The Long Lists
1. Eat + Drink
ATM Sandwich • Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
Located in Oak Creek Canyon, Indian Gardens is a favorite for its food and scenic outdoor patio. The lunch menu includes a wide range of soups and sandwiches, including the ATM, made with turkey, bacon, roasted green chiles, chipotle mayo, avocado, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato on ciabatta.
Information: 3951 N. State Route 89A, Sedona, 928-282-7702, indiangardens.com
Banh Mi Bowl • Arizona Wilderness Miracle Mile
When the Wilderness team opened the Miracle Mile on McDowell Road, chef David Cruz decided to mix it up a little, and the Banh Mi Bowl was born. It’s a healthful palate pleaser featuring crisp pulled chicken, pickled carrots and jalapeños, cucumbers, rice, cilantro and a spicy yuzu miso dressing.
Information: 1418 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 480-582-0580, azwbeer.com
Blue Crab Cakes • The Grill at Hacienda del Sol
The dining room at this historic property (shown) features large windows that offer beautiful mountain views — they’ll make you wish you lived there. Guests can watch the sunset with a glass of Cabernet and a classic appetizer, such as the blue crab cakes, which are served with asparagus tips, Old Bay dilled remoulade and lemon.
Information: 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, 520-299-1501, haciendadelsol.com
Breakfast Panini • Pangaea Bakery
There are many reasons this bakery has been a local favorite for more than 20 years. High on the list are the specialty breads, including a dense sourdough rye that’s popular with European customers. Another favorite is the breakfast panini, which is served on house-made sourdough and made with three organic scrambled eggs and a three-cheese blend.
Information: 1260 Gail Gardner Way, Suite 105, Prescott, 928-227-2791, facebook.com/pangaeabakery
Chana Masala • India’s Flame
It’s hard to pick a favorite here, but high on the list are chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and samosas, as well as vegetarian options such as chili paneer, curry pakora and chana masala, which is made with garbanzo beans, tomato and onion gravy stewed in garam masala, and topped with red onion.
Information: 4427 S. Rural Road, Suite 3, Tempe, 480-456-0155, indiasflame.com
Cherry Pie • Miz Zip’s
Although we’ve singled out the cherry pie, all of the pies at Miz Zip’s — lemon, blackberry, coconut, blueberry, apple, rhubarb, pumpkin — stand out as delicious comfort food. The delicate, flaky crust is a big part of that, but so is the ambience of this classic diner, which is located along Historic Route 66.
Information: 2924 E. Historic Route 66, Flagstaff, 928-526-0104, mizzips.com
Cookie in a Cloud • Jacob Lake Inn
Shouldn’t it be “Cloud in a Cookie,” because the marshmallow cream is on the inside? And is the plural “Cookies in a Cloud,” like “attorneys general” or “Whoppers Junior”? Those are the only things in doubt about this heavenly chocolate confection, created at a place that’s been serving Arizona Strip travelers since the 1920s.
Information: U.S. Route 89A and State Route 67, 928-643-7232, jacoblake.com
Double Cheeseburger • Holbrook A&W
The heyday of Route 66 has passed, but there are ways to live vicariously, including a visit to A&W before or after a visit to Petrified Forest National Park. Our webmaster likes the double cheeseburger, but root beer floats and fries are nice flashbacks, too. Finish up with a visit to the Rainbow Rock Shop next door.
Information: 101 W. Hopi Drive, Holbrook, 928-524-2841, awrestaurants.com
Farmer’s Cheese Pierogis • All Pierogi Kitchen
If you have a Ukrainian or Polish grandmother, you understand your genetic predisposition to seek rich farmer’s cheese, onion and maybe even a little sauerkraut, all wrapped neatly in a savory dumpling blanket. If Grandma’s not around, head to All Pierogi Kitchen. There, you’ll find a menu full of Eastern European treats.
Information: 1245 W. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Mesa, 480-262-3349, allpierogi.com
Filet Mignon • Cafe Roka
It isn’t on the menu. They don’t always have it on special. And even when they do, it often sells out. But if you’re lucky enough to snag it — and the accompanying mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes — you’ll be one of the lucky ones, because this might be the best steak in Arizona.
Information: 35 Main Street, Bisbee, 520-432-5153, caferoka.com
Green Chile Brisket • b. simple
When you’re on the road, look for the places the locals like, such as
b. simple, a Prescott breakfast hot spot that serves New Mexico-influenced
items such as butter browns, biscuits and green chile brisket. The restaurant has been voted best breakfast in the area for the past two years.
Information: 220 S. Montezuma Street, Prescott, 928-515-3952
Gyu Don • Kukai
Tucson’s Kukai, located in the MTA Annex, rewards visitors with the authentic flavors of Japan, including its Gyu Don bowl, which features thin-sliced beef, pickled ginger, green onion and a sweet sauce over fluffy short-grain rice.
Information: 267 S. Avenido del Convento, Suite 11, Tucson, 520-367-5982, eatkukai.com
Hash Browns • Matt’s Big Breakfast
Matt and his wife, Erenia, believe that “food tastes better when prepared simply with better ingredients.” The epitome of that is the hash browns. The recipe is simple: salt, pepper, butter and potatoes. But they’re not just any potatoes. They’re Kennebecs, which have less water than russets — less water means crispier hash browns.
Information: 817 N. First Street, Phoenix, 602-254-1074, mattsbigbreakfast.com
Haystack Attack • Nami
For the dairy-averse, Nami, a vegan coffee, pastry and soft-serve shop, offers tSoynami, a vegan, plant-based ice cream, in vanilla, chocolate or swirl. From there, customers can choose their toppings or select one of Nami’s signature combinations such as the Haystack Attack, made with cocoa cereal, pretzels, marshmallows and organic chocolate sauce.
Information: 2014 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602-258-6264, tsoynami.com
Lazy Dip • Lazy G Brewhouse
The Lazy G is a favorite among Prescott locals and visitors, who visit for excellent beers, a great outdoor space and a menu that’s full of elevated offerings. Not the least of these is the Lazy Dip, a warm baguette piled with smoked tri-tip and Swiss cheese and served with warm au jus.
Information: 220 W. Leroux Street, Prescott, 928-445-2994, lazygbrewhouse.com
Lemonade • Phantom Ranch Canteen
Like the Colonel’s chicken recipe, there’s some mystery surrounding the lemonade recipe at the Phantom Ranch Canteen (shown), a simple but remarkable pit stop at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. For hikers spending the night or passing by, ordering a glass of lemonade at the canteen is a rite of passage.
