGTV
A diverse range of iconic and scenic drives
HGTV named these the most popular road trips in the U.S.:
- Black Hills of South Dakota
- Downeast Maine
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- California’s Pacific Coast Highway
- Jackson, Wyoming, to Glacier, Montana
- The Outer Banks in North Carolina
- Hana Coastline in Hawaii
- Olympic Peninsula in Washington
- Route 66
- California’s Route 395
- Hamakua Coast Drive in Hawaii
- Flint Hills National Scenic Byway in Kansas
- Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in New Mexico
- Richardson Highway in Alaska
- San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway in Colorado
- Old King’s Highway in Massachusetts
- Seward Highway in Alaska
- 30A in Florida
- Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in Maine
- 17-Mile Drive in California
- Dutch Country in Pennsylvania
- Ocean Drive in Rhode Island
- Bluebonnet Trail in Texas
- Oregon’s Pacific Coast Highway
- Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys
Worth Pondering…
To my mind these live oak-dotted hills fat with side oats grama, these pine-clad mesas spangled with flowers, these lazy trout streams burbling along under great sycamores and cottonwoods, come near to being the cream of creation.
—Aldo Leopold, 1937
