The Best Scenic Drives Near Phoenix

When it comes to Arizona road trips, Phoenix is the perfect launch pad. Within just a couple of hours, you can trade downtown’s skyscrapers for red-rock cliffs, cactus-dotted highways, alpine forests, and even a massive crater created by a meteor impact. Whether you have a half-day or a full weekend, these scenic drives near Phoenix showcase the very best of Arizona’s dramatic landscapes.

Here are the five most unforgettable routes in Arizona, each with unique views, attractions, and roadside stops you won’t want to miss.

1. Apache Trail (State Route 88)

Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes to start (Apache Junction)
Length of drive: 40 miles one way

One of Arizona’s most famous scenic routes, the Apache Trail winds through the rugged Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. The road itself was once a stagecoach route used in the early 1900s, and today it remains one of the most photogenic drives in the state. Towering cliffs and sweeping desert vistas create postcard-worthy views around nearly every turn. This scenic drive has plenty of spots where you can pause for photos, take short hikes, or enjoy a meal in a rustic desert town.

Highlights include:

• Canyon Lake: A sapphire reservoir surrounded by cliffs, perfect for photos or a quick boat ride.
  
• Tortilla Flat: A quirky, old mining town turned tourist stop, with a saloon covered in dollar bills.
  
• Tonto National Monument: Ancient cliff dwellings where you can walk in the footsteps of the Salado people.
  

Pro Tip: Parts of the Apache Trail are unpaved and narrow. Drive carefully, and avoid the route during heavy rains.

2. Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive (U.S. Highway 60)

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours to reach the canyon
Length of drive: About 60 miles through the canyon

Nicknamed the “mini Grand Canyon,” Salt River Canyon is one of Arizona’s hidden gems. The drive east on U.S. 60 winds from high desert into dramatic rhyolite cliffs, then drops via sweeping switchbacks to the river far below before climbing back out the opposite wall. Expect constant scenery changes with layered rock strata, knife-edge ridgelines, and broad vistas that open suddenly after each bend. Pullouts are frequent, and the historic steel truss bridge at the canyon floor makes a great leg-stretch and photo stop. Go slow, use low gear on the grades, and savor the overlook, because this is a route where the journey truly is the destination.

Why it’s worth the trip:

• Salt River Canyon Lookout: Stop at the main viewpoint to soak in the scale of the canyon.
  
• Whitewater Rafting: In spring, adventure-seekers can raft the Salt River.
  
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and wild horses.
  

This drive is particularly stunning in the fall, when cottonwoods along the river glow bright yellow.

3. Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179, Sedona)

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours to Sedona
Length of drive: 7.5 miles (but plan to linger)

Often called “a museum without walls,” the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a short drive packed with iconic Sedona landscapes. Starting near the Village of Oak Creek and running into Sedona, this stretch of SR-179 delivers nonstop red-rock views. Even though it’s only 7.5 miles, expect to spend extra time pulling into the many scenic turnouts with each bend framing a new set of buttes, spires, and towers. The road undulates gently, offering ever-changing sightlines that make even slow traffic feel like a moving lookout. Photographers will love the interplay of light and shadow on the rock faces, especially after a passing cloudbank or brief monsoon shower.

Must-see stops along the way:

• Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte: Easy hiking trails loop around these famous formations.
  
• Chapel of the Holy Cross: Built into the red rocks, this chapel is one of Sedona’s architectural marvels.
  
• Cathedral Rock: One of the most photographed spots in Arizona, especially at sunset.
  

Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid Sedona traffic and capture the best light for photography.

4. Route 66 to Meteor Crater

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours to Meteor Crater via I-17 and I-40
Length of drive: About 160 miles each way

For travelers who love history and the extraordinary, a drive to Meteor Crater near Winslow is a must. The route takes you north from Phoenix through high desert, ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff, and then east along Historic Route 66. As you climb out of the Valley on I-17, saguaros give way to piñon and juniper, then suddenly to tall pines and cool mountain air around Flagstaff. Turning east on I-40 traces the spirit of the Mother Road with long horizons, classic roadside stops, and big-sky views that set the stage for your encounter with the crater. The approach itself builds anticipation; the land seems flat and quiet until, all at once, the vast bowl opens before you.

What makes this drive special:

• Meteor Crater Natural Landmark: Nearly 1 mile across and 550 feet deep, this impact site was created about 50,000 years ago when a meteor slammed into the Earth. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, a movie theater, and guided rim tours.
  
• Winslow, Arizona: Yes, you can “stand on the corner” made famous by the Eagles’ song. Downtown Winslow is a fun stop for photos and Route 66 nostalgia.
  
• Flagstaff: On the way, enjoy cool mountain air, breweries, and a lively historic downtown.
  

This drive is longer than the others, but it offers a rare combination of Americana and natural wonder. For road trippers, few experiences rival gazing into a massive crater formed by forces from outer space.

5. Desert Foothills Drive: Carefree and Cave Creek Loop

Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes to start
Length of drive: About 35 miles round trip

For a shorter outing close to Phoenix, head north to the desert towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. This loop blends desert beauty with charming small-town stops. The route meanders past boulder-strewn hills, towering saguaros, and stands of ocotillo that light up after spring rains. Between viewpoints you’ll find art galleries, patios for a leisurely lunch, and easy trailheads if you want to stretch your legs. It’s an easy half-day escape that feels worlds away from the city without a long highway haul.

Highlights include:

• Carefree Sundial: One of the world’s largest sundials, located in Carefree’s town center.
  
• Cave Creek Regional Park: Great for desert hiking and spotting saguaros, jackrabbits, and roadrunners.
  
• Western Vibe in Cave Creek: Enjoy cowboy-themed shops, live music, and hearty food.
  

This route is especially nice in spring when desert wildflowers bloom along the roadside.

Why These Scenic Drives Are Worth It

From towering red-rock cliffs in Sedona to the deep, winding walls of Salt River Canyon, and the otherworldly vastness of Meteor Crater, Arizona’s landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking. Arizona scenic drives let you sample that diversity at your own pace: pull over for photos, linger for a short hike, or roll the windows down and just keep cruising. Whether you’ve got an afternoon or a full weekend, each route offers its own mix of color, scale, history, and sky. Top off the tank, pick a direction, and go; the open road is one of the best ways to experience Arizona.