Information: Grand Canyon National Park, grandcanyonlodges.com
Macy’s Waffles • Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery
Most people go to Macy’s for the coffee. Some go for the pastries. Those in the know go for the waffles, which are light, fluffy, cinnamon-infused and Belgian style. The menu includes granola, yogurt, eggs and oatmeal, too, but those are things you can easily make at home. Order the waffles — they’re so good.
Information: 14 S. Beaver Street, Flagstaff, 928-774-2243, macyscoffee.net
Mama Burger • Mama B’s
Hiking in the San Francisco Peaks? Refuel at Mama B’s (formerly Mama Burger), where the classic Mama Burger is still only $8. It includes house sauce, grilled onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato and American cheese. With a side of crispy, salty tater tots? Post-hike perfection.
Information: 991 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, 928-226-0616, mamabs.com
Melon Crush • Local Juicery
Toasts, waffles, breakfast bowls, grab-and-go salads, organic smoothies and shakes ... everything on the menu at this local favorite is prepared with certified organic produce — no refined sugar, no seed oils — and everything is delicious, especially the Melon Crush, a juice made with watermelon, mint and lime.
Information: 3150 W. State Route 89A, Sedona, 928-282-8932, localjuicery.com
Smashburgers • Capital Farms
Capital Farms is more than just a butcher shop — it’s a place where carnivores can feast on three different types of smashburgers, as well as a pastrami burger, hot dogs and more. And all of that beef comes from the shop’s own herd of Corriente cattle, a breed that originated in Spain.
Information: 410 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, 928-543-9597, capitalfarms.com
Signature Soup • The Turquoise Room
The Turquoise Room was once the Fred Harvey dining room at La Posada, a premier early 20th-century hotel where travelers stopped along the Santa Fe Railway. Today, the restaurant is noted for its Southwest-inspired cuisine. If it’s on the menu, order the sweet corn and black bean soup topped with spicy chile cream.
Information: 305 E. Second Street, Winslow, 928-289-2888, theturquoiseroom.com
Tater Tots • Mother Road Brewing Co.
You probably know Mother Road for its popular line of beers. For years,
the brewery partnered with Flagstaff restaurants to provide food for customers, but now it offers on-site treats via the Sidecar Grill. Among customer favorites are the tater tots, which come loaded with signature seasoning and an aromatic aioli.
Information: 7 S. Mike’s Pike Street, Flagstaff, 928-774-9139, motherroadbeer.com
Yardbird Sandwich • Pinetop Brewing Co.
Brewery-based chicken sandwiches can be hit-or-miss. But, dear reader, you won’t want to miss the Yardbird. It’s a beefy patty of tempura fried chicken topped with sweet pickles, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard, all wedged within a gorgeous brioche bun. Some sandwiches, you don’t forget. And this
is one of them.
Information: 159 W. White Mountain Boulevard, Pinetop-Lakeside, 928-358-1971, pinetopbeer.com
2. Sleep
Boat-In Campsites • Cattail Cove State Park
At most lakeside campgrounds, having a kayak is a plus. Here, a boat — kayak, canoe, pontoon — is a must for
getting to the prime “boat-in” spots. For a small fee, visitors can leave their car in a secure parking lot, spend the day at Cattail Cove and, at night, paddle out to more than
30 primitive campsites.
Information: Arizona State Parks, 928-855-1223, azstateparks.com/cattail-cove
Buckey O’Neill Cabin • Grand Canyon South Rim
This cabin’s namesake was an author, a judge and a good friend of Teddy Roosevelt. He built this cabin on the South Rim in the 1890s, thinking, perhaps, Where could I have a cabin with arguably the best view in the world? Today, it’s a cozy suite that’s just about as good as it gets. You’ll be the envy of everyone on the South Rim.
Information: Grand Canyon National Park, grandcanyonlodges.com
Cabin 6 • Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek
Really, any cabin at this historic lodge in Oak Creek Canyon is dreamy, but Cabin 6 is special. It’s close enough to the creek to hear its symphonies, the private porch extends the living space outdoors, and the fireplace adds the ultimate ambience indoors. Beware: You’ll never want to leave.
Information: 8067 N. State Route 89A, Sedona, 928-282-3343, enjoyorchardcanyon.com
Cosmic Cottages • High Country Motor Lodge
Although it’s rooted in the 1960s, this inviting lodge is retro in a Jetsons kind of way. It’s old, but renovated to perfection with modern amenities. The rooms are great, but the Cosmic Cottages are even better. Located on the edge of the spacious lawn, they’re small, private sanctuaries with views of the pool and bar area.
Information: 1000 W. Historic Route 66, Flagstaff, 866-928-4265, highcountrymotorlodge.com
Covered Wagon • Bar 10 Ranch
Long before remote, sprawling Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument existed, the Bar 10 was a thriving cattle operation. Now surrounded by the monument, the ranch has added
a unique lodging option: sleeping pioneer style in one of 18 Conestoga wagons (shown). Traditional lodge rooms are available as well.
Information: bar10.com
Fisherman Cabin • X Diamond Ranch
Sure, the Fisherman Cabin at this Eastern Arizona ranch has a gorgeous deck, comfortable amenities and a hot tub. But it’s the sweeping views of the Little Colorado River and canyon walls that have visitors booking a stay a year in advance.
Information: Near Eagar, 928-333-2286, thexdiamondranch.com
Hot Tub Room • Majestic Mountain Inn
After a long day of exploring Mogollon Rim Country, a private Jacuzzi in a hotel room seems decadent, but that’s just one of the perks at this inn, along with fireplaces, king-size beds and modern amenities — a reminder that adventure doesn’t always mean sacrificing comfort.
Information: 602 State Route 260, Payson, 928-474-0185, majesticmountaininn.com
Nature Suite • Backland Luxury Nature Resort
“Sleeping under the stars” takes on a whole new meaning in a luxury “tent” with a 16-foot skylight situated directly above a king-size bed. What a way to go to sleep. What a way to wake up. In addition, there’s luxury all around. Technically, it’s camping. Or glamping. Without any hardship. Star light, star bright.
Information: 6929 E. Rosilda Springs Road, Williams, 928-288-5441, travelbackland.com
Navajo Hogan • Shash Diné EcoRetreat
Located 12 miles south of Page, this spectacular retreat bills itself as a “Five Billion Star Hotel.” The night sky is one of the highlights, and so are the sleeping quarters, which include canvas Bell tents, covered wagons, a cabin and Navajo hogans. The latter is the traditional home of the Diné. Choose the hogan.
Information: Near Marble Canyon, 928-640-3701, shashdine.com
Room 13 • The Oliver House
Several spirits are said to wander the halls of this Bisbee hotel; the most famous, railroad employee Nat Anderson, was shot to death there in 1920 and purportedly spends much of his time near Room 13. Spirits of a different kind can be found at the hotel’s recently opened speakeasy.
