Take These 10 Scenic Country Roads In Arizona For A Beautiful Drive

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.

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.

3. Watch a rapidly changing landscape along Beeline Highway (State Route 87) change from desert to forest to plateau.

4. The drive along State Route 89A--from Flagstaff to Sedona to Cottonwood--is a definite must-see.

5. Of course, there's also the long, scenic drive leading into Monument Valley along US 163.

6. Get a riparian experience when driving on State Route 82 through Sonoita, Patagonia, and Nogales.

7. Another drive along State Route 89A will show you the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.

(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.

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.

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

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!