No better feeling than getting in the car, cranking up the air conditioning and going for a relaxing drive through the Arizona expanse. We’ve outlined five scenic drives that are worth the trek out from Phoenix, road trips across historic and beautiful routes, full of hidden small towns, scenic vistas, and jaw-dropping landscapes.

The Beeline Highway

Heading northeast on State Road 87 out of Mesa, you’ll end up on the Beeline Highway, which, over the course of an hour or so, takes you through Tonto National Forest up to the high country town of Payson. This curvy trek will take you past countless trailheads, wilderness areas, and photogenic stopping points, which is why it more than deserves its reputation as one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Apache Trail

This historic and beloved stretch of road will take you past a slew of memorable stops, like Lost Dutchman State Park, the gorgeous Canyon Lake and Apache Lakes, and the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Winding through Tonto National Forest, Apache Trail is a tough but rewarding 40-mile drive full of tight switchbacks and surprisingly sharp turns. There are few better ways to spend an afternoon than exploring the majesty Arizona has to offer along Apache Trail.

Copper Corridor Scenic Road

The lower half of State Route 77, running from Globe to Tucson is also known as the Copper Corridor, another road featuring impressive desert and mountain views connecting small towns full of history and personality. You’ll encounter Aravaipa Canyon Preserve, the mind-expanding experimental community of Biosphere 2, and the stunning Pinal Peak.

Dobbins Lookout

Dobbins Lookout is perhaps best known for being a go-to for those looking for impressive mountain vistas without having to hike, the drive itself is also quite nice. Meandering through South Mountain Park, you’ll want to take things nice and slow to soak in the striking drop-offs and panoramic views. With several spots to pull off for photo opportunities and various trailheads, you can easily make a whole day out of just the drive up to the lookout, perhaps perfectly timed to enjoy a nice sunset.

Old U.S. Highway 80

Now absorbed and rendered obsolete by Interstates 8 and 10, the historic US Route 80 was an important roadway in Arizona history. Remnants of the highway endure, like the 40-mile stretch of Old US 80 between Palo Verde and Gila Bend, which features plenty of desert views, as well as some unique agricultural sites and farmland, winding along the Gila River and passing right by Arlington Volcano. The expansive terrain and its significant role in the history of transportation in the state makes this a hidden gem among scenic drives in the area.

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