Arizona is usually associated with desert highways, towering saguaros, and endless stretches of red rock. But head north and east from the Phoenix area and the landscape changes dramatically. Mountain switchbacks replace straight desert roads, pine forests appear at elevation, historic mining towns cling to hillsides, and some of the best driving roads in the Southwest begin to unfold.
The AFR Arizona Grand Tour was designed to experience all of it. This was our first official rally in 2021. Starting and finishing in Scottsdale/Phoenix area, our route connected some of Arizona’s most iconic destinations with one of its greatest—and most demanding—driving roads: US Route 191 through eastern Arizona, better known to driving enthusiasts as the Devil’s Highway. It was a route that showcased just how diverse Arizona can be from behind the wheel.
Day 1 – Scottsdale to Sedona
5 hours | 260 Miles – https://maps.app.goo.gl/GKZ14Zc8ywJ62f1RA
If you are looking for a good time, then starting in Old Town Scottsdale is definitely a great place to start. Heading out from Scottsdale, the first checkpoint on the route is Wickenburg. For most of us in Arizona, this is just a place you stop for gas, but it has some cool history and old town to see as well. Continuing on up Hwy 93 has some fun speed as it starts to gain elevation before you exit Hwy 97 towards Bagdad, Arizona. Yup you heard that right, Bagdad. But don’t go there as you will be heading on the 96 towards Prescott.
The next 50 miles are some of the best 2 lane roads in Arizona with some hard corners and fast rollers as you make your way to the 89A. Once on the 89A this is where you start climbing in elevation. This is nothing but fast and technical mountain roads on the way to Prescott. Depending on the day of the week, you might encounter a lot of motorcycles. Stop in Prescott for lunch in downtown before you continue on.
The 89A continues on to an old hillside mining town called Jerome. Before you get to Jerome, its some long stretch of highway. But once you enter the mountain region, get ready for some more awesome twists. Once you arrive in Jerome, its highly recommend to park and check out the little town. There is not much room with their one 2 lane road so be careful.
After leaving Jerome and headed down the mountain road you will end up in Cottonwood where it is a short, straight shot into Sedona. There is lots to see and do in Sedona, but oddly enough their bars close at 9 or 10pm when we traveled through. There are many resorts to stay at right in downtown. We stayed at the L’Auberge de Sedona which is on the river and walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Day 2 – Sedona to Showlow or Greer
5.5 Hours | 270 Miles – https://maps.app.goo.gl/pLb8XkfnnzQ8bV1N6
The drive between Sedona and Flagstaff is one of the highlights of northern Arizona. Continue on the 89A towards Slide Rock state park. As the road climbs away from the red rocks, elevation increases dramatically and the environment changes from high desert to dense forests surrounding Flagstaff. Flagstaff sits at roughly 7,000 feet of elevation and feels more like a Rocky Mountain town than the Arizona most visitors imagine.
From Flagstaff you will head towards Mormon Lake on Lake Mary Road which is all fast 2 lane backcountry roads. Eventually you will reach the 87 and then the 260 where you will come to Strawberry. This is a great place to stop for lunch in a little cafe. The 260 continues on towards Payson where you will make a left and continue on the US 260. Stop at the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center to grab a photo on the overlook and then continue on towards Heber/Overgaard. Remember, small towns, slow speed limits, cops looking to give tickets!
After Heber/Overgaard its is fast paced 2 lane highway all the way into Showlow. Showlow is a LONG town with lots of food places and people that own cabins. Not great “resorts”. Depending on your group size you could do an AirBnB closer to Pinetop-Lakeside or continue on towards Greer. Personally Greer is a little town with cabins, a couple of restaurants, and you are in the forest. If you are looking for a good place to stay, the Edelweiss Resort there is pretty awesome. Of course you will be hungry so check out the Lost Resorts restaurant.
Day 3 – Greer to US191 “Devils Highway”
5.5 to 6.5 hours | 245 to 320 Miles – https://maps.app.goo.gl/r18VWWVoRJLAuSP49
Leaving Greer you will head back on the 260 to the 261 where you head up some long sweeping turns to the Point of the Mountain Overlook which is definitely a great stop. From here you will continue on some amazing 2 lane backcountry roads towards Alpine, AZ. From Alpine its south on the US-191 for some of the best driving you will ever do!
US Route 191 through eastern Arizona is one of the great driving roads of the American Southwest. The highway runs through an incredibly remote section of Arizona and includes seemingly endless combinations of sweepers, switchbacks, elevation changes, and mountain scenery. Long before it carried the US-191 designation, this section of highway was famously numbered US Route 666. For driving enthusiasts, it has become something of a bucket-list road.
The road can be technical and demanding, and its remote location means it deserves respect. Weather can change quickly at elevation, wildlife is common, services can be limited, and drivers should never assume that the next fuel station is just around the corner. But driven responsibly and under the right conditions, it is an extraordinary road.
Eventually you will reach Morenci where it is one of the largest copper mines in the world. There is a big overlook and worth the stop. On our tour, we had a private invitation to stay at the casitas at Inde Motorsport Ranch. They don’t allow just anyone but it is possible to call them and see if they can take your group. Staying track side and running some laps at this private track is incredible. If you can’ make that happen then continue on the 191 and end in Bisbee, AZ. This mountain side old mining town has a lot to offer and places to stay.
Day 4 – Bisbee to Phoenix/Scottsdale
4.5 Hours | 260 Miles – https://maps.app.goo.gl/JXL9XFtkczPwmCmY6
Whether you end up at Inde or Bisbee, there are not too many options to return back to where you started. You have to take I-10 West. But if you need more driving in you, then split off the I-10 to Rte 77 towards Oro Valley. Follow this past Oracle, Mammoth, and end up at Winkelman before jumping on the 177 to Kearny. These are all back desert 2 lane roads that go past more copper mines. Fun turns and rolling hills are plentiful! Once you reach the end of the 177 in Superior, you jump on the US 60 and head west into town.
By the time the trip is completed, you will have experienced an enormous cross-section of the state.
If you’re considering recreating portions of this route, don’t underestimate the distances or the remoteness of eastern Arizona.
Plan fuel stops ahead of time, check weather and road conditions before departing, and give yourself enough time to enjoy each section without rushing.
US-191 in particular should be approached as a remote mountain road rather than simply another Arizona highway. Conditions can vary considerably depending on the season, and fuel and services become much less frequent.
And while a sports car makes roads like these particularly entertaining, you don’t need an exotic car to appreciate the route. A well-maintained vehicle, a full tank of fuel, and a willingness to take the long way are the important parts.
Why We Drive
The Arizona Grand Tour represents exactly what AFR Rally is about.
We build routes around the roads and destinations that make you want to keep driving.
Sometimes that means an iconic destination. Sometimes it’s a small mountain town most people pass by. And sometimes it’s a twisting piece of pavement through the middle of nowhere that you’ll still be talking about years later.
