Scenic drives are among the best ways to enjoy outdoor scenery, and Arizona is chock full of ’em. Senator Highway, a half-day route from Prescott to Crown King, offers a little bit of everything: towering trees, mountain views, and remnants of the rich mining history our state is so famous for.
A 37-mile route from Prescott to Crown King, Senator Highway is among the least-known – and most underrated – scenic drives in Arizona.
AllTrails/Kemper Burt
Half a mile after leaving Prescott city limits, the road officially becomes Senator Highway. The very first section, completed in the late 1860s, served as a toll road and was gradually extended to Crown King over time.
AllTrails/Jonathan Schmadeke
The first portion of the drive is paved as it passes the pristine Goldwater Lake.
TripAdvisor/Marilyn M. Consider parking the car and bringing a kayak or enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on.
Other noteworthy roadside attractions include Groom Creek Schoolhouse, the abandoned mining town of Maxton, and Hassayampa River.
AllTrails/Christy Alvarado You’ll begin a descent into plunging valleys, the surrounding mountains creating picturesque views guaranteed to drop your jaw. It’s important to note that the pavement does end shortly beyond Groom Creek.
About midway down the road, you’ll come upon a log cabin known as Palace Station.
AllTrails/Darrin Dexheimer Built by hand, this storied landmark was a stage stop before the U.S. Forest Service acquired it.
Near the cabin is a well in surprisingly good condition, evoking images of pioneer days.
AllTrails/Michael Hackerott From here, you’ll traverse a series of oak groves that slowly transition back into the towering pines this area is known for.
Bradshaw City, named after the man who discovered minerals in the Bradshaw Mountains over 150 years ago, is up next.
AllTrails/Darrin Dexheimer If you pass a scenic overlook and don’t take a dramatic sunset picture of your car, did you even take the drive?
Your final destination is Crown King, a former mining town that presently consists of just about 100 residents.
Facebook/Crown King Saloon & Cafe Get out and explore the historic saloon, hotel, and general store to stretch your legs before heading back the way you came.
Please note: An off-road vehicle is necessary to drive the entire length of the highway. If you don’t have one, consider a one-day rental (there are plenty of outfitters in the area!)
AllTrails/Kemper Burt
AllTrails/Jonathan Schmadeke
TripAdvisor/Marilyn M.
Consider parking the car and bringing a kayak or enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on.
AllTrails/Christy Alvarado
You’ll begin a descent into plunging valleys, the surrounding mountains creating picturesque views guaranteed to drop your jaw. It’s important to note that the pavement does end shortly beyond Groom Creek.
AllTrails/Darrin Dexheimer
Built by hand, this storied landmark was a stage stop before the U.S. Forest Service acquired it.
AllTrails/Michael Hackerott
From here, you’ll traverse a series of oak groves that slowly transition back into the towering pines this area is known for.
If you pass a scenic overlook and don’t take a dramatic sunset picture of your car, did you even take the drive?
Facebook/Crown King Saloon & Cafe
Get out and explore the historic saloon, hotel, and general store to stretch your legs before heading back the way you came.
Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.
Have you ever driven down Senator Highway? If so, tell us all about your experience! What’s your favorite lesser-known scenic drive in Arizona? Check out The 8 Best Backroads In Arizona For A Long Scenic Drive for some of ours.
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Address: Senator Highway, Senator Hwy, Prescott, AZ 86303, USA