Information: 26 Sowles Avenue, Bisbee, 520-227-7837, oliverhousebisbee.com
Room 426 • Hassayampa Inn
One of the first guests at this historic hotel in Prescott was a young bride named Faith, whose husband left on their honeymoon to buy cigarettes and never came back. Three days later, Faith hanged herself in despair. Since then, visitors have sometimes encountered Faith’s “ghost” in Room 426. Spooky.
Information: 122 E. Gurley Street, Prescott, 928-778-9434, hassayampainn.com
Spooks, Ghosts & Goblins Room • The Clinkscale
The Spooks, Ghosts & Goblins Room (shown) comes with modern amenities and the ghost stories travelers hope for when visiting Jerome. The two-room suite includes a living room with a fireplace, a king-size bed and an alleged ghost or two. Built in 1899 and restored in 2020, the hotel also includes a restaurant, five other guest rooms and a penthouse.
Information: 309 Main Street, Jerome, 928-634-5094, theclinkscale.com
Sycamore Cabin • Prescott National Forest
Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938, this historic ranger cabin is part of the U.S. Forest Service’s “Rooms With a View” program. It sits on the edge of Sycamore Creek, providing an opportunity to explore a unique riparian area in Central Arizona, along with a section of the Great Western Trail.
Information: Verde Ranger District, 928-777-2200, fs.usda.gov/prescott
Wilderness Tent Sites • The View Campground
Long-timers mourn Monument Valley’s Mitten View Campground, which was replaced in 2008 by The View, a 90-room resort. But the new campground still overlooks one of the most stunning landscapes in the West. The hotel is nice, too, but it’s hard to beat the feeling of pitching your tent directly on hallowed ground.
Information: Monument Valley, 435-727-5555, monumentvalleyview.com
3. Learn
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The mission of this world-renowned museum is to “inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation and an understanding of the Sonoran Desert.” To do that, it showcases the flora and fauna of Arizona, including Mexican wolves. Most importantly, it teaches the importance of conservation.
Information: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, 520-883-2702, desertmuseum.org
Casa Malpais Archaeological Park and Museum
The name means “House of the Badlands,” but Casa Malpais is a good place to learn about the ancient Mogollon people, who occupied the site between 1240 and 1350. The complex includes underground rooms, petroglyphs, a great kiva and a pueblo with more than 50 rooms. The site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Information: 418 E. Main Street, Springerville, 928-333-5375, springervilleaz.gov/casamalpais
Center for Creative Photography
When the CCP opened its doors in 1975, it protected the archives of five living master photographers: Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind and Frederick Sommer. In the decades since, that number has grown to 270 photographers, and today, the CCP is recognized as one of the world’s most respected study centers for the history of photography.
Information: 1030 N. Olive Road, Tucson, 520-621-7968, ccp.arizona.edu
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Greeting cards, refrigerator magnets, dinner plates … Ted DeGrazia’s artwork has been reproduced on just about anything with a flat surface. Or any surface, really. And along the way, DeGrazia became the most reproduced artist in the world. Today, his legacy lives on at the studio and gallery he built by hand in the Sonoran Desert.
Information: 6300 N. Swan Road, Tucson, 520-299-9191, degrazia.org
Heard Museum
On December 26, 1929, Dwight Heard and his wife, Maie, decided to share their extensive collection of Indigenous art in a museum they’d built next to their home in Central Phoenix. Today, the Heard Museum is a world-renowned repository of rich and vibrant American Indian art, from traditional artworks to contemporary creations. This museum is a must.
Information: 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602-252-4850, heard.org
Kartchner Caverns State Park
In 1974, Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen were on a mission to find a cave that no one had ever seen before. They hit the mother lode at the base of the Whetstone Mountains. Among the many natural wonders inside is a 21-foot
limestone stalactite — it hangs from the ceiling in the Throne Room.
Information: 2980 S. State Route 90, near Benson, 520-586-4100, azstateparks.com/kartchner
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Founded in 1958, this observatory is home to one of the largest arrays of telescopes in the world. On special occasions, a handful of visitors get to look through some of those telescopes and observe distant celestial bodies — nebulae, planets and galaxies. By the way, some of those things don’t even exist anymore, but their light still reaches Earth.
Information: State Route 386, Tohono O’odham Nation, 520-318-8726, kpno.noirlab.edu
Kolb Studio
Built on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this historic building served as the home and photography studio of Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Today,
it serves as a bookstore, art gallery and museum.
In addition, it’s home base for the annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, which takes place September 25-27.
Information: Grand Canyon Conservancy, 800-858-2808, grandcanyon.org
La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros
The Tucson Rodeo (shown) was established in 1925 to showcase the city’s Wild West allure and attract winter visitors. The first competition was held at Kramer Field (now the Catalina Vista neighborhood), but the event quickly outgrew that venue and moved to its present location on Sixth Avenue. Today, the rodeo hosts 11,000 spectators every spring.
Information: 4823 S. Sixth Avenue, Tucson, 520-741-2233, tucsonrodeo.com
Lowell Observatory
Since its founding in 1894, Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory has seen some significant moments in space history, including Percival Lowell’s search for Martian canals and Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto. Today, the observatory — one of the oldest in the world — offers guided tours, science talks and access to its out-of-this-world planetarium.
Information: 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, 928-774-3358, lowell.edu
Museum of Northern Arizona
This excellent museum explores the archaeology, geology and history of the region, including Route 66. Now showing, through January 31, 2027, is “Wagon Road to Mother Road,” which traces the evolution of travel across Northern Arizona, from the historic Beale Wagon Road to Historic Route 66.
Information: 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, 928-774-5213, musnaz.org
Palatki Heritage Site
The name is a Hopi word that translates to “Red House,” but the Hopis have no ties to this site. Palatki and nearby Honanki are Sinaguan cliff dwellings, and between 1100 and 1300, they were considered to be the largest such sites in the area. Palatki can be explored today via two trails. Reservations are required.
Information: Red Rock Ranger District, 928-203-2900, fs.usda.gov/coconino
Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum
The Pimeria Alta is a region that overlaps Southern Arizona and Northern Sonora, Mexico, and it’s the ancestral land of the Tohono O’odham people. This museum, which was formed in 1948, helps preserve the rich history of the region. In addition to the rotating exhibits, the collection includes thousands of original photographs, documents, objects and oral history recordings.
