Arizona is famous for its rugged terrain, towering red rocks, and stunning desert landscapes. Arizona is considered of having some of the best U.S. National Parks to visit in winter, and there are numerous incredible places to visit while there. It comes as no surprise that some of the best scenic drives in the state can be found near Phoenix.
Whether a seasoned road tripper or a first-time adventurer, there's no better way to explore the beauty of Arizona than on a scenic drive near Phoenix. Buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Southwest on these awesome scenic drives near Phoenix. From iconic Route 66 to lesser-known back roads, each drive will take travelers through unique landscapes, offering a glimpse into the diverse natural beauty of Arizona.
Discover More Of The Best Scenic Drives Near Phoenix, Arizona
Starting off at Phoenix, the state of Arizona offers scenic drives that go by huge deserts and vast canyons along arid landscapes for wonderful sunsets to complete a vacation in the city. That's why this list has been updated to include more scenic drives near Phoenix that range in size to accommodate for any type of schedule.
The Apache Trail Scenic Drive is a 40-mile route that winds through the Tonto National Forest, showcasing Arizona's most breathtaking landscapes. The Superstition Wilderness Area, towering mountains, and sparkling lakes are just a few of the stunning sights to encounter.
Roosevelt Lake Scenic Drive is a 30-mile journey that traverses the Sonoran Desert and the shores of Arizona's vast Roosevelt Lake. The drive begins at State Route 188 and winds through rugged mountains, towering saguaro cacti, and crystal-clear lake waters. The route offers plenty of viewpoints for soaking up the scenery and exploring the Tonto National Monument, which boasts ancient ruins and cliff dwellings dating back to the 13th century.
Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states, including Arizona. The Arizona stretch of Route 66 takes road-trippers through picturesque areas like the Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. They can also experience vintage diners, historic buildings, and roadside attractions, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the 1950s and 1960s.
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The Bartlett Lake Scenic Drive is a 20-mile journey that runs through the Sonoran Desert and along the shores of Bartlett Lake. Starting at Bartlett Dam Road, the route winds through Tonto National Forest's rugged mountains, showcasing towering saguaro cacti and mesquite trees. As travelers approach Bartlett Lake, the road goes past crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering mountains. The lake offers water sports, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, and campgrounds. If visitors prefer luxury to camping, Phoenix features a wide selection of top-rated resorts, as well as budget-friendly hostels.
The Tonto National Forest Scenic Drive is a 30-mile journey that passes by some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in Arizona. The drive starts in the town of Globe, which is about 90 miles east of Phoenix, and takes visitors through the Tonto National Forest, the fifth-largest national forest in the United States and home to one of the best scenic drives near Phoenix.
As travelers go by the route, they'll be able to see stunning canyons, rushing rivers, and towering mountains. Travelers will also pass by several historic mining towns that were once booming during the mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Along the way, stop at several viewpoints to take in the stunning scenery, including the Salt River Canyon Vista, which offers breathtaking views of the Salt River Canyon. And also explore the Tonto National Monument, which is home to cliff dwellings and ancient ruins dating back to the 13th century.
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The Sonoran Desert Scenic Drive is a 27-mile journey that takes visitors through the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The route begins in the city of Goodyear and ends at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
As the route follows along, travelers will be surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, towering saguaro cacti, and rugged mountain vistas. There's also the opportunity to explore several scenic pullouts and trails, including the Skyline Regional Park, which offers panoramic views of the valley below.
Along the way, various species of wildlife can be encountered, including coyotes, javelinas, and desert tortoises.
The Verde Valley Scenic Drive is a 90-mile journey that goes through some of the most picturesque parts of Arizona. The route begins in the town of Camp Verde, located about 70 miles north of Phoenix, and winds through the scenic Verde Valley.
The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including towering red rocks, rushing rivers, and the stunning Sedona landscape. Along the way, take the time to stop at various viewpoints, picnic areas, and hiking trails to fully experience the beauty of the area. If visitors are looking for the most beautiful hikes in the U.S., Arizona should be on their list.
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The Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive is a 45-mile that journeys through the heart of the Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area in Arizona, USA. The drive offers stunning views of the rugged canyon terrain, towering mountains, and rushing rivers, making it one of the most scenic drives in the state.
The route starts at the top of the canyon and winds down to the bottom, offering breathtaking views of the 2,000-foot-deep canyon walls as it descends. Along the way, there will be a lot of stunning rock formations, such as the famous "hoodoos" that are unique to the area.
The Carefree Highway Scenic Drive is a 28-mile journey that goes through some of the most stunning parts of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The drive starts in the town of Phoenix and continues northward along State Route 74 toward the town of Wickenburg.
The whole drive is filled with breathtaking views of the rugged mountain landscapes and the iconic saguaro cacti that are native to the region. The route also passes through the Tonto National Forest, offering a glimpse of the lush vegetation that thrives in this arid region. All this is more than enough to make it one of the best scenic drives Phoenix has to offer.
One of the highlights of the drive is the scenic overlook at the Carefree Highway and 7th Street. This viewpoint provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains, including the iconic landmark of Black Mountain.
The Old West Highway Scenic Drive is a 60-mile journey that goes through some of the most historic parts of Arizona. The route starts in the town of Globe and heads east along Highway 60, passing through several small communities and historic mining towns along the way before ending in the town of Show Low.
Travelers should be on the lookout to spot the towering red rocks, rushing rivers, and historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage. The drive also goes through the Tonto National Forest, offering stunning views of the rugged mountains, towering pine trees, and expansive desert landscape.
The Lake Pleasant Scenic Drive, situated approximately 35 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona, is a 10-mile drive that winds through the beautiful desert scenery surrounding Lake Pleasant. Starting from the Lake Pleasant Regional Park, the drive provides awe-inspiring vistas of the lake and the nearby mountains along its twisting road.
Passing next to breathtaking landscapes formed by huge mountains and a kaleidoscope of wildlife, the State Route 89A grants first-hand views of the wild and natural side of Arizona by going from the charming town to Sedona to the quaint city of Flagstaff. Spanning for 84 miles, the route is one of the many scenic drives near Phoenix to complement a vacation in the city and break from the normal path for a more adventurous destination. One of the route's landmarks, Vermilion Cliffs, serves as a unique (and smaller) version of a scenic drive along the Grand Canyon, granting to visitors the opportunity of admiring The Wave at Coyote Buttes.
The drive can be turned into a whole vacation by taking advantage of the many things to do and additional scenic drives in and near the town of Sedona.
A trip through the desert might not sound great to some, but being able to gaze upon the sunset over the Sonoran Desert is a wonderful experience that's best lived on th eAgua Caliente Scenic Drive. It goes through old dirt roads, gravel, and the old Gillespie Dam Bridge, so it's advisable to have the car on peak condition to avoid any breakdowns along the way. And avoid making the drive during the summer, as temperatures can be close to unbearable.
Also known as the "mother of Arizona highways", this massive route spans for nearly 500 miles in Arizona (out of its total 1000 miles from Georgia to California), passing by historic sites like Gillespie Dam and Gila River, as well as charming towns like Yuma, Florence, and Pantano, with Phoenix being the middle point for the journey.
Lastly, for those who don't have much time on their schedules but still want to take a stroll through Arizona's arid scenery, Desert Foothills Scenic Drive is only 6 miles long, but manages to encapsulate all the wild charm that Scottsdale Road has to offer. The landscape is filled with endemic vegetation accompanied by dozens of informative signs to stop and learn about each species, as well as great views of landmarks like Pinnacle Peak, Lone Mountain, and plenty other sights near Scottsdale.