AZ Scenic Roads (2010, places, pictures)

[Great Joy]

Originally Posted by Gretchen B

That's a really nice website, Sierra. Thanks for posting it. I am continually amazed at how diverse the state is. Just even close by in my area, we'll go for a drive, thinking it won't be anything special, and then the next thing ya know you're looking at canyons . . . or red rock formations . . . or mountain views . . . or a little lake or stream amongst trees and boulders. I just love it. There's a few backroad drives in the Sycamore Canyon area that are really spectacular. Also, the backroad from Camp Verde to Strawberry past Fossil Creek is really neat. And some great drives in the Greer/Springerville/Alpine area, too. Oooh, don't get me started. I already have a b-a-a-d case of spring fever!

Arizona is definitely anything but boring!

I agree, AZ is amazing! Gretchen, can you please advise the specific roads you are referring to? Thanks

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by Great Joy

I agree, AZ is amazing! Gretchen, can you please advise the specific roads you are referring to? Thanks

1) Sycamore Canyon views: (Probably best to have a high ground clearance vehicle for this one - just a few rocks/rough in places) This is a backroad between Chino Valley and Jerome. It's really cool because you start out leaving Chino Valley on the Perkinsville Road, past some ranches in the valley, and then before long you're in junipers and pinions. At one point everything opens up and you have awesome views of Sycamore Canyon. You get to a fork in the road and head right toward Jerome. That's kind of a ledge road for a short distance, but it's not too narrow. You end up coming in past the old copper mine into Jerome.

2) Fossil Creek drive: (I remember this as a pretty good road, although it's not paved except in a couple of areas). This is a backroad from Strawberry to just east of Campe Verde at Hwy 260. From mid-town Strawberry (I think it's something like School House Rd?) you head west. Really cool drive from the pines of Strawberry to lush green valley along Fossil Creek. (btw, Fossil Creek is spring fed, and there's also hot springs there, too. My daughter went there last year and they hiked about a mile up the creek to some falls - so-o-o-o cool )

I'm thinking probably in the next couple of weeks (after the trees are leafed out at the higher elevations) these drives ought to be springtime beautiful!

[pegleg smith]

What a nice site! Thank you for posting it! I have it bookmarked!
I have been able to travel a good bit in Arizona and have loved the scenery.

[Woody7]

Cool link, Thanks!

[allforcats]

What an interesting link! Thank you, sierraAZ!

My fave, and not well known, route is south of Flag on 17 where there's a wonderful unpaved road that is the drive of a lifetime! South of Mountainaire, just south of Munds Park, to the west there's a turnoff called Schnebly Hill Rd. You have to drive slowly and go carefully around rocks. When you get out of the car to gasp at the views, watch for Gilas. Schnebley will take you down to "downtown" Sedona.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by allforcats

What an interesting link! Thank you, sierraAZ!

My fave, and not well known, route is south of Flag on 17 where there's a wonderful unpaved road that is the drive of a lifetime! South of Mountainaire, just south of Munds Park, to the west there's a turnoff called Schnebly Hill Rd. You have to drive slowly and go carefully around rocks. When you get out of the car to gasp at the views, watch for Gilas. Schnebley will take you down to "downtown" Sedona.

Speaking of unpaved roads, once I wanted to see Arcosanti, but didn't feel my car was gonna make it and gave up. Has anybody been there? I'd be interested to hear what you thought of it.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Speaking of unpaved roads, once I wanted to see Arcosanti, but didn't feel my car was gonna make it and gave up. Has anybody been there? I'd be interested to hear what you thought of it.

I haven't been there personally (even though it's "in my area"), but the few people I know of that have been there weren't impressed. They said it was like it started off in the right direction years ago, but that it's really just kind of a hippie community now. I keep meaning to get out there one of these days. I think there's some sort of art or music festival there each year. That would probably be a good time to check it out. Might be more fun then.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Gretchen B

I haven't been there personally (even though it's "in my area"), but the few people I know of that have been there weren't impressed. They said it was like it started off in the right direction years ago, but that it's really just kind of a hippie community now. I keep meaning to get out there one of these days. I think there's some sort of art or music festival there each year. That would probably be a good time to check it out. Might be more fun then.

Thanks for the info, Gretchen. I didn't think I really missed on much, either...

[altus2006]

What are we supposed to click on to after we reach the original link to view the tours?

altus2006

[esselcue]

I have been there...not worth anyone's extra time unless you are in want of one of the Arcosanti Bells. They cast them there and send them worldwide. Beautiful pieces of art but extremely expensive. Still, for a really unique gift they are one of a kind. It's how the commune supports itself. Otherwise...it was a sixties plan for the perfect self-supporting commune that fizzled.