Arizona is home to some of the country's most breathtaking scenic drives and roadside attractions. From the winding roads of Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway to the historic Route 66, Arizona's streets offer a unique and stunning backdrop for a road trip adventure. This blog will look at some of Arizona's most beautiful road trips and what you can expect to see along the way. Planning this trip? Door-to-door service is available on our Mesa to Phoenix shuttle service page.
Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway
One of Arizona's most popular scenic drives, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, takes you through the heart of Sedona's stunning red rock formations. This 89-mile drive offers breathtaking views of Sedona's iconic red rocks and is a must-do for any traveler. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to visit historic sites, scenic overlooks, and the vibrant arts community of Sedona.
Sedona travel guide Sedona airport transportation
Route 66
A classic American road trip, Route 66 takes you from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, passing through a range of iconic roadside attractions. In Arizona, Route 66 takes you through Flagstaff's vibrant city and Williams's charming town, giving you a glimpse into the state's rich history and unique culture. Whether you're a history buff or love a good road trip, Route 66 is a must-do in Arizona.
Flagstaff distance from Phoenix
The Apache Trail
One of the scenic drives in the state, the Apache Trail, takes you through the heart of Arizona's Superstition Mountains, passing by stunning lakes, deserts, and canyons. This drive offers a unique glimpse into Arizona's rugged wilderness and is an excellent choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You'll also have the chance to visit historic gold mines, scenic overlooks, and local Native American communities.
Travel with Arizona Shuttle
Make your road trip even more accessible by traveling with Arizona Shuttle. Arizona Shuttle is a shuttle service that assures safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options for travelers visiting Arizona. Whether traveling to and from the airport, exploring the state's scenic drives, or attending a special event, Arizona Shuttle has you covered. With convenient pick-up and drop-off locations, comfortable
transportation options, and experienced drivers, Arizona Shuttle quickly makes it easy to get to and from your destination. Whether traveling solo, with a group, or with your family, Arizona Shuttle has a transportation option to suit your needs.
Arizona is a road-tripper paradise with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. Arizona's scenic drives and roadside attractions are a must-see for anyone visiting the state. And with Arizona Shuttle, getting to and from your destination has always been challenging. So why not pack your bags, hit the road, and discover all Arizona offers?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-see historic sites along the Red Rock Scenic Byway?
You can visit places like Boynton Canyon, Courthouse Butte, and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity along the byway.
How long does it take to drive the Apache Trail?
The Apache Trail is about 89 miles one-way, taking around 3-4 hours depending on traffic and stops.
What kind of attractions can I find in Flagstaff and Williams while driving Route 66?
In Flagstaff, explore the Museum of Northern Arizona. In Williams, visit the Grand Canyon Railway Station and the historic La Posada Hotel.
Is it worth taking a shuttle service for exploring these scenic drives?
Yes, Arizona Shuttle offers safe and reliable transportation to make your road trip more convenient.
More of Arizona's Most Beautiful Road Trips Worth Adding to Your Route
The classic drives above are only the beginning. Arizona is the 6th largest state in the country, home to 22 national parks and monuments, two of the largest man-made lakes in the country, and one of the Natural Wonders of the World — the Grand Canyon, which spans a massive 1,902 square miles with endless options for hiking, camping, and scenic viewpoints. With that much ground to cover, it pays to know which stretches of highway deliver the best scenery per mile. Here are more of Arizona's most beautiful road trips, byway by byway.
Oak Creek Canyon Drive (Highway 89A)
Connecting Sedona to Flagstaff, Highway 89A climbs through a winding, forested canyon that feels completely different from the red rock country below. Expect hairpin turns, creek-side pullouts, and small shops and galleries in the canyon. Pair it with the Red Rock Scenic Byway for a full day of Sedona-area driving, or book a 2.5-hour Jeep tour to Sedona's famous vortex sites if you'd rather let someone else handle the switchbacks.
Salt River Canyon Scenic Byway (US 60)
Often called a mini Grand Canyon, the Salt River Canyon stretch of US 60 between Globe and Show Low drops thousands of feet through dramatic canyon walls and crosses the salt-white riverbed below. This is a mountain drive in every sense — watch for changing elevation, and plan stops at the overlooks rather than rushing through.
Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (US 191)
One of the most remote and curvaceous drives in the state, US 191 climbs from the desert near Clifton/Morenci deep into the White Mountains. It's a serious mountain road with few services, so fill your gas tank and check conditions before you go — but for drivers who love twisty asphalt and solitude, it's hard to beat.
Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road (Highway 82)
Southern Arizona's answer to Tuscany, the rolling grasslands between Patagonia and Sonoita are dotted with wineries, ranches, and small-town tasting rooms. The sky here feels enormous, and sunset light over the grasslands makes this one of the best photo drives in the southern part of the state.
Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Historic Road (Highway 89A)
This route links three historic Verde Valley towns, including Jerome — a former mining town clinging to the side of Cleopatra Hill, now filled with galleries, shops, and restaurants. It's a great add-on to a Sedona or Flagstaff itinerary, and the vintage feel of the whole corridor makes it feel like a step back in time.
Beyond the Highway: Destinations That Anchor Arizona's Best Road Trips
The state's greatest drives are gateways to unforgettable places. Here's where to point the car.
Monument Valley and Highway 163
Monument Valley is a stunning red-sand desert where sandstone monoliths tower 400 to 1,000 feet high. Originally made famous worldwide by the iconic Forrest Gump running scene, the valley now sees over 350,000 visitors a year. Want that iconic shot down the long, straight stretch of Highway 163? You'll need to cross the border into Utah, just north of the Arizona line.
