Highway to Summer Fun

Arizona Office of Tourism

Whether you have a few weeks of vacation or just a short weekend to relax, Arizona has the highways and byways to get you to the coolest summertime fun locations.

Northern AZ - Spin the compass needle and head north on the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Road (State Rte. 89A). Once a cattle trail, this 14.5-mile, two-land road follows Oak Creek through Sedona's spectacular red rock canyon walls, ascending 4,500 feet into the cool ponderosa pine and aspen forests of Flagstaff. Push a little farther north to the crystal blue waters of Lake Powell, the majestic depths of Grand Canyon, and the sandstone spires of Monument Valley.

AZ's West Coast - Point your wheels due west and set the radio dial to a golden oldies station from the '50s. As you cruise the longest stretch of historic Route 66 from Ashfork (west of Flagstaff) to Topock, you'll cover arid desert, the Black Mountains, huge caverns, and the Mohave reservation, not to mention some nifty fifties diners, Time permitting, follow the Colorado River south to the gold mining town of Oatman and then on to the water playground of Lake Havasu City.

Tucson & Southern AZ - Heading south, the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road winds 52 miles through rolling hills and grasslands bordered by the Patagonia and Santa Rita mountains. It leads to several bird, butterfly, and animal habitats amongst lowering cotton woods. While you're in the general area, hike Ramsey Canyon, relive the old west in Tombstone, and do a little antiquing in the old copper mining town of Bisbee. Back Tucson way, there's Sabino Canyon, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios, and Mission San Xavier del Bac.

Phoenix & Central AZ - Take the Gila-Pinal Scenic Road east around the Superstition Mountains, past Boyce Thompson Arboretum and into the Old West mining towns of Globe and Miami where prospectors gained and lost fortunes. Head back to Phoenix for an exciting Diamondbacks game, a float down the Salt River, or a hike up Camelback Mountain overlooking the city.

For more information on scenic Arizona routes, call the Arizona Office of Tourism at 602-364-3700 or go to www.ArizonaScenicRoads.com.