Information: 136 N. Grand Avenue, Nogales, 520-287-4621, pimeriaaltamuseum.org
Sanguinetti House Museum
The history of the lower Colorado River is more than just a record of floods. The Sanguinetti House tells the story of the river’s impact on the Arizona Territory and life during the late 1800s. It does so through artifacts, exhibits, photos and even the house itself.
Information: 240 S. Madison Avenue, Yuma, 928-782-1841, yumahistoric.org
Sigler Western Museum
The Sigler — formerly Desert Caballeros Western Museum — houses thousands of items that celebrate Western culture and heritage, including works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Lon Megargee. It also hosts Cowgirl Up!, an annual celebration of female artists.
Information: 21 N. Frontier Street, Wickenburg, 928-684-2272, westernmuseum.org
Southwestern Research Station
Located in the Chiricahua Mountains, the SWRS is a field station of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Although it’s used primarily by scientists and educators for research and workshops, amateur naturalists and birders can learn about the Madrean “sky islands,” too, through field courses and nature tours.
Information: 2003 W. Cave Creek Road, Portal, 520-558-2018, amnh.org
Taliesin West Film Series
Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife, Olgivanna, would often invite friends and family and the rich and famous to their home to watch movies in the Cabaret Theater. Today,
mere mortals can do the same through the Taliesin West Film Series, which features timeless movies in an intimate theater.
Information: 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480-860-2700, franklloydwright.org
Tucson Festival of Books
This book festival ranks as one of the best in the country — it’s in the top three on most lists. Because of that, it attracts top-tier authors from around the country, as well as some of the best writers in Arizona. In addition, there are author panels and workshops, all situated on the beautiful campus of the University of Arizona.
Information: University of Arizona, Tucson, 520-621-0302, tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing
Located in the home built in 1907 for Arizona State University’s president, the center is focused on “literary exploration.” It’s a place where everyone from aspiring writers to bestselling authors can gather for talks, readings, classes, workshops and other literary events. In addition, students and members of the community are welcome to use the house as a writing or reading space.
Information: 450 E. Tyler Mall, Tempe, 480-727-7848, piper.asu.edu
Walpi
Perched on the high, narrow finger of First Mesa, this ancient Hopi village (shown) is the mother of the 11 present-day Hopi settlements. The Hopis have occupied this defensive location, built from hand-plastered sandstone, since the 17th century. Its residents still live as their ancestors have for centuries, without electricity or running water.
Information: Hopi Tribe, State Route 264, 928-737-2670, experiencehopi.com/walpi-village
4. Explore (Hiking Boots)
Arizona Trail (Passage 34)
The San Francisco Peaks segment of the Arizona Trail is officially designated as Passage 34. In all, it runs for 32.3 miles on a well-maintained single-track through beautiful pine, spruce and aspen forests; alpine meadows; and massive fields of ferns on the west side of the San Francisco Peaks, north of Flagstaff. Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, looms overhead.
Information: Arizona Trail Association, 602-252-4794, aztrail.org
Barnhardt Trail
Like the brown signs for Kaibab Lake, Pole Knoll and other places, the Barnhardt sign doesn’t attract many customers. The trail is worth hiking, though. It’s easy to get to, and it’s a great way to sample the Mazatzal Wilderness, which protects more than a quarter-million acres between the Salt River and the Mogollon Rim.
Information: Payson Ranger District, 928-474-7900, fs.usda.gov/tonto
Betatakin Overlook
The long hike to Keet Seel at Navajo National Monument is legendary, but for those just passing through, the short, paved Sandal Trail leads to a dramatic view of the Betatakin cliff dwelling. Of note, the overlook is the only way to see Betatakin without booking a guided tour.
Information: Navajo National Monument, 928-672-2700, nps.gov/nava
Black Canyon Spur Trail
The 1.4-mile, one-way hike begins at the Black Canyon City Trailhead, from which the route descends into the canyon and leads to the Agua Fria River. Hikers can follow the river’s edge to enjoy the desert vegetation and lower temperatures, and watch for fish in the water.
Information: Hassayampa Field Office, 623-580-5500, blm.gov/arizona
Black River
Flowing through the rugged White Mountains of Eastern Arizona, the Black River (shown) offers a cool, pine-lined escape from the desert heat. Anglers cast for trout in clear currents, while hikers and campers find loads of opportunities for recreation along the river’s banks.
Information: Alpine Ranger District, 928-339-5000, fs.usda.gov/asnf
Deer Creek Falls
There’s only one way for non-tribal members to get to Deer Creek Falls, and that’s via the Colorado River. And there are numerous concessionaires that provide trips through the Grand Canyon in large motorized rafts, oared rafts, paddle rafts and dories. Each one makes a stop at Deer Creek Falls. It’s expensive, but worthwhile.
Information: Grand Canyon National Park, nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit /whitewater-rafting.htm
Desert Classic Trail
This trail in South Mountain Park stretches for roughly
9 miles across gentle desert terrain, offering a scenic, accessible route for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Winding across washes and rocky paths, it showcases Sonoran Desert beauty with mild elevation changes, making it a popular, beginner-friendly trek.
Information: 10919 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602-495-5458, phoenix.gov
Gateway Loop
This popular trail winds for 4.5 miles across rolling terrain in the McDowell Mountains. Hikers are treated to sweeping mountain views, seasonal wildflowers and stately saguaros. Its moderate challenge and well-marked path make it a favorite for both beginners and experienced desert explorers seeking a rewarding outdoor escape.
Information: 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, 480-998-7971, mcdowellsonoran.org/gateway
Hart Prairie Preserve
The world’s largest community of Bebb willows is protected at this Nature Conservancy site northwest of Flagstaff. It’s also home to wildflowers, mixed conifers, aspens, elk, mule deer, porcupines, badgers and more than 120 species of birds. Guided tours are available by appointment from May through mid-October, but autumn is the best time of year.
Information: The Nature Conservancy, nature.org
Inner Basin Trail
Best known for its stunning alpine forest, the Inner Basin Trail is spectacular in spring and summer, when wildflowers sprout, and fall, when aspen leaves turn gold. Located approximately 15 miles north of Flagstaff, the trail is accessible via forest roads off U.S. Route 89.
Information: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov/coconino
Kachina Trail
This 5-mile (one way) hike skirts the San Francisco Peaks, crossing through dense forest, open meadows and canyons, and an ancient lava flow. It features sweeping views of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, where hikers can enjoy the shade of Douglas-firs and ponderosa pines. In autumn, the aspens steal the show.
Information: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov/coconino
Kayaking the Lower Salt River
Tubing the Salt River comes with restrictions, but kayaking the lower Salt (shown) provides an opportunity to enjoy the river and the surrounding natural landscape without the usual limitations. To avoid large crowds of tubers and summer heat, the optimal time to kayak is early on weekday mornings.
