Matthew Ronder-Seid Unsplash
While scenic, Sedona is also popular among RVers with its RV parks and services.
Words by Nora Burba Trulsson/VisitArizona.com
Travelling through this southwestern state can be a little overwhelming, but in a good way. There are plenty of natural attractions to discover during day trips or while travelling from point A to point Z. Some of the most exciting points of interest, however, are along the state’s beautiful byways that will make an Arizona destination even better.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
Officially known as Arizona Highway 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is located approximately 177 km (110 mi) north of Phoenix. Although it’s only 23 km (14.5 mi), days could be spent exploring the spectacular red rock formations, as well as the local shops, galleries, and along the way between I-17 and Sedona.
If it’s your first visit, be sure to check out the Visitor Center and Red Rock Ranger District Administrative Facility before arriving in the Village of Oak Creek. Roughly 8 km (5 mi) south of Sedona, Oak Creek has many services and is a convenient stop before exploring Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. You’ll want to make sure your smart phone is charged or your camera’s memory card is empty as these two landmarks are extraordinary.
Deborah Lee Soltesz Bell Rock Trail
Bell Rock near Sedona.
The attractions continue in Sedona with the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a meditative and powerful retreat that was inspired and commissioned by local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. At the north end of the byway, is Tlaquepaque, an architecturally authentic Spanish Colonial village that houses galleries, retailers and restaurants.
Trip tip: A Red Rock Pass ($5/day) is required for vehicles parked on National Forest land around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. If you want to stay in the area for a night or two, Rancho Sedona RV Park and Chavez Crossing Group Campground are good bets. Reservations are recommended. (www.ranchosedona.com; www.fs.usda.gov)
Swift Trail
Located on SR 366 near Safford in Southeastern Arizona and about two hours from Tucson, the Swift Trail leads 56 km (35 mi) up one of Arizona's famous Sky Islands, Mount Graham in the Coronado National Forest's Pinaleño Mountains that rises up to more than 2,133 m (7,000 ft).
Considered the ecological equivalent of driving from Mexico to Canada, the Swift Trail can be accessed just outside of Safford, north of I-10. Traverse mountainous grades through cacti and ocotillos at lower elevations, which are followed by oaks, sycamores and pines at higher elevations. Keep an eye out for Heliograph Peak, where the army sent mirrored signals during the Apache Wars. When following the trail, you’ll come across some great locations for picnics or hikes.
Sedona Chamber of Commerce _ Tourism Bureau
Sedona has many services - not to mention natural attractions as well.
After approximately 22 miles, the pavement ends and a well-graded dirt road begins, leading to a small lake and the final stop of the trail. While the drive is steep with tight turns, it is fairly manageable yet many opt to set up camp at the nearby Roper Lake State Park and then explore the trail with a tow vehicle or toad. www.azstateparks.com
Trip tip: The last stretch of the Swift Trail is only open from mid-April to mid-November, weather permitting.
Sonoita to Patagonia
Starting near Vail, AZ, on I-10, you can pick up this 84 km (52 mi) drive south on SR 83 through the Santa Cruz River Basin of Southeastern Arizona. In Sonoita, be sure to visit the nearby wineries of the state’s burgeoning wine country. A popular dining option is The Cafe, which is known for its creative local cuisine. Afterwards, connect with SR 82 and while heading south, you’ll see the landscape evolve from scenic rolling grasslands to cottonwood stands and juniper forests.
In Patagonia, stroll among the town's commercial district that encompasses charming coffee shops and retailers or, enjoy more of the outdoors at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. This is one of the most popular birding spots in the United States and is home to more than 300 species. Be sure to bring the binoculars.
www.visitarizona.com
The wineries of Arizona's burgeoning wine country.
A popular destination in this region is Patagonia Lake State Park, located on the lake of the same name. This man-made reservoir spans 105 ha (260 ac) and is perfect for boating, fishing and swimming. There are even boat-in campsites (accessibe by boat only) each featuring a picnic table and fire-ring. On land in the park are 105 developed sites with parking for two vehicles as well as 20/30- and 50-amp electrical. The sites can also accommodate most lengths of RVs. www.azstateparks.com
Trip Tip: March and April are excellent months to visit when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Kingman to Pearce Ferry
Along Arizona's western border, the 111 km (69 mi) Joshua Tree Parkway carves through the Hualapai Valley where hundreds of Joshua Trees stand and stretch out their twisty, spiky arms.
Alan Stark
Patagonia Lake is perfect for boating, fishing and swimming, and there are even boat-in camping sites.
You can start this journey in Kingman by taking Stockton Hill Road, which eventually connects with Pierce Ferry Road. As you head north, you'll see the craggy Cerbat Mountains to the west and the Grand Wash Cliffs to the east. You’ll want to take your time to admire the majestic sights of the roaming wild horses.
Pierce Ferry Road is unpaved but smooth and leads to Pearce Ferry , the boundary between Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon. This is where you can settle in at a primitive lakeside campsite. If more amenities are required, Meadview RV Park is approximately a 30-minute drive, making it ideal to enjoy day trips throughout the area.
Trip tip: Rain can put a damper during your visit as the main route crosses several washes that can become easily flooded during a heavy rainstorm. Be sure to monitor the weather forecast before your departure. www.visitarizona.com