Let’s face it: the entire state of Arizona is one beautiful view after another. So, why not try to take it all in with a drive through any of our state’s rural highways and roads? Here are ten favorites out of dozens of scenic drives in Arizona. Because, life’s about the journey, not the destination. Take these 10 scenic country roads in Arizona for a beautiful drive you won’t want to end.

1. A drive through the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on State Route 85 is worth the trip for a rich mixture of desert flora.
clare_and_ben/Flickr
2. Get a partial vision of the original Route 66 by driving along State Route 66 and Oatman Road between Ash Fork and Golden Shores.
Chuck Coker/Flickr
3. Watch a rapidly changing landscape along Beeline Highway (State Route 87) change from desert to forest to plateau.
Alan Levine/Flickr
4. The drive along State Route 89A--from Flagstaff to Sedona to Cottonwood--is a definite must-see.
criana/Flickr
5. Of course, there's also the long, scenic drive leading into Monument Valley along US 163.
Angus MacRae/Flickr

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6. Get a riparian experience when driving on State Route 82 through Sonoita, Patagonia, and Nogales.
Ken Lund/Flickr
7. Another drive along State Route 89A will show you the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.
Alan English/Flickr
Alan English/Flickr
(The cliffs are so gorgeous, they deserve two photos!)
8. Get an incredible view of Salt River Canyon any time of year along US 60 and State Route 77.
Alan Stark/Flickr
9. Apache Trail (State Route 88) also offers some breathtaking views of the Superstitions, Roosevelt Dam, and Tonto National Monument before connecting with Route 188.
Alan English/Flickr
So there you have it! The most scenic drives in Arizona are as varied as our state is vast. So gas up the tank and start exploring today!
10. Route 66 through Arizona
Marc Tarlock/Flickr
If you’re not yet a die-hard Route 66 fan, traveling historic Route 66 through Arizona is bound to convert you. The high-speed I-40 freeway gives quick access to some of the best surviving stretches of the old road, and these are some of the most captivating parts of Route 66 anywhere. Between the red-rock mesas of New Mexico and the arid desert along the Colorado River, the route runs past dozens of remarkable old highway towns along some of the oldest and longest still-driveable stretches of the Mother Road.

Which of these scenic drives in Arizona are calling to you? Do you have any others you want to share with your fellow Zonies? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more scenic places in Arizona, these 12 amazing spots are a great place to start!

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More to Explore

Scenic Roads In Arizona

Beth C. | February 03, 2021

Where can I go in Arizona on just one tank of gas?

You might be surprised by just how many destinations you can explore in Arizona on one tank of gas. In fact, we've outlined an entire road trip on this very principle. Some of the destinations include the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lockett Meadow, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Cameron Trading Post, Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, the Grand Canyon, Flintstones Bedrock City, Chapel of the Holy Dove, and Lowell Observatory.

What are the best road trips in Arizona?

You might have guessed after reading our article highlighting the best scenic routes in Arizona that the Grand Canyon State is tailor-made for a road trip. Whether you're someone who loves exploring beautiful waterfalls, natural wonders, or incredible food destinations, you'll find that there are plenty of ways to explore Arizona by road. In fact, we even have road trips that will take you to some of the most haunted destinations in the state. Learn more about our haunted Arizona road trip...if you dare!

What are the best parks in Arizona?

It's hard to imagine the state of Arizona without its incredible national and state park systems. These landmarks offer countless ways to appreciate and learn from the remarkable Arizona landscape. If you're curious to check out the best parks in Arizona, you'll want to start with any of the following destinations (think of this as our "best parks in Arizona roll call): Saguaro National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Coconino National Forest, and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, USA
Golden Shores, AZ 86436, USA
North Beeline Highway, N Beeline Hwy, Arizona, USA
Cottonwood, AZ, USA
Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
Patagonia, AZ 85624, USA
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA
Ganado, AZ 86505, USA
Salt River Canyon, Arizona 85501, USA
Apache Trail, Arizona, USA