Information: Lower Salt Rentals and Sales, 480-331-1143, lowersaltrentals.com
Keet Seel
With the possible exception of the Thunder River Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, there aren’t any hikes in Arizona with a bigger payoff than the trek to Keet Seel — and that’s one of the reasons it’s limited to 20 people a day. In all, it’s a grueling 17-mile, round-trip hike that includes quicksand and rattlesnakes, but the adventure lives up to the word “epic.”
Information: Navajo National Monument, 928-672-2700, nps.gov/nava
Kendrick Peak
Kendrick Peak is the centerpiece of the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness, about 21 miles north of Flagstaff. A fire lookout was established on the summit in the early 1900s, but that wasn’t enough to prevent the Pumpkin Fire from burning the area in 2000. Today, though, the aspens and grasslands are flourishing.
Information: Williams Ranger District, 928-635-5600, fs.usda,gov/kaibab
Liberty Bell Arch Trail
This trail begins at the White Rock Canyon parking
area in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. From there, it heads toward Liberty Bell Arch and offers views of the Colorado River, which runs 1,000 feet below the trail. While the 5.5-mile (round-trip) hike doesn’t offer river access, the views are a notable payoff.
Information: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 702-293-8990, nps.gov/lake
Madera Canyon
Hiking, camping, birding … there are many reasons people are drawn to this beautiful canyon, which is home to more than 250 species of birds, including rare tropical migrants, and 15 species of hummingbirds. Kent Springs Cabin, which is part of the U.S. Forest Service’s “Rooms With a View” program, is another reason to visit this oasis in the Santa Rita Mountains.
Information: Friends of Madera Canyon, 520-388-8300, friendsofmaderacanyon.org
Pacheta Falls
Located on tribal land, Pacheta Falls is accessible only with a permit and reached via a short hike that begins at the end of a very rugged road. The 131-foot falls tumble over volcanic rock into a spectacular pool, one that’s far less visited than other popular waterfalls in Arizona.
Information: White Mountain Apache Tribe, wmatoutdoor.org
Peralta Trail
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains. It’s not too long (4.4 miles round-trip), but the views from Fremont Saddle are spectacular. Most notable is the look at Weavers Needle, a monolith that stands nearly 1,300 feet tall.
Information: Mesa Ranger District, 480-610-3300, fs.usda.gov/tonto
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
A spring-fed stream and high canyon walls provide Ramsey Canyon with a moist, cool environment that’s uncommon in the Sonoran Desert. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, this sanctuary attracts birds from all over North America, including dark-eyed juncos, ruby-crowned kinglets and 15 species of hummingbirds. You might see Coues white-tailed deer, too.
Information: 27 E. Ramsey Canyon Road, Hereford, 520-378-2785, nature.org
Seven Falls Trail
This popular 8.5-mile round-trip hike leads hikers through Bear Canyon, where desert terrain gradually gives way to shaded creek crossings and rocky pools. The trail culminates at a series of seasonal waterfalls, which are especially vibrant after monsoon storms, offering a rewarding blend of adventure, scenery and a cool oasis.
Information: Coronado National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 520-388-8300, fs.usda.gov/coronado
Shoshone Point
Solitude is nearly impossible to find on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but there are some “quieter” places, including Shoshone Point. From the small parking area on Desert View Drive, an easy 15-minute hike winds through an open forest of ponderosa pines to the rim of the Canyon.
Information: Backcountry Information Center, 928-638-7875, nps.gov/grca
Spider Rock Overlook
Revered as the home of the deity Spider Woman — said to have taught the Navajo people the art of weaving — Spider Rock is more than just a geological site; it’s a sacred landmark. The unmistakable spire, standing nearly 800 feet tall, can be seen from the south rim of Canyon de Chelly.
Information: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, 928-674-5500, nps.gov/cach
Stargazing in the Petrified Forest
There are no opportunities for RV or car camping at Petrified Forest National Park, but backpackers can camp overnight (at least a half-mile into the park) with a free wilderness permit. The payoff is a dark sky (shown) that offers amateurs and professionals an exceptional look at the stars.
Information: Petrified Forest National Park, 928-524-6228, nps.gov/pefo
Sunrise at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
The centerpiece of this park — which opened in 2016 to honor the 19 men who died while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013 — is a memorial trail that leads to the site of the tragedy. Early morning is an ideal time to experience the park, which features wildflowers in late spring and early summer.
Information: Arizona State Parks and Trails, 877-697-2757, azstateparks.com/hotshots
Sunset Tour to Yaki Point
There are many ways to experience the many splendors of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Most do it on foot. Some take the bus. Others rent a bike and take a self-guided tour. One of the best is the sunset tour to Yaki Point, an easy ride that climbs only 142 feet in its 3.5-mile (one way) route. This tour is available from mid-March through mid-October.
Information: Canyon Adventures Bike Tours & Café, 928-599-1011, bikegrandcanyon.com
The Wave
This famous sandstone formation, located on the Arizona-Utah state line, is accessible via a strenuous, 6.4-mile round-trip hike. Because the formation is ancient and delicate, permits are required; they’re distributed via a lottery system.
Information: Arizona Strip Field Office, 435-644-1200, blm.gov/az
Tom’s Thumb Trail
If you’re up for a workout, the Tom’s Thumb Trail delivers. The steady climb winds past giant boulders, ocotillos, chollas and saguaros before reaching the iconic rock spire. It’s a leg-burner, but the panoramic views of the Valley are worth the effort.
Information: 23015 N. 128th Street, Scottsdale, 480-998-7971, mcdowellsonoran.org/toms
Toroweap
Every year, Grand Canyon National Park ranks as one of the most visited parks in America. Yet it’s possible to find solitude. Among the most remote spots is Toroweap (shown), which offers dramatic views of the natural wonder. But don’t get too close. It’s a sheer, 3,000-foot drop to the Colorado River and Lava Falls Rapid.
Information: Backcountry Information Center, 928-638-7875, nps.gov/grca
Twin Point
Located on the remote Arizona Strip, this overlook is another option for those who want to experience the Grand Canyon without the crowds. Camping is available in the national monument, but the road to get there is rugged, so high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with all-
terrain tires are required.
Information: Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, 435-688-3200, nps.gov/para
Verde River
The 192-mile-long Verde was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1984. It flows south from Paulden until it pours into the Salt River just north of Mesa. The river supports habitat for countless bird and aquatic species, and recreation opportunities include kayaking, rafting, canoeing and wildlife watching.
