From the soaring mountains and plains that go on for thousands of miles to lakes as big as oceans; the United States is one incredibly beautiful place.
One of the most unique environments is a location that often gets overlooked for more traditionally beautiful locations is the American Southwest. In fact, the desert Southwest simply oozes charisma, and offers stunning sites, with nearly endless opportunities for exploring this diverse landscape. Long the subject of Western movies, and popular TV shows, the Southwest is not only stunningly beautiful but the perfect place to launch a day of exploring the twisting desert landscape via car.
At the heart of the American Southwest is the lively city of Phoenix, Arizona. Named after a mythological creature that rose from the ashes of its own death to reinvent itself, this dynamic city is growing incredibly quickly and has become the cultural and entertainment oasis of the Southwest. For those that love to drive, the Phoenix area’s lack of dense population, well-kept roads, and stunning natural environments offer some of the greatest driving roads in the entire country.
Curious about the best driving roads around Phoenix? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with three of the top drives outside Phoenix.
Route #1: The Apache Trail
Beginning at the intersection of Arizona Route 88 and Idaho Road near Apache Junction, The Apache Trail is one of the curviest and most scenic roads not only in Arizona, but the entire country.
Located just 35 miles out of Phoenix, this well-traveled road used to be nothing more than a trail that allowed workers and miners to get to remote mines and worksites such as the Roosevelt Dam. Today, brave motorists and cyclists take on the low-speed twists and turns of The Apache Trail and enjoy the splendor of the Tonto National Forest along the way.
Must-see sites include the Goldfield Ghost Town, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Superstition Mountain. While you’re driving, take respite at one of the many places to pull off the road and enjoy some peace and solitude. The road is not paved past Tortilla Flat but there are plenty of opportunities to turn around if you don’t want to finish the drive on the dirt.
To feel like you’re away from it all and enjoy some intense twists and turns along the way, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Route #2: 89A From Prescott to Flagstaff
While the Apache Trail may have a cool name and some incredible vistas, it’s hard to compete with the staggering Natural beauty of Arizona Route 89A.
Winding its way 80 miles from the small town of Prescott to the mountain hideaway of Flagstaff, 89A brings with it some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, perhaps even the world. At the heart of the 89A experience is the town of Sedona, which is one of the most staggeringly compelling slices of nature anywhere on the planet. Soaring sandstone cliffs draped in red intermingle with flowing streams and classic desert buttes that seem to defy both logic and your imagination. It’s a feast for every one of your senses and it’s just the start of this epic road.
Must-see sites along this incredible road include the town of Sedona, Slide Rock Park, the old mining town of Jerome, and the old-west town of Cottonwood. Whether you want to explore some of our nation’s Native American history, pull off to hike down to a swimming hole, or enjoy a sunset dinner with the cliffs as your backdrop; 89A delivers.
Route #3: Salt River Canyon
Often billed as a “mini grand canyon”, the Salt River Canyon offers a stunning, windy mountain road through a staggeringly beautiful natural landscape that is both compelling and humbling.
Located 87 miles from Phoenix, Salt River Canyon is located just next to the tiny city of Globe AZ in the Tonto National Forest. Since this isn’t a well-known driving location (yet), the opportunity to really enjoy a spirited drive with minimal crowding from tourists is alone a compelling reason to take the journey to Salt River Canyon. A geographical wonder, the Salt River Canyon was formed by the Salt River, a rushing, whitewater experience for those that need to feel the rush of a different kind.
Must-see sites along the way include the Salt Canyon Bridge and the canyon floor where you can take a quick hike to the water’s edge for an even more scenic and breathtaking view. Well maintained, curving roads and beautiful geologic features; what more could you ask for in a Phoenix-area driving trip?
Supercars for Super Roads
Look, we know that your family sedan is more than up to the task of hauling your kids to school or getting you through the 9 to 5 grind but it’s not always the greatest dancing partner on roads like The Apache Trail, 89A, or Salt River Canyon To really experience the splendor of these epic drives, you’ll need a proper car. A supercar to be exact, and that’s exactly what Open Road Arizona can offer.
We’ll put you behind the wheel of some of the most incredible, purpose-built cars on the planet for an unforgettable journey through the unforgettable Southwest landscape around Phoenix, Arizona. It’s just you, some serious horsepower, and the stunning desert landscape for company.
So, what are you waiting for? There’s no time like now to book this unforgettable experience!
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