One of the things I love most about living in Arizona is all of the driving opportunities. Perhaps a little less so on Phoenix freeways between 3 pm and 6 pm, but driving for hours on our open highways with the windows rolled down and the golden sunlight filtering through is an exhilarating experience, to say the least. Here’s a scenic drive in Arizona you don’t want to skip:
Did you know Arizona is home to one of the curviest roads in the country?
Pam Falcioni/Flickr That’s right! We haven’t taken the time to count the number of curves ourselves—we lose track after curve number 47—but most estimates put it at more than 460!
The road is U.S. Highway 191, also known as the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. The scenic portion of the road extends from Clifton and Morenci up to Alpine and Springerville.
Google Maps Did you know this was also previously known as Highway 666, which resulted in the nickname “The Devil’s Highway?” If you’re not used to curvy, narrow roads, you might agree with that name!
And, oh, is it curvy! Here’s a peek at one small section and you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re paying attention when driving this road!
Google Maps
The twists and turns on this road will take you from an arid, hilly environment…
Tom Blackwell/Flickr
…deep into the woods of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and the Blue Range Primitive Wilderness.
Pam Falcioni/Flickr
A couple of tips before you head out for a drive: First, make sure you gas up before starting the trek, as most of the highway is completely devoid of towns or services, so if you run out of gas, you’re out of luck for many miles.
Pam Falcioni/Flickr Second, take advantage of the pull-offs and overlooks! Not only will you enjoy some beautiful views, it’s also an opportunity for the driver to take a short break from all the curves.
This is certainly one exhilarating drive! Are there any other roads you think could also be a contender for curviest or most sweat-inducing drives in Arizona? Be sure to let us know what you think!
Pam Falcioni/Flickr
That’s right! We haven’t taken the time to count the number of curves ourselves—we lose track after curve number 47—but most estimates put it at more than 460!
Google Maps
Did you know this was also previously known as Highway 666, which resulted in the nickname “The Devil’s Highway?” If you’re not used to curvy, narrow roads, you might agree with that name!
Tom Blackwell/Flickr
Second, take advantage of the pull-offs and overlooks! Not only will you enjoy some beautiful views, it’s also an opportunity for the driver to take a short break from all the curves.
If you want to check out another fantastic scenic drive in Arizona, we recommend trying Swift Trail, also known as State Route 366, located near Mount Graham. You can read more in our previous article: The Highest Road In Arizona Will Lead You On An Unforgettable Journey.
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Address: Coronado Trail, Morenci, AZ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drive In Arizona August 13, 2020 Leah What are the best road trips through Arizona? Take an interesting drive in Arizona to some of the coolest places across the state. We’ve put together quite a few road trips, from a convenient route through Arizona’s Natural Wonders to a spooky overnight Arizona Ghost Towns Road Trip. If you like creepy stuff like that, you may also be interested in taking a drive to the Most Haunted Places In Arizona. Looking for something a bit more pleasant and less creepy? Jump in the car and experience this Arizona Picturesque Small Towns Road Trip. There are many ways to explore every corner of the state, and plenty of open roads to get to them on. What is the most scenic drive in Arizona? After traveling through the windiest road in Arizona and seeing all the wonders it has to offer, explore some of the other prettiest byways, backways, and scenic drives through the Grand Canyon State. The Catalina Highway is a great option, easily completed in a day and it’ll take you from the base of the mountains up to the summit. See towering cliffs and mesmerizing scenery on the Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road, taking you across the Kaibab Plateau. To explore the forest by car, try Rim Road along the Mogollon Rim. What are the best little known byways in Arizona? If a curvy road in Arizona is something you find easy to traverse, you might be interested in heading out to the most remote parts of the state and driving lesser-known roads. The Apache Trail, along State Route 88, will take you along the Superstition Mountains, give you a view of the Roosevelt Dam, and go through the Tonto National Monument. The Beeline Highway is a drive that shows the varying landscapes of Arizona, going from desert to trees to a high plateau. You can never go wrong with a cruise along US 163, either, that takes you to the amazing Monument Valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drive In Arizona
August 13, 2020
Leah
What are the best road trips through Arizona? Take an interesting drive in Arizona to some of the coolest places across the state. We’ve put together quite a few road trips, from a convenient route through Arizona’s Natural Wonders to a spooky overnight Arizona Ghost Towns Road Trip. If you like creepy stuff like that, you may also be interested in taking a drive to the Most Haunted Places In Arizona. Looking for something a bit more pleasant and less creepy? Jump in the car and experience this Arizona Picturesque Small Towns Road Trip. There are many ways to explore every corner of the state, and plenty of open roads to get to them on. What is the most scenic drive in Arizona? After traveling through the windiest road in Arizona and seeing all the wonders it has to offer, explore some of the other prettiest byways, backways, and scenic drives through the Grand Canyon State. The Catalina Highway is a great option, easily completed in a day and it’ll take you from the base of the mountains up to the summit. See towering cliffs and mesmerizing scenery on the Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road, taking you across the Kaibab Plateau. To explore the forest by car, try Rim Road along the Mogollon Rim. What are the best little known byways in Arizona? If a curvy road in Arizona is something you find easy to traverse, you might be interested in heading out to the most remote parts of the state and driving lesser-known roads. The Apache Trail, along State Route 88, will take you along the Superstition Mountains, give you a view of the Roosevelt Dam, and go through the Tonto National Monument. The Beeline Highway is a drive that shows the varying landscapes of Arizona, going from desert to trees to a high plateau. You can never go wrong with a cruise along US 163, either, that takes you to the amazing Monument Valley.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Take an interesting drive in Arizona to some of the coolest places across the state. We’ve put together quite a few road trips, from a convenient route through Arizona’s Natural Wonders to a spooky overnight Arizona Ghost Towns Road Trip. If you like creepy stuff like that, you may also be interested in taking a drive to the Most Haunted Places In Arizona. Looking for something a bit more pleasant and less creepy? Jump in the car and experience this Arizona Picturesque Small Towns Road Trip. There are many ways to explore every corner of the state, and plenty of open roads to get to them on.
What is the most scenic drive in Arizona?
After traveling through the windiest road in Arizona and seeing all the wonders it has to offer, explore some of the other prettiest byways, backways, and scenic drives through the Grand Canyon State. The Catalina Highway is a great option, easily completed in a day and it’ll take you from the base of the mountains up to the summit. See towering cliffs and mesmerizing scenery on the Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road, taking you across the Kaibab Plateau. To explore the forest by car, try Rim Road along the Mogollon Rim.
What are the best little known byways in Arizona?
If a curvy road in Arizona is something you find easy to traverse, you might be interested in heading out to the most remote parts of the state and driving lesser-known roads. The Apache Trail, along State Route 88, will take you along the Superstition Mountains, give you a view of the Roosevelt Dam, and go through the Tonto National Monument. The Beeline Highway is a drive that shows the varying landscapes of Arizona, going from desert to trees to a high plateau. You can never go wrong with a cruise along US 163, either, that takes you to the amazing Monument Valley.