Information: Friends of the Verde River, 928-641-6013, verderiver.org
West Baldy Trail
It’s not the highest point in Arizona, and even if it were, the summit is off-limits — only members of the White Mountain Apache Tribe are allowed without a permit. Nevertheless, what you’ll see before that point is spectacular: corkbark firs, ponderosa pines, Engelmann spruce, trout streams, meadows, black bears and cool mountain air. This trek is one of the best in Arizona.
Information: Springerville Ranger District, 928-333-6200, fs.usda.gov/asnf
Woodchute Trail
If you need to stretch your legs before or after a visit to Jerome, head uphill to the Woodchute Trail, which offers a broad panorama that includes Sedona, the Verde Valley, the Mogollon Rim and the San Francisco Peaks. The moderate trek is the main route in the Woodchute Wilderness.
Information: Verde Ranger District, 928-567-4121, fs.usda.gov/prescott
Woods Canyon Lake Loop
Hiking isn’t usually something that’s done on the spur of the moment. This hike is one of the exceptions. The drive is simple and the trail is easy, requiring nothing more than a good pair of tennies, some sunscreen and a big bottle of water. That’s about it.
Information: Black Mesa Ranger District, 928-535-7300, fs.usda.gov/asnf
5. Explore (Flip-Flops)
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
This 200-acre property is home to an estimated 750 plant species across a mix of greenhouses, gardens, open spaces and trails. Visitors can walk woodland paths and explore the grounds while learning more about the regional flora and fauna of the Colorado Plateau.
Information: 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff, 928-774-1442, thearb.org
Arizona Cowpuncher’s Reunion Association Rodeo
This rodeo in Williams is a little different. Established in the 1970s, its events are based on everyday ranching activities, rather than commercial rodeo competitions; they include a wild horse race, steer riding, wild cow milking and dally calf roping. The rodeo draws spectators from across the state who want to experience the unique competitions.
Information: 602-510-4940, azcowpunchers.com
Ballet Arizona at Desert Botanical Garden
Ballet Arizona’s “Ballet In Bloom: An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden,” held annually in late spring, is an outdoor experience where dancers perform against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. The May 2026 program featured a double bill of Concerto Six Twenty-Two, inspired by Mozart’s score, and Reset, which explored themes of urban life.
Information: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org
Barbecue and Calf Sale
This annual Yavapai Cattle Growers event has been around for nearly a century. Held at the Maughan Ranch, the gathering includes a traditional calf sale, with vendors and even a goat roping competition. This year’s event is scheduled for September 27, and it’s “BYOC” — bring your own chair.
Information: yavapaicattlegrowers.com/events
Bouldering Project
The premise of this gym is to redefine what bouldering is and allow patrons to experience rock climbing in a community setting; as such, it also offers fitness, climbing and yoga classes, along with personal training, youth programs and summer camps. Like most gyms, the ultimate goal is to push members to challenge and restore their bodies.
Information: 2626 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, 480-716-9014, boulderingproject.com /location/tempe
Buffalo Park
Today, visitors to Buffalo Park can stroll in the shadows of Mount Elden and Humphreys Peak. But in the 1960s, it was a theme park that aimed to bring Wild West lore to life. The park closed in 1969, and the city rededicated it for outdoor recreation in 1973.
Information: 2400 N. Gemini Road, Flagstaff, 928-213-2300, flagstaff.az.gov
Cameron Trading Post
Brothers Hubert and C.D. Richardson established Cameron Trading Post in the early 1900s, shortly after a suspension bridge was installed over the Little Colorado River in 1911. Today, the stone building hosts scores of tourists who come to explore Indigenous jewelry, crafts, rugs and countless tchotchkes.
Information: 466 U.S. Route 89, Cameron, 800-338-7385, camerontradingpost.com
Casa Grande Neon Sign Park
It’s hard to miss this place, especially at night. Located in historic downtown Casa Grande, the park (shown) lights up at night with several vintage and neon restored signs, including a sign from Valley National Bank and a classic Dairy Queen ice cream cone. The signs are lit daily from dusk to 11 p.m.
Information: 408 N. Sacaton Street, Casa Grande, 520-836-8744, neonsignpark.com
Cosanti
“Soleri Bells,” as they’re known, are bronze windbells that are sold around the world to support the Cosanti Foundation, which promotes sustainability through experimental architecture and agriculture. Each bell is handcrafted by the talented artisans at Cosanti’s foundry, which was established by Paulo Soleri, an Italian architect, designer and philosopher. Tours are available to see the artisans at work.
Information: 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley, 480-948-6145, cosanti.com
Devour Culinary Classic
This annual event, held at Desert Botanical Garden in
February, gathers the best and the brightest of Arizona’s culinary scene. The best part? The samples. Hundreds of chefs from restaurants across the state plate up sliders, ceviche, salads and more, while winemakers and brewers pour all-you-can-drink tastes of their offerings.
Information: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602-956-0909, devourgoodfood.com
El Tour de Tucson
This annual event, which attracts nearly 11,000 cyclists, has been raising money for charity since 1983. To date, Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, the organization behind the race, has raised more than $138 million for nonprofit organizations through the race and related events. This year’s race is scheduled for November 21.
Information: 520-745-2033, eltourdetucson.org
Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival
This festival, which made its debut in 2003, features inspiring and thought-provoking films on subjects such as the environment, Indigenous culture, outdoor adventure and more. Most of the films are shown at the historic Orpheum Theater, and many of the filmmakers are on hand to discuss their projects and filmmaking processes. This is one more reason to visit Flagstaff.
Information: flagstaffmountainfilms.org
Garland’s Navajo Rugs
The Garland family has deep roots in Red Rock Country, and over the years, they’ve built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected dealers of Native art, including handmade jewelry, hand-carved Hopi Kachina dolls, Navajo sandpaintings, Pueblo pottery, hand-woven baskets and Navajo rugs. This year, their beautiful trading post along Oak Creek is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Information: 411 State Route 179, Sedona, 928-282-4070, garlands.com
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
The 18th annual Celebration of Art will take place September 25-27 on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Every year, the event features an impressive group of talented artists whose work is inspired by the natural wonder. This year’s theme, “Earth-Mapping,” explores the landscape through sensory, ecological and interpretive perspectives.
Information: Grand Canyon Conservancy, 800-858-2808, grandcanyon.org
Guru Nanak Dwara
Established in 1970, this building is the first Sikh gurdwara, or house of worship, in Arizona. Known for its stunning architecture, the gurdwara serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the local Sikh community. It regularly hosts prayer services, gatherings and communal meals; these events are always free and open to visitors.
