Arizona is often accused of having only two seasons, Spring and Asphalt-melting Summer. If you never venture out of Phoenix, this would be the case. However, Arizona is more than just desert. There are three must-travel roadways this fall before the snow (yes, snow) starts falling in the high country. You'll be in for a wonderful treat of fall colors in the trees, much cooler temperatures, and on at least one road, some amazing switchbacks.
- Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway - The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway is a well known gem in Arizona. Beginning at exit 298 on Interstate 17, Arizona State Route 179 begins our trip through the Red Rock country of Central Arizona. The narrow 2-lane byway has been undergoing some modernization by the Arizona Department of Transportation, including use of traffic circles through Village of Big Park and into Sedona. Keep an eye out for construction when traveling through Sedona. Sedona is often considered to be a spiritual mecca of sorts, and is believed to be the site of a vortex, or place where earth's energy is greatest. If you are into New Age Spiritualism, a stop in Sedona is a must. Once you're ready to head into the canyon, set your sights for northbound Arizona State Route 89A, towards Flagstaff. The road will wind you through some of the best desert-to-pines views in the region as you snake up the narrow Oak Creek Canyon. There are plenty of places to pull off the highway and view the stunning vistas, however make sure you visit the US Forest Service office on your way into Sedona if you plan to hike some of the wonderful trails in the area. Passes cost $5 for a one day pass. Along the route is Slide Rock State Park, a playground of slippery rocks and waterfalls along the creek. Oak Creek Canyon Road continues deeper into the canyon, almost to the end, when a series of hairpin turns and switchbacks take you out of the canyon and up onto the plateau. The road culminates in Flagstaff with views of the majestic San Francisco Peaks.
- Coronado Trail - In rural Eastern Arizona, where agriculture gives way to copper mines, runs the twisting, winding, and breathtaking Coronado Trail. Starting the journey in Safford, head east along US 70/191 to where US 191 splits from US 70, and continue east into Greenlee County, the least populated county in Arizona. The highway turns north at an intersection in the middle of the desert toward the county seat of Clifton, a small mining town in the mountains near the county's other main population center, Morenci. Both of the towns support the Morenci mines, and other copper operations in the area. Clifton and Morenci will be your last chance for major services before Eager and Springerville, about 140 miles away. The Coronado Trail winds through the White Mountains and lush pine forests as you ascend from the scorching desert floor and pit mines of Morenci. The road includes some steep drop offs and cautious driving is encouraged. Cell phone reception is minimal in this region, so ensure you have supplies to make it through a night if needed. With the danger of being on a winding, narrow highway through the wilderness and far from civilization aside, the views and recreational opportunities make up for any anxiety felt. The Coronado Trail is one of Arizona's highways that is a perfect early fall escape from the desert cities of Phoenix and Tucson.
- The Salt River Canyon Road - If you're looking for a great two-day adventure, or one really long day, adding the Salt River Canyon to your return trek from the Coronado Trail is highly recommended. US 60 between Show Low and Globe offers a winding roadway snaking through the Tonto National Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation, including a an excellent drive down into and back out of Salt River Canyon. Sights along the roadway include the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and the stunning vistas as you climb into the White Mountains and into Show Low.
If you're looking for a quick day trip to get out and away from the bustle of Phoenix, these three highways should be at the top of your list. Hurry though, the snows of winter are fast approaching in the high country, and the ability to enjoy these routes will become more difficult until spring of 2010.
For more information:
http://www.redrockcountry.org/ - Red Rock Country information from the US Forest Service.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2059/ Coronado Trail on Byways.org
http://www.redrockcountry.org/ - Red Rock Country information from the US Forest Service.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2059/ Coronado Trail on Byways.org
Google Map to the Coronado Trail
Google Map to the Salt River Canyon Road
Google Map to the Oak Creek Canyon & Red Rock Country Scenic Byway
Comments
What a fantastic article! We try to highlight the same great stuff about Arizona on our family's blog: iTourAZ.com
Sedona is really a lovely place. The scenery is really great, especially at sunset (being a night owl, I wouldn't know much about sunrise...) and they have some of the best SW food around.
Our family likes the ride up to Sedona and further north. Hope there isn't much construction when we visit this December
Great story ! I like the maps, that is very handy, especially for us tourists and visitors.
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