Southern Arizona is home to many of the most spectacular and scenic roads in the entire state. Whether it’s your first time in Arizona, or you’re looking for a family-friendly activity for the summer, a road trip down these scenic roads will give you plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation. Make sure not to ever enter a road that is at risk of flooding during monsoon rains if you see warning signs or see a storm coming.
Tucson to Mount Lemmon via the Catalina Highway
This scenic drive goes through the Coronado National Forest and has many scenic pullouts and overlooks. You can take advantage of nearby hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, camping, and skiing. The 25 mile road is paved and reaches an elevation of 9,157 feet. The temperature drops around 25 degrees in the summer compared to Tucson temperatures. Depending on the time of year, you can see gorgeous wildflowers along the highway.
Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park West
This drive takes you through a forest of saguaros, with access to hiking, picnic areas, and beautiful views. You can also view petroglyphs. The 21 mile paved and gravel drive goes through Gates Pass and Tucson Mountain Park. You will encounter saguaro cacti and wildlife. The drive is an open loop that can be accessed from either side of I-10.
AZ 366-The Swift Trail to Riggs Lake
This trip begins at US 666, also known as US 191 or the Devil’s Highway, which is seven miles south of Safford. The road twists up Mt. Graham, and on the way to Riggs Lake, you will travel through five of North America’s seven life zones. These life zones support unique plants and animals. The road ends at a small reservoir, where you can find trout fishing, birdwatching, and other unique plants and wildlife. Mt. Graham is the highest mountain in the Pinaleno Mountains.
Puerto Blanko & Ajo Mountain Drive, Organ Pipe National Monument
When you arrive at the visitor center at Organ Pipe National Monument, you can take one of two gravel roads that loop around the park. You will see wildflowers and wildlife, and can take advantage of hiking, backcountry camping, and backpacking. The area is isolated and reaches high temperatures during the summer months. Avoid the area during monsoon season, as violent storms can wash out the roads.
AZ 79-Pinal Pioneer Parkway
The parkway follows AZ 79 south between Florence and Oracle Junction. It travels 42 miles through the high Sonoran Desert and was established in 1961. It goes through a relatively untouched area of desert, and features saguaro forests, nature studies, and picnic areas.
U.S. 95-Yuma to Quartzsite
This drive follows US 95 north from Yuma to Quartzsite. It travels through harsh and beautiful desert landscapes that feature creosote filled basins and jagged mountains. You will drive through Yuma, the Kofa Mountains, Palm Canyon, Castle Dome Mountains, and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. You will have opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Willcox to Chiricahua National Monument
Travel south on highway 186 to the Chiricahua National Monument. Follow the road through Bonita Canyon, where you will encounter one of the most beautiful natural sights in the state. Go for a hike through The Wonderland of Rocks, or just stop at a scenic overlook to take in the amazing view. You can also take a tour of Faraway Ranch, the original home of a Swedish immigrant family who came to Arizona in the 1900s.
The Coronado Trail
This drive begins in Springerville and ends in the mining town of Morenci, Arizona. It covers 123 miles of paved roads with varying elevations. You’ll have access to camping, fishing, and hiking. The attractions include beautiful foliage in the fall, as well as wildlife and forests.
Las Cienegas Conservation Area
One of the most beautiful drives in Southern Arizona is a stone’s throw away from Sierra Vista along Highway 83 to Sonoita. Stop at the Las Cienegas National Conservation area along the way to view 45,000 acres of rolling grasslands, as well as wildlife and birdwatching. Continue down Highway 83 to wine country, where you’ll find a dozen wineries and tasting rooms, as well as historic ranches.
Call Us at Castle & Cooke Today to Tour Beautiful Homes in Arizona
If you’re ready to move to Southern Arizona and are looking for a beautiful home in a planned community, contact us at Castle & Cooke. We offer homes in Sierra Vista in our communities, Holiday and The Oaks. Our communities feature parks, picnic areas, walking paths, pools, and more for residents of all ages to enjoy. To learn more about our designed communities and move-in ready homes, call us today at (520) 441-8580 or contact us online.