Information: 2302 N. Ninth Street, Phoenix, 623-810-9849, gurunanakdwara.com
Halloween on Mount Vernon Avenue
Every Halloween, homeowners along Mount Vernon Avenue in Prescott ambitiously decorate their Victorian-style homes and the city closes the street to traffic, clearing the way for a flood of trick-or-treaters. Often referred to as a “haunted village,” the street attracts visitors of all ages — families in the early evening and older goblins after dark.
Information: prescott.com/halloween
J & J Antiques
If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, J & J Antiques has a mix of eclectic finds, from collectable pottery to unique lighting fixtures. Each piece is transparently sourced and vetted for quality. Located on Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood, the shop attracts buyers who are interested in interesting flashbacks.
Information: 796 N. Main Street, Cottonwood, 928-202-4495, bexdj.com
Mesa Amphitheater
The White Stripes. The Black Keys. Orville Peck. Santana. Bob Dylan. The B-52s. Great acts are drawn to great venues, and that’s why so many have played Mesa Amphitheater over the past 20 years. The outdoor space opened in 1979 with lawn seating for almost 5,000 people.
Information: 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480-644-2560, mesaamp.com
Nellie E. Saloon
If you see a caravan of cars driving into the desert north of Parker, chances are it’s headed to the Nellie E., a.k.a. the Desert Bar, a fully solar-powered operation at the end of a 5-mile dirt road. The quirky saloon is open Saturdays and Sundays from October through April and operates on
a cash-only basis.
Information: 928-667-5946
Rug Room at Heard Museum
The Heard’s focus is Indigenous art, including beadwork, drawings and prints, baskets, fashion, Hopi kachinas, jewelry, paintings, photography, film and video, pottery, sculptures and textiles. The museum’s exhibit of historic and contemporary rugs and textiles, which spans centuries and features Navajo and Puebloan designs, is especially popular with visitors.
Information: 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602-252-8840, heard.org
Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum, which opened on January 5, 1929, is a landmark in downtown Phoenix. Over the years, it’s played host to many Hollywood and Broadway greats including Mae West, Henry Fonda and Lauren Bacall. By the mid-1980s, it was in disrepair. That’s when the city purchased the theater and initiated a massive renovation. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Information: 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602-262-6225, orpheumphx.com
Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine
In 1988, Patricia and Gerald Chouinard purchased an 8-acre parcel of land to build a home for their retirement. Two years later, they joined a Medjugorje pilgrimage; when they returned, they commissioned a 75-foot-tall cross and sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Both are now accessible to pilgrims visiting Southern Arizona.
Information: 10310 S. Twin Oaks Road, Hereford, 520-378-2950, ourladyofthesierras.org
Pickle Barrel Trading Post
“You won’t believe what’s inside!” Globe’s Pickle Barrel Trading Post boasts that as its tagline — and it’s easy to see why. The 8,000-square-foot, 100-year-old Old Dominion Copper Co. warehouse is full of Indigenous crafts, bolo ties, belts, buckles and a boatload of other items.
Information: 404 S. Broad Street, Globe, 928-425-9282, picklebarreltradingpost.com
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm
Elk won’t eat lavender. And when Terry Gorton and Rick Vesci purchased the historic Almay Moroni-Rosetta Hunt homestead in Pine in 2015 (shown) and learned that, they decided to plant it. Lots of it. Today, the fragrant farm is open to the public, and visitors can purchase from the farm shop or take cooking classes.
Information: 4223 Pine Creek Canyon Road, Pine, 619-772-6005, pinelavenderfarm.com
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Arizona’s only large-scale olive farm is a 100-acre property with thousands of trees. Family-owned, the mill hosts guided tours, olive oil tastings, live music and seasonal events, and it has a wide variety of products for sale, including vinegars, stuffed olives, tapenades, pasta, sauces, jams, honey, mustards, spices and kitchen tools.
Information: 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 480-888-9290, queencreekolivemill.com
Retro Motel Signs
During the mid-20th century, Tucson’s Miracle Mile was the city’s primary automotive corridor. As a result, businesses hyped their wares with massive, glowing neon signs. In 2012, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation joined forces with Pima Community College to restore and reinstall some of the signs along Drachman Street.
Information: preservetucson.org
Riordan Mansion
This 40-room, duplex-style home was built in 1904 for the Riordan brothers, the owners of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Co. Not much has changed in the century since. The interior is nearly identical to what it was then, including the windows, which depict Indigenous people and Southwestern landscapes. Tours are available through Arizona State Parks.
Information: 409 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff, 928-779-4395, azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion
St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery
The monastery, dedicated to St. Anthony the Great, includes a main church, monks’ living quarters, guest facilities, a dining hall and agricultural areas — a vegetable garden, citrus orchards, a vineyard and an olive grove. Daily tours are available, as well as overnight stays of up to seven days in the guesthouses.
Information: 4784 N. St. Joseph’s Way, Florence, 520-868-3188, stanthonysmonastery.org
Slaughter Ranch
This ranch (shown) is the former home of John Horton Slaughter, who served as sheriff and deputy sheriff of Cochise County from the late 1800s to the 1920s and was known for confronting lawlessness on horseback. Today, the ranch is a museum. Visitors can tour the home and surrounding grounds.
Information: 6153 E. San Bernardino Road, Douglas, 520-660-9261, slaughterranch.org
Stinkweeds
Independently owned since it opened in 1987, Stinkweeds is the spot in Central Phoenix to spend an afternoon flipping through new and used records, CDs, tapes and more. Owner Kimber Lanning is dedicated to showcasing local artists and putting the spotlight on indie artists and labels.
Information: 12 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-248-9461, stinkweeds.com
Sweet Shoppe Candy Store
It’s been 15 years since this perennial favorite opened in downtown Flagstaff. People line up for the fudge, macarons and candy apples, along with a wide variety of specialty candy, including “worms and dirt marshmallows on a stick.” It’s two or three marshmallows dipped in white chocolate and rolled in crushed Oreo cookies. The worms are gummy worms that are “glued” on top with more white chocolate.
Information: 102 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, 928-213-9000, sweetshoppecandy.com
The Nash
Named for jazz drummer Lewis Nash, this popular jazz venue on Roosevelt Row hosts concerts, as well as classes. Most importantly, though, it’s a place to fill your ears with the soulful song of tenor saxophones, upright basses, trumpets and the steady rhythm of a hi-hat.
Information: 110 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602-795-0464, thenash.org
Tombstone Canyon
Bisbee’s main drag offers weekend visitors everything from artisanal soaps to locally collected honey, but the antiques shops on Tombstone Canyon seem to draw the steadiest traffic. There, you might find a slab of petrified wood, a set of Blakely glassware or the Arizona Highways “turquoise issue.”
