One Of The Most Underappreciated Scenic Drives In America Is Right Here In Arizona
Megan Shute
Author
Arizona is comprised of nearly 114,000 square miles of jaw-dropping scenery, natural wonders, and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in the country. And while we certainly love exploring our beautiful state on foot, there’s something inherently special about taking off on a scenic drive. There are countless scenic drives to choose from across Arizona, but the Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive is easily one of our favorites. Measuring in at just two hours of drive time and less than 90 miles, this drive will take you through some of the state’s prettiest scenery.
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Have you ever taken this magnificent scenic drive? Share your experiences with us in the comments! For more incredible scenic drives in the Copper State, take a look at these Arizona scenic roads that take you from the desert to the forest. Don’t forget to pack the essentials!
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Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
What are some of the most scenic drives in Arizona?
Oh, Arizona: how do we love thee scenic drives? Let us count the ways! Arizona is truly a paradise for those who enjoy scenic drives; there are more than 25 state-designated scenic routes, and every single one is worth the effort to drive.
- Some of our favorites include the Oak Creek Canyon drive from Flagstaff to Sedona on the AZ-89A. From there, take Highway 179 to the I-17 for intensely beautiful red rock views you can only find in the Copper State.
- The drive up Mt. Lemmon is truly amazing, too, and you will 100% forget you’re in southern Arizona on that one. It’s not every day you drive a route in which you pass through several different types of biomes, from deserts to hoodoos to forests and many things in between.
Where are some great trails featuring the best views in Arizona?
With well over 1,000 amazing trails to choose from, how are you supposed to decide which ones to do first? We get it, which is why we’ve compiled a shortlist of the best trails in Arizona with the best views of the state there are.
- First and foremost is the amazing Bright Angel Trail, at the Grand Canyon. It’s challenging, but the views of this incredible natural wonder more than make up for the struggle.
- If you’re a fan of amazing views of a city, hike Camelback Mountain for an epic 360-degree panorama of the whole city of Phoenix.
- Take Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona for an experience you’ll never forget: this trail leads to an incredible natural arch with awe-inspiring views of Sedona (which is one of the most scenic towns in the entire country).
- You also can’t miss West Fork Trail, which offers stunning views of some of Arizona’s most amazing landscapes including canyons, red rocks, a beautiful creek, and so much more. Want some more ideas? Check out this list of seven awesome little-known hikes in Arizona.