Arizona is one of those places where the journey really is just as exciting as the destination. From red rock canyons to high mountain forests, the state is packed with roads that will make you want to pull over and explore.
Whether you are a road trip veteran or planning your first big adventure, these scenic drives offer something unforgettable at every turn. Pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to hit the open road.
Apache Trail Scenic Drive – Apache Junction, Arizona
Locals call this one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, and it is easy to see why. The Apache Trail, also known as State Route 88, stretches about 40 miles through the Superstition Wilderness and hugs the edge of Canyon Lake with jaw-dropping views.
Stop at Tortilla Flat, a tiny historic town with a population of six, for a cold saguaro cactus ice cream.
Part of the road is unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The rugged terrain makes every mile feel like an adventure.
AZ-179 – Arizona
AZ-179 is basically a highlight reel of Sedona’s most iconic red rock scenery packed into just 15 miles. Known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, this road connects Interstate 17 to Sedona and passes some of the most photographed landscapes in the entire country.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte loom right beside the highway, close enough to feel like they are within arm’s reach.
Stop at one of the many pullouts and take a short hike to get even closer. Sunrise and sunset light up these formations in shades of deep orange and pink.
Desert View Drive – Arizona
Running along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Desert View Drive is a 25-mile road that connects Grand Canyon Village to the East Entrance. Every pullout along the way offers a completely different angle of the canyon, which drops over a mile deep in places.
The final stop, Desert View Watchtower, is a 70-foot stone tower built in 1932 with panoramic views stretching into four states.
Crowds tend to thin out as you head east, making it a quieter Grand Canyon experience. Sunrise visits here are absolutely stunning and worth the early alarm.
Catalina Highway – Arizona
Climbing nearly 9,000 feet from the Tucson desert floor to the summit of Mount Lemmon, Catalina Highway packs the equivalent of a drive from Mexico to Canada into just 27 miles. Scientists actually study the mountain as a living laboratory because the ecosystems change so dramatically with elevation.
Near the top, you will find pine forests, cool temperatures, and even a small ski resort that gets real snow in winter.
Windy Point Vista is the most popular pullout and offers dizzying views of Tucson far below. Pack a jacket even in summer since the summit can be 30 degrees cooler than the city.
Mogollon Rim Visitor Center – Payson, Arizona
The Mogollon Rim is a 200-mile-long escarpment that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, and the drive along its rim near Payson is breathtaking. Pull over at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center to get your bearings, pick up a trail map, and step out onto the viewing platform for a sweeping look across the Tonto National Forest.
The drop below the rim is dramatic and almost hard to believe.
Zane Grey, the famous Western novelist, lived near here and drew constant inspiration from this landscape. The area also offers excellent fishing, hiking, and camping just steps off the main road.
Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area – Globe, Arizona
Sometimes called the Little Grand Canyon, Salt River Canyon delivers big scenery with far fewer crowds. Highway 60 drops sharply into the canyon, offering dramatic switchback views before crossing the Salt River at the bottom.
Stop at the river pullout to dip your feet in the cool water or watch rafters navigate the churning rapids below the bridge.
The canyon walls display layers of ancient rock in deep reds, purples, and golds. Heading north from Globe, the descent into the canyon happens suddenly and will genuinely take your breath away.