Information: Discover Bisbee, 520-432-3554, discoverbisbee.com
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Home to some of the oldest Southwestern artifacts in the state, this park memorializes several cultures, including Tohono O’odham, Apache, Mexican, Spanish and American. Along with the Griffin Museum, which houses pieces up to 2,000 years old, the park includes an 1885 schoolhouse, Otero Hall, the historical Rojas House and the presidio ruins (shown).
Information: 1 Burruel Street, Tubac, 520-398-2252, tubacpresidio.org
Warren Ballpark
Billed as the oldest multi-sport ballpark in the country, and boasting a history that includes appearances by several Hall of Fame players, this stadium in Bisbee hosts a throwback baseball tourney, played under 1860s rules, every April.
Information: 99 Arizona Street, Bisbee, 520-366-1545, friendsofwarrenballpark.com
6. Hit the Road
Ajo Mountain Drive • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
After a quick stop at the monument’s visitors center to pick up a route guide, travelers can embark on this scenic 21-mile, unpaved loop that’s known for its views of mountains and organ pipe cactuses. Stops on the drive include the Arch Canyon Trailhead, where visitors can take a short trek to view a large natural arch.
Information: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 520-387-6849, nps.gov/orpi
Apache Trail • Tonto National Forest
The Apache Trail winds through the desert to Theodore Roosevelt Lake. While most of the drive can be completed in any vehicle, flood damage in 2019 left the section between Fish Creek Vista and Reavis Trailhead Road impassible for most cars. Only ATVs or high-clearance vehicles with four-wheel-drive are permitted on that stretch.
Information: Mesa Ranger District, 480-610-3300, fs.usda.gov/tonto
Big Lake Loop • White Mountains
On this easy, 27.4-mile loop drive just south of Big Lake, you’ll see evidence of the Wallow Fire, which burned
more than a half-million acres in the summer of 2011.
But you’ll also see what it looks like when a forest undergoes a vibrant rebirth.
Information: Springerville Ranger District, 928-333-6200, fs.usda.gov/asnf
Blake Ranch Road • Hualapai Mountains
For a scenic detour from the highway route between Kingman and the Phoenix area, take this relatively well-maintained dirt road 22 miles from Interstate 40 to U.S. Route 93. At the halfway point is the Moss Wash OHV Trail, which you can hike for 1.5 miles to the Gold King Mansion.
Information: Kingman Field Office, 928-718-3700, blm.gov/office/kingman-field-office
Bonita Canyon Drive • Chiricahua National Monument
Thousands of volcanic rock spires, known as hoodoos, are found here, and the 10-mile (one way) drive (shown) is an easy way for motorists to see many of them. There are stops along the way for hikes, nature walks and views of Rhyolite Canyon, which boasts hundreds of hoodoos emerging from the canyon’s side.
Information: Chiricahua National Monument, 520-824-3560, nps.gov/chir
Cactus Forest Drive • Saguaro National Park
Located in the East District of the park, this loop drive (shown following page) is a narrow, paved stretch of road that winds through the Sonoran Desert for 8 miles and offers expansive views and a dense concentration of saguaro cactuses. Open to both motorists and cyclists, the route also provides access to several trailheads.
Information: Saguaro National Park East, 520-733-5153, nps.gov/sagu
Catalina Highway • Near Tucson
If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, this 30-mile drive will take you to temperatures that are 30 degrees lower than they are in Tucson. The route climbs for approximately 6,000 feet and ends in the community of Summerhaven. There are several places to refuel up there, including the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin.
Information: Santa Catalina Ranger District, 520-749-8700, fs.usda.gov/coronado
Chinle to Cove • Chinle
The drive to Canyon de Chelly can be deceptive; it doesn’t seem that far off. That is, until you start driving. Still, it’s worth the effort. The long trek to this add-it-to-your-bucket-list-now national monument cuts through the heart of red-rock country on the Navajo Nation, and the scenery is spectacular.
Information: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, 928-674-5500, nps.gov/cach
Elephant Curve • Yarnell
Along a sharp bend in State Route 89 on Yarnell Hill, an elephant is painted on the side of a cliff. Its origin is uncertain, but stories include an account of a circus truck crash in the early 20th century. In any case, the elephant does serve a practical purpose by warning drivers of the curve ahead.
Information: Located on the right side of southbound SR 89 just west of the pullout for Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park.
Forest Road 300 • Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim is a destination for hikers, bikers, birders, campers and anglers. Scenic drivers like it, too. This 43-mile (one way) route leads from the Strawberry area to near Woods Canyon Lake. In between travelers will see aspens, maples and ponderosa pines, along with panoramas from the escarpment.
Information: Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255, fs.usda.gov/coconino; Black Mesa Ranger District, 928-535-7300, fs.usda.gov/asnf
Navajo Bridge • Marble Canyon
When the original Navajo Bridge opened in 1929, it created a vital connection point between the Arizona Strip and the rest of the state. That bridge still stands and is open to pedestrians; next to it is a nearly identical bridge, completed in 1995 to handle vehicle traffic. Both bridges are frequent perching spots for endangered California condors.
Information: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 928-608-6200, nps.gov/glca
Seligman to Kingman • Historic Route 66
Only one portion of Arizona’s stretch of Historic Route 66 is maintained by the state, and it’s this 83-mile jaunt through broad, flat Aubrey Valley. Keep an eye out for endangered black-footed ferrets — reintroduced in the valley in recent years — and Burma-Shave signs that pay homage to those that once dotted the Mother Road.
Information: Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, historic66az.com
State Route 83 • Near Canelo
As the stereotype goes, Arizona is mostly desert and dust. But the drive to Canelo, via State Route 83, is just one of the scenic roads that dispels that myth. The road is flanked by gorgeous grasslands and big stands of ocotillos, and the sky down there just seems … bigger.
Information: Sierra Vista Ranger District, 520-378-0311, fs.usda.gov /coronado.
Swift Trail • Near Safford
Contrary to its name, the Swift Trail, which climbs into the Pinaleño Mountains, is a steep, winding road that requires patience and careful driving. But the panoramic views, varied flora and cool breezes at the top make it an essential drive, especially as an escape from the summer heat. You might even see an endangered Mount Graham red squirrel.
Information: Safford Ranger District, 928-428-4150, fs.usda.gov/coronado
Wagoner Road Bridge • Near Wickenburg
Wagoner Road begins at State Route 89 and heads southeast, toward the Bradshaw Mountains. At Mile 8.4, it crosses the Wagoner Road Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in the 1920s to help carry wagons across the Hassayampa River, the bridge is now visited primarily for its historical significance.
Information: The road begins on SR 89 about 12 miles northeast of Yarnell.
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