AZ Scenic Roads (Phoenix, Apache Junction, Camp Verde: camp, living in, food)

[sierraAZ]

I came across this very nice site I'd bookmarked some time ago and decided to share it.

Arizona Scenic Roads

Happy travels!

[LordBalfor]

Thank you.

I recognize a few of those drives. The one's I've been on so far have been great. I'll have to check out a few of the others next chance I get.

I have to say, for those of you considering a trip to Arizona for the first time - DO IT.

Arizona is quite simply one of the most beautiful states in a absolutely beautiful country - and it's not like I haven't been to other beautiful places. I live in Seattle (currently) in the Puget Sound area and in all honesty I consider it the most beautiful part of the continental US (but of course the weather is notoriously "iffy"). I also spent a number of years living in Europe as a kid and various places throughout the US (I was an Air Force Brat) - some very well known for their beauty (Colorado) and others not so much so (North Dakota for example). I've also traveled a bit in Hawaii and even the South Pacific and seen some incredible islands there.

In any event, I've been around a bit and I have to say that the Southwest in general - and Arizona in particular - is right up there with the best of the best. It is a beautiful state, with a lot of diverse areas - and from what I've seen so far, every corner of the state is worth checking out for one reason or another.

My very first experience with Arizona was in cutting through the tiny little Northwest corner of the state while driving up I-15 from Las Vegas to visit Zion National Park in Utah. It seemed like the moment we crossed the border into Arizona, the scenery became instantly dramatic and I was amazed at this apparent accident of geography that left that section of Nevada so unimpressive and yet blessed Arizona (just next door) with so much beauty.

Since then I've seen other areas of Arizona and I have to say that I've loved it all. Some areas have a quiet desolate beauty that takes some getting used to, while other areas will instantly take your breath away - but all of it is lovely and unique in it's own way.

So again - GO. Check out the roads sierraAZ has presented.
We each have only a very short time on this spinning little globe and it's a shame not to see as much of it as we can, while we can.

Arizona is worth a trip - by all means GO!

Ken

[sierraAZ]

That's a very nice post, Ken. We should appoint you as our official PR guy!

[motormaker]

Thank you Sierra, a couple of my favorites is 89 and 89A. Especially when it went from the MX to the UT borders.

[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!

[nitram]

Yes, I agree, excellent website poster SierraAZ. Great information for visitors or residents of AZ.

[zonababe]

I love this state. Thanks for the website.

[sierraAZ]

Glad you guys like it. I thought it was pretty neat.

Maybe I'm due for a drive, too...

[paysonite]

Thank you for posting this site SierraAz. Its wonderful.

[MichaelinWA]

My favorite loop from Phoenix is to take the Apache Trail route from Apache Junction to Globe and then the Gila-Pinal route back to the Valley. Have some Mexican food midpoint in Miami or Globe, and you've had a very nice day.