Looking to explore Arizona’s beautiful scenery like never before? If you’re in the mood for some driving, then you’ll want to check out some of the very best driving roads in Arizona. These scenic drives in Arizona offer incredible views and a bit of meditative time on the open road. You’ll be surprised at just how magnificent and calming our state is! Gas up the car and pack some road trip snacks, because these awe-inspiring drives are calling your name.

1. Apache Trail
Apache Trail, Box 3445, 151 W Superstition Blvd, Apache Junction, AZ 85117, USA
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Editor's Note: Due to extensive road damage from flooding in 2019, this road is closed. You can learn more on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

This beautiful road on State Route 88 curves around the Superstition Mountains for 41 miles from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake. If there’s any way to experience the Arizona desert, it’s through a drive like this where you can see mountains, canyons, and all the beauty that lives in it. This amazing scenic route in Arizona is an experience waiting to be had.

Route map: Google Maps
2. Catalina Highway
Catalina Highway, Catalina Hwy, Arizona, USA
Alan English CPA/Flickr
This national scenic byway travels up the Santa Catalina Mountains, taking you from the desert floor of Tucson up to the summit of Mount Lemmon. It’s the perfect route to watch how quickly the Arizona scenery can change and can easily be done in an afternoon. This is easily one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona and we could do it a million times.

This wonderful video shows off the route perfectly:


Route map: Google Maps
3. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway
Coronado Trail, Alpine, AZ, USA
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests/Flickr
Named after the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, this trail is not only a historic route but also shows off some of the prettiest sights that eastern Arizona has to show off! The drive along US 191 for about three hours will take you through lush forests and some of the most remote places in the state. Come enjoy the curviest road in Arizona!

Route map: Google Maps
4. Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA
Alan English CPA/Flickr
If you find yourself driving through northern Arizona, be sure to take some time to explore this remote area! This route will take you across the Kaibab Plateau, through deserts and forest, showing off some spectacular views. When it comes to the best driving roads in Arizona this one's a shoo-in.

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5. Gila-Pinal Scenic Road
Alan Stark/Flickr
This isn't a backroad, but it is one beautiful ride! We were amazed at how beautiful the drive along US 60 was the first time we traveled between Globe and Gold Canyon. You’ll see lovely canyons and forests through here, a sight that is certainly a hidden gem! This is one of those scenic roads in Arizona you're sure to want to drive again.

Route map: Google Maps
6. Joshua Forest Scenic Road
CEB Imagery/Flickr
This is actually one of our favorite scenic drives in Arizona because the sudden appearance of a Joshua tree forest is unexpected and unusual. If you’ve ever driven the road between Wickenburg and Wikieup, then you’ll recognize the unique landscape here. Fun fact: Arizona is one of the only places in the world where you can see Joshua Trees. This unique scenic drive will introduce you to thousands.

Route map: Google Maps
7. Rim Road
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
If you’re in the mood to see some of Arizona’s beautiful forest scenery, check out Rim Road, also known as Forest Road 300. This dirt road takes you right along the edge of the Mogollon Rim and an experience you don’t want to miss. Be careful to check the road conditions before embarking on the route; it can be closed if there are nearby wildfires and it’s not recommended for driving in the rain or snow.

Route map: Google Maps
8. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road
San Francisco Mountain, Arizona 86001, USA
Bill Morrow/Flickr
The best way to see the Peaks is by hiking it but your next best view comes from driving around the mountain base. This scenic drive in Arizona takes you from Flagstaff, around the base of the mountains, and north toward Valle where the forest ends. It's an outrageously gorgeous scenic drive in AZ you're sure to find awe-inspiring.

Have you ever experienced any of the best scenic drives in Arizona? We’d love to hear your tips in the comments, as well as any other scenic drives you might add to this list.

Want to see more incredible sights in Arizona? These scenic overlooks in Arizona will leave you breathless.

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Scenic Drives Near Me

Nikki Rhoades | March 29, 2020
  1. What are the best roadside attractions in Arizona?

Those that come to The Grand Canyon State typically have a vision of what they’re expecting in mind… and, usually, it has to do with our rocky landscape. What most do not expect is an abundance of roadside attractions in Arizona, and yet that’s often what most tourists leave the state talking about. “Hey, remember when we spotted that Wigwam Motel, or that one ostrich ranch?” Yes, seriously! These are both surprising features that lie in the Arizona landscape awaiting discovery.

 

2. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Arizona?

There sure are! Scenic backroads in Arizona can be found in abundance, especially considering that we have an astonishing 113,990 square miles of landscape awaiting exploration… and much of it appears largely untouched by the influence of man. Don’t be surprised if you pass meteor craters, rivers, and oodles of magnificent desert. However, as our state is so vast, you can truly drive miles without passing civilization. When you’re road-tripping out here, just make sure you have plenty of gas and a few supplies… just in case.

 

3. Are there other similar things to do in Arizona when you have a free afternoon?

There sure are! Obviously, most visitors tend to drive out to the Grand Canyon or places like Saguaro National Park but, truth be told, you’ll have a magnificent time no matter which Arizona park you visit. Our state has much to offer, and its landscape hides countless surprises. Just watch out for scorpions… that’s one surprise you don’t want to encounter!

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