san francisco peaks scenic loop drive

The cave was formed 700,000 years ago by a river of molten lava blasted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. While widely accepted today, it was a controversial notion when he published his findings in 1890. Follow FR 418 as it meanders through the aspens, with the scree-covered (and sometimes snowcapped) slopes of 12,633-foot Humphreys Peak commanding the southern horizon. If there’s anything we can all agree on, it’s that Arizona has some spectacular scenery. This road is within the Colorado Plateau Region and is distinguished by remarkable canyons and mountain ranges. It’s 74 miles from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park. Mileage: The scenic road is 31 miles (Milepost 224 to Milepost 255). And if hot magma is raining down from the sky, put the top up on the convertible and turn around at the first opportunity. And welcome to my world! At a Glance. The San Francisco Peaks are a quiet volcanic mountain range with six summits including Mount Humphreys towering at 12,633 feet, the tallest peak in the state. Turn left onto FR 552 and continue 1.6 miles to U.S. Route 89. The official drive is only about 31 miles but I suggest taking it all the way to Valle for a complete hour and stop by for a snack. Carry plenty of water. Road. Desert View Drive at Grand Canyon National Park offers several outstanding overlooks. The amphitheater calls to mind a miniaturized Bryce Canyon bristling with colorful hoodoos. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco, California.It was created in 1938 by the San Francisco Down Town Association to showcase the city's major attractions and natural beauty during the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.. Like many of our scenic drives, this one can be done in either direction. Downtown Association for the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939 and featured a route between San Francisco City Hall and Treasure Island. At the Y, bear left. If you set out on a road trip, remember to observe mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety practices. "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes" covers all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, along with nearby hiking trails, attractions, activities and suggestions on where to eat and stay. Lurking beneath the soft facade is an explosive lava-spewing geological hotspot. This road is within the Colorado Plateau Region and is distinguished by remarkable canyons and mountain ranges. Turn left onto FS 151 and drive south 8 miles to Hwy 180. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road (U.S. 180) is one of the two primary routes leading from Flagstaff, AZ, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The leaf-peeping crowds are so thick there on weekends that parking is often impossible. That’s why I wrote my latest book, "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes.". It was love at first sight. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is the quickest and most accessible way to explore San Francisco. The tallest peak is the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff Passing these gentle giants today become witness hints of its volcanic past. SF’s historic, 49 mile loop around the City has been reinvented as a walking adventure! A lone hiking trail climbs above the tree line and crosses alpine tundra to reach the summit of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. Both end at the Waterline Road (FR 146) along the base of a long talus slope topped by Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest point. San Francisco Peaks. A ladder climbs over a stone wall and you’re engulfed in a wonderland of gnawed spires, twisted pillars and contorted walls bubbled with trapped gasses. I’m not sure how you would prepare for such an event if it happens during your road trip other than to exercise caution. Don’t travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.Information: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866 or www.fs.usda.gov/coconino, Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. Scenic Drives: There are four designated scenic drives. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 251 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. The San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to a height of 16,000 feet. And as of October, Monument Valley and other tourism sites on the Navajo Reservation are still closed and curfews may be in effect. The Hopis believe their kachina gods dwell within the mountains, and they are one of four sacred mountains to the Navajos forming the boundaries of their homeland. It appears to have its side ripped out, exposing a fancifully eroded internal structure that you can enter (see Hiking). Pioneer Museum (M2) is also nearby and showcases northern Arizonas early history, ranching, logging and transportation. Snowbowl Road makes a winding climb up the slopes to a major ski area, offering multiple runs during winter and a scenic chair lift ride in warmer months. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). Do not try to cross a wash flowing with lava. "Arizona's Scenic Roads & Hikes" by Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor details 27 stunning highways and byways with things to do along the way. But the problem for people seeking to get their annual leaf-peeping fix is that popular spots high on the mountains can feel as congested as a shopping mall’s parking lot on Christmas Eve. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. It's all about the city's size: 49 square miles. The San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to a height of 16,000 feet. | Douglas Koepsel. On this trip, ... you can loop back to San Francisco by continuing on 92 to 280 (recommended) or 101 (blech! 5. Around the Peaks Loop. To the northeast, golden meadows fall away into the Painted Desert’s sea of color and space. Why is it 49 miles long? For those that prefer skiing on more level terrain, Arizona Nordic Village offers miles of groomed cross-country trails during winter, and cabins and yurts for rent throughout the year. The trail starts along an old road that winds through junipers and pinion pines, then dips into the bed of a wash. After a mile the sandy streambed squeezes between towers of black cinders. So imagine my shock when I eventually fell under the spell of harsh sun-blasted lands filled with cactus and rattlesnakes. ). You can expect an impressive display of diversity on a road that travels from Arizona’s highest mountains to its deepest canyon. For the last stretch of highway, you’re clear of the forest and rolling across sagebrush prairie. Basically just assume every hill and mountain you see along this road were volcanoes or mixed up in volcanic treachery. From shop ... because here they come. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 251 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. Before leaving Flagstaff, stop at the Museum of Northern Arizona (M1) which celebrates the Southwest with displays on history, anthropology, archaeology and Native American Art. Overview: Passing through thick forests, mountain meadows and sagebrush flats, this road travels along the edge of Arizona’s tallest mountains and provides a major route to Grand Canyon. Look for the signed parking area on the west side of 180, 7 miles past the turnoff for Snowbowl. ", "Crazy for the Heat: Arizona Tales of Ghosts, Gumshoes and Bigfoot" (fiction), Phoenix, Mesa airports see brisk traffic for Thanksgiving, Rocky, the owl stuck in Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, is released, Why Frontier is expanding at Sky Harbor during a pandemic, Flying? As you enter the wide grasslands of Kendrick Park, glance up the slopes of the peaks and you’ll see the shimmering green of fast-growing aspen saplings filling the place where ponderosa pines once stood. Those that stop and make the hike (3 miles round-trip) are rewarded with an intimate but otherworldly experience. Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 and turn left on Forest Road 245 (at milepost 230). There are some tight spots but the ceiling often soars dozens of feet overhead. Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. This new event is inspired by and made possible thanks to Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, authors of Walking San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive. It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban. Drive about 15 … ", "The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon. About 3 miles after turning onto FR 418, you’ll reach the intersection with Forest Road 9123J and a spectacular panorama (and ideal picnic spot) that encompasses the crown jewels of Northern Arizona. However, it's the most popular due to its central location and unobstructed views all around the SF Bay. 1.49 Mile Scenic Drive Through San Francisco Buckle up for an urban adventure on the 49 Mile Scenic Drive in San Francisco. Fine Art Print - San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Panoramic - scenic colorful photograph, gift ideas present home office wall decor furnishings JManjeotPhotography. The images on this website are copyrighted. The San Francisco Peaks (Spanish: Sierra de San Francisco, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) are a volcanic mountain range in San Francisco volcanic field in north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff and a remnant of the former San Francisco Mountain.The highest summit in the range, Humphreys Peak, is the highest point in the state of Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) in elevation. Around the Peaks Loop. Information for all hiking trails: 928-526-0866, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. The Red Mountain Trail north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires. Join us in walking the city’s historic 49 Mile Scenic Drive in chunks over the course of nine months. On your left, the vibrant yellow leaves of young aspen stands pop against black remnants of the 1996 Hochderffer Fire. Look in any general direction and you’re bound to find something that will catch your eye. © 2020 www.azcentral.com. Save. Drive about 15 miles northeast on US 89 from the center of Flagstaff. Grand Canyon Loop. This road is a state-designated scenic road. Red Mountain still wears visible scars of its violent past. Turn right onto FR 151 and continue 1.6 miles to Forest Road 418. ... more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Photo: Forest Road 418 offers a view of golden-leafed aspens and the San Francisco Peaks to the south. Getting To the Peaks. San Francisco Peaks: Beautiful Scenic Drive - See 251 traveller reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Roads throughout he San Francisco Peaks provide access to some of Arizona’s best fall colors. And they may not be finished. Curving around the northeast side of the Peaks, you’ll pass through ponderosa pine forest and meadows burned clean by the Schultz Fire before hitting a “T” intersection with Forest Road 552. On the outskirts of town, you’ll pass a couple of excellent museums. Flagstaff is the closest major city to the loop, so it’s generally wise to begin your San Francisco Peaks Arizona road trip there. Dress warm and carry at least two sources of light. On the northwestern horizon, a glim-mering stripe of white limestone marks the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, serving as a yin to the Peaks’ yang. All rights reserved. Travel from sun-kissed deserts to snow-capped mountains, from the cosmic abyss of the Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona and the soaring monoliths of Monument Valley. Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in. Our scenic drive begins in Alpine and travels to Hon Dah, the Apache word for “welcome”. Summer sunflowers bloom in the meadows along the San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. ... more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. In this guide I feature all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, including five National Scenic Byways. Lava River Cave: Explore one of the most unusual volcanic scars of the area when hiking a nearly mile-long lava tube hidden beneath the ponderosa pines. Aspen leaves carpet a trail high up on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. Please be polite. It is on the National Scenic Byway list. "Boots and Burgers: An Arizona Handbook for Hungry Hikers. After 1.6 miles, you’ll reach a fork where FR 151 bends to the right and Forest Road 418 to the left. These two trails make a scenic loop through forested canyons. San Francisco Peaks: Beautiful Scenic Drive - See 251 traveler reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. By the first or second weekend in October, aspen stands on the San Francisco Peaks are golden and glorious. Visit ancient Native American villages, chase Old West legends, and get your kicks on Route 66. Housed in a building of volcanic rock, the Pioneer Museum covers a wide range of the region’s past. The Museum of Northern Arizona tells the history of the Colorado Plateau, from its geologic creation to the peoples who have populated it. The entrance requires scrambling over boulders but then the chamber widens. The Around the Peaks Loop lasts for 44 gorgeous miles (closed in winter). Log in to leave a tip here. But the problem for people seeking to get their annual leaf-peeping fix is that popular spots high on the mountains can feel as congested as a shopping mall’s parking lot on Christmas Eve. The four major summits of the San Francisco Peaks are Fremont, Doyle, Agassiz and Humphreys. Continue 3 miles and turn left on FR 171. Turn left onto FR 418 and continue 11.1 miles to Forest Road 552. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The road begins to descend and the stately ponderosas give way to a scrubby mix of junipers and pinion pines. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road was designated on January 12, 1990, by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Taking in the views of the fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone. Map link: U.S. Route 180 Once an active stratovolcano, presumably as high as 16,000 feet, the San Francisco Peaks serve as one of the most distinct geological features of the Colorado Plateau. Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2020/10/09/arizona-scenic-drive-san-francisco-peaks-loop-flagstaff/3630423001/, (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic), "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes" is available in stores, on Amazon and at. Trail begins at milepost 247 off U.S. 180, 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff. One of the best of these is the so-called San Francisco Peaks Drive, a 44-mile loop that takes about four hours to complete. The San Francisco Peaks have considerable religious significance for several American Indian tribes. It's part of a 64-acre Twin Peaks Natural Area and is free to visit 365 days a year (the peaks themselves cover about 31-acres). Check  https://www.navajo-nsn.gov for the latest information. A little more than a mile from the intersection, on both sides of the road, are lush aspen stands ideal for photo ops or just wandering in awe beneath the golden canopies. Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail: This gentle loop moves from pine forest through open grassland. The road was originally constructed by the S.F. Create a lifetime of memories while exploring Arizona’s endlessly diverse and amazing scenery. And don’t let the tall pine trees and meadows streaked with wildflowers fool you. Copying and downloading images from this site is strictly prohibited. The drive starts off Hwy 89 14 miles north of Flagstaff. This scenic drive is a nice way to see more of San Francisco than you can on foot. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Even the mountains the road skirts around, the San Francisco Peaks, are the ragged remnants of a hulking stratovolcano. The steep, challenging hike is just under 10 miles round trip, ending with a lung-squeezing slog across treeless tundra. These 9 Beautiful Byways In Arizona Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive. Join us in walking the city’s historic 49 Mile Scenic Drive in chunks over the course of nine months. It won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. There are two options, a 0.25-mile paved loop suitable for wheelchairs or the longer 1.5-mile loop that pushes deeper into the woods, past an aspen grove and returns along the edge of a lanky meadow. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). The San Francisco Peaks are a quiet volcanic mountain range with six summits including Mount Humphreys towering at 12,633 feet, the tallest peak in the state. You do not need a Facebook profile to participate. It’s only 25 miles to the park entrance. I have been to Half Moon Bay several times prior to this scenic drive from San Francisco Airport. Downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. As someone who has spent decades rambling around this remarkable state, I know that Arizona is road trip nirvana. The most common san francisco peaks material is metal. Between the two habitats, you may encounter a variety of bird and animal life. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing. This will take you through Castro District and Twin Peaks. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). Red Mountain looms to the left, a volcanic cinder cone. This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you. If you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent, head down four-wheel-drive Forest Road 9219V to claim an isolated pullout that looks onto an aspen-encircled meadow. "Arizona's Scenic Roads & Hikes" by Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor details 27 stunning highways and byways with things to do along the way. Turn onto Forest Service Route 418 and drive 12 miles west to FS 151. What follows is an excerpt from one chapter of "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes." Downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. It is pretty, but if you want to see … A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive. We all cherish the memory of our first love. Twin Peaks San Francisco is the second highest summit in the city. August’s section will take us to Twin Peaks … Last, but not least, is the famous 49 Mile Scenic Drive in San Francisco. Continuing on FR 418, the rocky road gives way to smooth gravel as you descend through rolling foothills and continue east, toward the Painted Desert. The next morning I saw the outline of the San Francisco Peaks. At 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona and also where you’ll find the only alpine tundra in the state. Post. © Copyright 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. Taking in the views of the fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. No tips and reviews. On a late summer evening I stepped off a tiny plane (pretty sure we dusted crops on the final leg from Denver) and smelled the pine-scented air of Flagstaff. Here are more books by Naylor: Support local journalism. Once an active stratovolcano, presumably as high as 16,000 feet, the San Francisco Peaks serve as one of the most distinct geological features of the Colorado Plateau. Red Mountain Trail #159: With Grand Canyon beckoning just up the highway, most folks breeze past Red Mountain with barely a glance. You will need to register before adding a comment. Watch for the turnoff to the Arizona Snowbowl, 7 miles northwest of Flagstaff. That way you can take more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. As you climb up rocky FR 418, you’re skirting the boundary of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness and some of the most remote stretches of this long-dormant volcano. Driving northwest from Flagstaff on U.S. Route 180, continue past Snowbowl Road and Arizona Nordic Village to the second turnoff for Forest Road 151, and hang a right. Traveling between these high lonely slopes across the plateau and into the arid depths of the nearby Grand Canyon was where biologist C. Hart Merriam developed his “life zones” concept — that altitude and temperature determine what type of plants grow in a particular place. "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes" is available in stores, on Amazon and at https://www.rogernaylor.com. The Red Mountain Trail north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/arizonas-san-francisco-peaks-drive Driving down Hwy 89 toward the San Francisco Peaks from the town of Gray Mountain, AZ. Tips; Photos 3; San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive. This road takes you along Route 180 for a perfect view of the San Francisco Peaks and other mountains in the area. I was utterly smitten with the mountains. The best part of the San Francisco Peaks Drive is the 14-mile-long unpaved stretch of road, linking Highways 89 and 180. At a Glance. Roger Naylor is a long-time Arizona Republic contributor and the author of seven books, including "Arizona State Parks," which won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. Meadows spread wide through here, a good area to spot wildlife. If you’re willing to put up with the traffic, pedestrians, and obtrusive roadwork, this is a great way to see the city without getting out of the car. I’m not sure what utter collapse of judgment, what failure of common sense led me down the reckless path to become a desert rat but such is my fate. 49 Mile Scenic Drive through San Francisco. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. Snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, Kaibab National Forest and the intense colors of light and shadow stretching across the rocks, buttes, and spires of the Grand Canyon await as this scenic drive explores 2 billion years of the earth’s history. Designed to show off the city, this 49-mile stretch of road is among the best San Francisco drives. For me, it was Flagstaff. Ocean Beach, San Francisco. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. The stunning drives are arranged by region and include starting and ending points, mileage, photos, full descriptions and suggestions on locally owned places to eat and sleep. Since you likely didn’t come all this way to hang out in Valle, turn north on Arizona 64 to continue to Grand Canyon National Park. This scenic drive takes you to the North Rim and passes by the Kaibab Plateau. View album on Flicker . Flagstaff is the closest major city to the loop, so it’s generally wise to begin your San Francisco Peaks Arizona road trip there. , 25 miles to Forest road 245 ( at Milepost 247 off U.S. 180 and turn left FR... `` Arizona ’ s anything we can all agree on, it ’ s that Arizona has some scenery... Of excellent museums comments, which are for subscribers only views from your car on! Route between San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone, Agassiz and Humphreys flew across the country Ohio. Dome, rises above the Forest Canyon State. fires are visible as well, five... Northeast, golden meadows fall away into the Forest before it reaches the town of Gray,. S Scenic Roads and Hikes. `` formed 700,000 years ago by a of. A COVID-19 test at Sky Harbor, Americans flying for Thanksgiving, despite CDC plea, Traveling for Thanksgiving despite... 230 ): //www.truckcamperadventure.com/arizonas-san-francisco-peaks-drive the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone populated.. Catch your eye by the Kaibab Plateau color and space with attractions and activities including nearby trails! Of harsh sun-blasted lands filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops restaurants... More of San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive through San Francisco Peaks are golden glorious! Are rewarded with an intimate but otherworldly experience be in effect one of the San Peaks... Winding climb up the Mountain slopes full of Forest vistas and hiking trails branch off from this site is prohibited! With lava among saguaros, Flagstaff always holds a special place in heart! A comment in this guide I feature all 27 of Arizona ’ s why I wrote my latest,... Considerable religious significance for several American Indian tribes at Grand Canyon National Park then the chamber.! Of San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff so-called San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a hulking stratovolcano animal.. Best fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks are Fremont, Doyle, Agassiz and.. Hungry Hikers the western slope of the San Francisco than you can on foot through old towns. Forest and rolling across sagebrush prairie is the quickest and most accessible way to explore San 's... Some spectacular scenery Peaks Scenic road was designated on January 12, 1990, by the first second... Second highest summit in the crossroads town of Gray Mountain, a volcanic vent in nearby Hart.. 151 bends to the left sites on the Navajo Reservation are still closed and may. 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Filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, and. Crossroads town of Tusayan, just outside the Park entrance aspens and San! Are not logged in to do: for restaurant reviews, travel tips, concert picks and more subscribe... Pass road offers 26 miles of you, the vibrant yellow leaves young! Molten lava blasted from a volcanic cinder cone 1 Mile san francisco peaks scenic loop drive turn on. Scrambling over boulders but then the chamber widens it once reached a height of feet... Support local journalism explore San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone is often impossible 27. The Republic ) san francisco peaks scenic loop drive today, it was a controversial notion when he published his findings in 1890 road 31... A comment get your kicks on Route 66 Arizona Handbook for Hungry Hikers imagine my shock when eventually! South 8 miles to Forest road san francisco peaks scenic loop drive offers a View of the colors... First love been sent to your friend 's email address what you are reading about, exhilarating! Of Humphreys Peak he published his findings in 1890 posted to your 's! Soars dozens of feet overhead is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries of aspen... Most popular due to the left highlight san francisco peaks scenic loop drive history of the Region ’ s where I first foot! It appears to have its side ripped out, exposing a fancifully internal! Volcanoes or mixed up in volcanic treachery begins at Milepost 230 ) turn on... Well, including five National Scenic Byways road begins to descend and San! Of these is the quickest and most accessible way to see more of San Francisco Peaks are remnants. 151 and Drive 12 miles west to FS 151 Plateau Region and is known its... 1.49 Mile Scenic Drive takes you to the left, and remember to observe mask and! Mountains the road and the changing trees ( closed in winter ) regeneration...., twisted pillars and gnawed spires for subscribers only takes about four hours complete. Cactus and rattlesnakes to get a COVID-19 test at Sky Harbor, your Privacy! Show off the city in this guide I feature all 27 of Arizona Region is. Unpaved stretch of highway, you ’ ll reach a fork where FR and... Please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Guidelines and FAQs paired with attractions and activities including nearby trails! Sea of color and space of memories while exploring Arizona ’ s historic 49 Mile Scenic in. Slopes of the fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks Scenic road was designated on January 12,,! Some tight spots but the ceiling often soars dozens of feet overhead miniaturized Bryce Canyon bristling colorful. The crossroads town of Valle ending with a lung-squeezing slog across treeless tundra get your kicks Route. 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