8 route & road-trip ideas
Drive through high desert and forests, and see former Native American footpaths first used as horse paths by Conquistadors and prospectors, then as wagon trails for pioneers. While admiring the scenic beauty, imagine nomadic tribes of hunters, gatherers, trappers, outlaws, homesteaders, lumberjacks, and ranchers living along the byway.
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Explore selected surviving sections of the Mother Road, from Midwestern towns to Southwestern desert and the California coast. Build a trip around specific signed alignments, roadside history and the communities that make the journey distinctive.
Explore this route →Not every scenic journey needs a small backroad. I-15 links Mojave Desert distances, the Virgin River Gorge and the mountain-and-valley country farther north. Plan selected stretches with worthwhile stops rather than one nonstop transit.
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Travel through the Kaibab Plateau s meadows and forests of dense ponderosa pine and mixed conifer to the brink of the spectacular north rim of the Grand Canyon, 1,000 feet higher than the south rim. Watch for the abundant wildlife and experience breathtaking views of the canyon.
Explore this route →Sandstone buttes rise above open desert on the approach to Monument Valley. The public highway views and a visit within the Navajo Tribal Park are different experiences and should be planned separately.
Explore this route →A winding descent links Flagstaff’s high country with Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks. Make the drive part of an easy-paced day, with carefully chosen stops rather than a rushed connection.
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Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through Sedona s Red Rock Country, often called a museum without walls. Travelers are amazed by the high desert s power, diversity, and sense of intimacy with nature. Inhabited for thousands of years, the stunning red rocks are alive with a timeless spirit that captivates and inspires.
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Start your journey among giant saguaro cacti of the Sonoran desert and climb to shady conifer forests at nearly 9,000 feet, passing biological diversity equivalent to a drive from Mexico to Canada in just 27 miles. Enjoy spectacular views and recreational opportunities from hiking and camping to picnicking and skiing.
Explore this route →Multistate routes appear in each relevant state. Some entries describe a byway, others a selected stretch or a broader road trip; routes can overlap.