Looking to explore Arizona’s beautiful scenery like never before? If you’re in the mood for some driving, then you’ll want to check out some of the very best driving roads in Arizona. These scenic drives in Arizona offer incredible views and a bit of meditative time on the open road. You'll be surprised at just how magnificent and calming our state is! Gas up the car and pack some road trip snacks, because these awe-inspiring drives are calling your name.

1. Apache Trail

Editor's Note: Due to extensive road damage from flooding in 2019, this road is closed. You can learn more on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

This beautiful road on State Route 88 curves around the Superstition Mountains for 41 miles from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake. If there’s any way to experience the Arizona desert, it’s through a drive like this where you can see mountains, canyons, and all the beauty that lives in it. This amazing scenic route in Arizona is an experience waiting to be had.

Route map: Google Maps

2. Catalina Highway

This national scenic byway travels up the Santa Catalina Mountains, taking you from the desert floor of Tucson up to the summit of Mount Lemmon. It’s the perfect route to watch how quickly the Arizona scenery can change and can easily be done in an afternoon. This is easily one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona and we could do it a million times.

This wonderful video shows off the route perfectly:

Route map: Google Maps

3. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway

Named after the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, this trail is not only a historic route but also shows off some of the prettiest sights that eastern Arizona has to show off! The drive along US 191 for about three hours will take you through lush forests and some of the most remote places in the state. Come enjoy the curviest road in Arizona!

Route map: Google Maps

4. Fredonia-Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Road

If you find yourself driving through northern Arizona, be sure to take some time to explore this remote area! This route will take you across the Kaibab Plateau, through deserts and forest, showing off some spectacular views. When it comes to the best driving roads in Arizona this one's a shoo-in.

5. Gila-Pinal Scenic Road

This isn't a backroad, but it is one beautiful ride! We were amazed at how beautiful the drive along US 60 was the first time we traveled between Globe and Gold Canyon. You’ll see lovely canyons and forests through here, a sight that is certainly a hidden gem! This is one of those scenic roads in Arizona you're sure to want to drive again.

Route map: Google Maps

6. Joshua Forest Scenic Road

This is actually one of our favorite scenic drives in Arizona because the sudden appearance of a Joshua tree forest is unexpected and unusual. If you’ve ever driven the road between Wickenburg and Wikieup, then you’ll recognize the unique landscape here. Fun fact: Arizona is one of the only places in the world where you can see Joshua Trees. This unique scenic drive will introduce you to thousands.

Route map: Google Maps

7. Rim Road

If you’re in the mood to see some of Arizona’s beautiful forest scenery, check out Rim Road, also known as Forest Road 300. This dirt road takes you right along the edge of the Mogollon Rim and an experience you don’t want to miss. Be careful to check the road conditions before embarking on the route; it can be closed if there are nearby wildfires and it’s not recommended for driving in the rain or snow.

Route map: Google Maps

8. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road

The best way to see the Peaks is by hiking it but your next best view comes from driving around the mountain base. This scenic drive in Arizona takes you from Flagstaff, around the base of the mountains, and north toward Valle where the forest ends. It's an outrageously gorgeous scenic drive in AZ you're sure to find awe-inspiring.

Have you ever experienced any of the best scenic drives in Arizona? We'd love to hear your tips in the comments, as well as any other scenic drives you might add to this list.

Want to see more incredible sights in Arizona? These scenic overlooks in Arizona will leave you breathless.