Scenic Drives in Arizona

Routes

Avg Distance

284 mi

Avg Drive

5h 28m

Destinations

Arizona's scenic drives showcase a dramatic range of elevation and terrain, with 60 routes averaging 284 miles and nearly 5.5 hours. These drives often reach high altitudes, with some topping 6,700 feet, and feature terrain that can include significant climbs. The drive scores typically hover around an 8, offering a solid experience for those looking to explore the state's diverse landscapes. You'll find good EV charger coverage on many of these journeys, with some routes boasting over 14 DC fast chargers.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$5.19/gal

Diesel: $5.35/gal

Typical trip cost

$40–$103

One-way, ~284 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~99 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01

Climate through the year: Arizona

Arizona peaks at around 107°F in Jul and cools to 66°F / 45°F in Dec. Wettest month is Aug at ~0.9 in of rain.

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in
Jan	68	46	0.9
Feb	71	49	0.9
Mar	78	55	0.8
Apr	86	61	0.2
May	95	70	0.1
Jun	104	79	0
Jul	107	85	0.9
Aug	105	84	0.9
Sep	100	78	0.6
Oct	89	66	0.6
Nov	77	54	0.6
Dec	66	45	0.7

Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for AZ — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.

Planning Tips

Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 60 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.

Current regular gas averages $5.19/gallon in Arizona (week of 2026-06-01). Diesel: $5.35/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $40 and $103. Source: US Energy Information Administration.

Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Top Scenic Routes

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Arizona Trips

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in
Jan	68	46	0.9
Feb	71	49	0.9
Mar	78	55	0.8
Apr	86	61	0.2
May	95	70	0.1
Jun	104	79	0
Jul	107	85	0.9
Aug	105	84	0.9
Sep	100	78	0.6
Oct	89	66	0.6
Nov	77	54	0.6
Dec	66	45	0.7

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in
Jan	68	46	0.9
Feb	71	49	0.9
Mar	78	55	0.8
Apr	86	61	0.2
May	95	70	0.1
Jun	104	79	0
Jul	107	85	0.9
Aug	105	84	0.9
Sep	100	78	0.6
Oct	89	66	0.6
Nov	77	54	0.6
Dec	66	45	0.7

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in
Jan	68	46	0.9
Feb	71	49	0.9
Mar	78	55	0.8
Apr	86	61	0.2
May	95	70	0.1
Jun	104	79	0
Jul	107	85	0.9
Aug	105	84	0.9
Sep	100	78	0.6
Oct	89	66	0.6
Nov	77	54	0.6
Dec	66	45	0.7