Page: Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Antelope Canyon
Heading down Highway 89 from Page toward mile marker 545, follow the signs for Horseshoe Bend and take a leisurely 0.6-mile stroll to one of the most stunning viewpoints in Arizona. While you're in town, Antelope Canyon tours are the top experience, and Lake Powell — with over 2,000 miles of shoreline — is massive yet somehow always feels uncrowded. Rent a boat for waterskiing, or go all-in on a houseboat overnight.
The Wave and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a remote 294,000-acre monument near the Arizona/Utah border, and it guards one of the most coveted hikes in America: The Wave. The Bureau of Land Management now issues 64 passes per day via lottery, meaning only 23,725 people can visit in a single year. There's an advance online lottery plus a walk-in lottery that awards 16 passes the day of — but if you can apply ahead of time, do it. Plenty of hopeful hikers have walked away empty-handed.
Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert
Northern Arizona's Painted Desert covers over 93,000 acres of painted sandstone hills and rocky badlands, and it flows directly into Petrified Forest National Park — a place for discovery, with fossil displays dating back 225 million years and scenic vistas of unique, moon-like landscapes. It's one of the few national parks you can drive straight through, making it a perfect road trip stop on the I-40 corridor.
Saguaro National Park and Tucson's East Side
The park surrounding Tucson is home to a dense population of saguaro cacti — the iconic cactus of the American Southwest — plus 2,000 other plant species. Loop drives through both districts of the park make this one of the easiest beautiful drives to pair with a southern Arizona food and culture trip.
Tombstone, Arcosanti, and the Weird Wonders In Between
No Arizona road trip is complete without a stop or two at the strange and historic. Stroll down Allen Street, Tombstone's preserved 1880s main drag, and catch the shooting reenactments at the O.K. Corral. Near Camp Verde, Arcosanti offers daily tours of its experimental arcology project — a fascinating roadside detour between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Arizona's Most Beautiful Road Trips at a Glance
| Drive / Destination | Highway | Region | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Scenic Byway | SR 179 | Sedona | Iconic red rock formations, arts community |
| Oak Creek Canyon Drive | US 89A | Sedona–Flagstaff | Forested canyon, creek pullouts, galleries |
| Salt River Canyon Scenic Byway | US 60 | Globe–Show Low | Steep canyon walls, mountain switchbacks |
| Coronado Trail Scenic Byway | US 191 | Eastern Arizona | Remote, curvy mountain driving |
| Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road | SR 82 | Southern Arizona | Grasslands, wineries, big sunsets |
| Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Historic Road | US 89A | Verde Valley | Historic mining towns, shops and galleries |
| Monument Valley | US 163 | Northeastern Arizona | Sandstone buttes, Forrest Gump filming spot |
| Petrified Forest / Painted Desert | I-40 / Park Road | Northern Arizona | 225-million-year-old fossils, badlands views |
How to Plan Your Arizona Road Trip
When should you visit Arizona for a scenic drive?
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable seasons for desert drives like the Apache Trail and Saguaro National Park, while summer is the best time for high-elevation routes around Flagstaff and the White Mountains. Winter can bring snow to northern routes, so always check road conditions on high mountain drives like the Coronado Trail.
How many days do you need?
A quick Sedona weekend covers the Red Rock Scenic Byway and Oak Creek Canyon. To take in the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Page, and the Painted Desert in one loop, plan for several days of driving with overnight stops — the distances in Arizona are bigger than first-time visitors expect.
Do you need a permit for any stops?
Only for a few. The Wave requires winning the BLM lottery described above, and popular slot canyons like Antelope Canyon require booking a guided tour in advance. Most scenic byways and overlooks require no permit at all.
Getting to the starting line
Most Arizona road trips begin in Phoenix. If you're flying in, arrange ground transportation first — our Mesa to Phoenix shuttle service page covers door-to-door options, and our Sedona airport transportation guide walks you through getting to red rock country without renting a car. Traveling with a larger group? Our Flagstaff distance guide helps you budget drive time before you commit.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona's Most Beautiful Road Trips
What is the most scenic highway in Arizona?
It depends on the landscape you love. The Red Rock Scenic Byway wins for red rocks, US 60's Salt River Canyon for dramatic canyon walls, and Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon for forested mountain scenery.
Can you see Monument Valley without entering the park?
Yes — the iconic view down the long, straight stretch of Highway 163, made famous by the Forrest Gump running scene, is visible from the highway itself. Note that this famous camera angle is technically just across the border in Utah.
How hard is it to get a permit for The Wave?
Very. The BLM issues 64 passes per day, capping visitation at 23,725 people per year, all decided by lottery. Apply through the advance online lottery rather than relying on the day-of walk-in lottery, which awards only 16 passes.
Is the Grand Canyon worth a road trip detour?
Absolutely. At 1,902 square miles, it's enormous, with plenty of options for hiking, camping, and scenic viewpoints — and it's one of the reasons Arizona ranks among the best road trip states in the country.
What is there to do in Sedona besides drive?
Popular experiences include private Jeep tours, a 2.5-hour vortex Jeep tour, and helicopter tours over the red rocks, plus hiking, galleries, and shops in town.
Which Arizona road trip is best for families?
The Route 66 corridor through Williams and Flagstaff is a family favorite thanks to its quirky roadside attractions and easy access to the Grand Canyon Railway, while the Apache Trail's lakes and historic gold mines keep kids engaged close to Phoenix.
