When it comes to beautiful places to hit the road in, Arizona pretty much takes the cake. It doesn’t matter which direction you want to drive. You are sure to find something incredible along the way you haven’t seen before.
Thanks to its enormous size and incredibly dramatic landscapes that range from endless desert terrain to pine forests, very few experiences in the world compare to what scenic driving in Arizona is like.
Put into simple words, scenic driving in The Grand Canyon State is an experience like no other. From extremely picturesque desert landscapes that will make you feel as though you were transported to Mars to driving up alluring mountains, here’s a list of the most scenic drives in Arizona, The Grand Canyon State you’ve got to drive at least once in your life!
The Most Scenic Drives in Arizona
1. Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179)
The Red Rock Scenic Byway may be short at only 14.5 miles. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with
This byway links Interstate 17 with Sedona, which pretty much means the scenery all the way consists of striking desertscapes. Along the road, you’ll be treated to views of striking red rock formations, tons of trailheads to give you an excuse to stop and take a hike, and some of Sedona’s most famous landmarks (including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte).
Moreover, you’ll also get the chance to stop and explore Tlaquepaque, a historic Spanish Village. As well as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique chapel sitting atop red rocks!
Hot tip: Don’t just assume the only parking spot by Chapel of the Holy Cross is the first one you see. There’s parking up near the top as well that’s generally open, so you don’t have to hike it with your littles.
2. Desert View Drive
Want to see as much of the Grand Canyon in a short amount of time? The Desert View Drive connects the most
As you make your way along the road, you’ll stumble across some of the most striking vistas of the Grand Canyon. And get plenty of chances to park your car at several viewpoints like Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Navajo Point.
Moreover, there are several trailheads for short hikes scattered along the road. If you’re interested in learning more about the area, you can also stop at the Tusayan Pueblo & Museum.
As a tip, keep in mind that this drive is extremely popular. So expect crowds, especially during the summer months.
3. Apache Trail Scenic Byway
The Apache Trail Scenic Byway was once used by the Apache people. Which pretty much means you’ll be
This 44-mile scenic drive traverses the northern part of Superstition Mountain, which guarantees spectacular views every mile of the way. Throughout the drive, you’ll be treated to gorgeous desert vistas, get the chance to see a few lakes, zig-zag your way through canyons, and get plenty of excuses to park the car and stop at lookout points to fully take in the views.
This drive is a mix of paved road and gravel. The only community on the drive is Tortilla Flat, which boasts a total population of six people. But does have a little coffee shop for drivers to stop at. Once you get past Tortilla Flat, the road gets very narrow. So it’s not recommended for large RVs.
4. Catalina Highway
Taking drivers all the way from Tucson up to Mount Lemmon, Catalina Highway is extremely unique because it provides a perfect example of how the terrain in Arizona can change in a very short amount of time.
As you make your way through the striking Catalina Mountains, you’ll get to cross mountain forests, plunging canyons tucked away in the desert, and pounding rockscapes – all within only 27 miles!
Aside from getting to feel as though you’re crossing several states in a matter of minutes, this drive will give you the chance to see tons of wildlife as well as pass several hiking trails, picnic areas, camping spots, and overlooks.
5. Monument Valley Scenic Drive (Highway 163)
Driving Monument Valley’s scenic road is as close as you can get to feeling as though you’re inside a Wild West
As one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks, Monument Valley’s Highway 163 will take you on an adventure through authentic Navajo Land. Along the road, you’ll get the chance to see the most striking desert landscapes you could ever imagine. Including towering red rock spires, buttes, and all sorts of whacky-looking formations that look as though they belong on an entirely different planet.
Aside from giving you the chance to see some of the most emblematic landscapes Monument Valley has to offer, this drive will also take you to other Arizona highlights. Including the quirky-named village of Mexican Hat and a suspension bridge over the San Juan River.
6. Ajo Mountain Drive
Cutting right through the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus Monument, the Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile road that
Aside from the striking desert scenery all over, what makes this road stand high above the crowds as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Arizona is the fact that it’s lined by organ pipe cacti and saguaros, two humongous species of cacti you’re not bound to find anywhere else in the world.
Hot Tip: Bring your Passport and continue south to cross the Mexican border about 1 and a half hours to get to our nearest beach town, Rocky Point. By taking this drive, you are already so close. Why not visit where us local Phoenicians go to get out of the heat!
Have you driven any of these scenic Arizona drives? If so, what was your experience like? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comment section below!
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