MAKE YOUR OWN ROAD RALLY: Get behind the wheel and take on one of Arizona’s most scenic drives
January 18, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
By Barbara Toombs
Red Rock Scenic Byway (photo courtesy Sedona Chamber of Commerce Tourism Bureau)
If there’s one thing Arizona’s got plenty of, it’s back roads, byways and scenic highways. A favorite route for many who love to hit the road and see the sights is Highway 89 and 89A from Wickenburg to Sedona, a journey of just over 100 miles that takes you through both breathtaking scenery and Old West towns steeped in history.
US 89 in Yarnell (photo courtesy of US Route 89 Appreciation Society)
About an hour’s drive west of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction site, Wickenburg is one of those authentic “Wild West” cowboy towns that still retains much of its old-time flavor. Home to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, a number of guest/dude ranches and rodeo arenas, Wickenburg is the place to explore the historic downtown area, go horseback riding or take a Jeep tour in the desert.
Six miles outside of Wickenburg is where you’ll pick up Arizona Route 89, which takes you through the old mining towns of Congress and Stanton at the base of the Weaver Mountains. Then the fun begins. A series of switchbacks takes you up what is known as Yarnell Hill, offering spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert and topping out at the tiny ranching and mining town of Yarnell.
From there you’ll pass through the even tinier town of Peeples Valley before entering the Bradshaw Mountains for a winding, curvy descent into Prescott. Capital of the Arizona Territory back in 1864, Prescott has a classic downtown brimming with Victorian homes, turn-of-the-century saloons along Whiskey Row and a majestic granite courthouse on the main square.
Jerome in the morning light (photo courtesy of Donna Chesler/Jerome Chamber of Commerce)
Five miles north of Prescott, you’ll pick up Arizona Route 89A, considered among the most scenic drives in America. The road climbs to the top of Mingus Mountain – but what goes up must come down! Be prepared for some stunning scenery of the Verde Valley as you descend into the town of Jerome, but hold on tight as you negotiate the hair-raising, zigzagging stretch of road.
Jerome is definitely worth a stop – if not overnight, then at least to grab lunch and shop at the town’s many unique galleries and interesting boutiques. Since its founding in 1876, Jerome has had various iterations: first as a tent city, then the “Billion Dollar Copper Camp,” “The Wickedest Town in the West,” and the “Largest Ghost Town in America.” Now a National Historic Landmark, it is home to a vibrant artist community and remains a popular destination.
Vineyard at Page Springs Cellars (photo courtesy Arizona Office of Tourism)
Jerome is also a major stop on the Verde Valley wine trail, with a number of tasting rooms. The wine trail continues in Clarkdale and Cottonwood, down the hill from Jerome as you continue on 89A, as well as the town of Cornville a little further on. There are no less than 21 wineries/tasting rooms in these four towns – and another three at your final destination, Sedona.
From Cottonwood, follow the signs for Sedona as the road turns left and crosses the Verde River. You’ll know you’re getting near when the town’s iconic red rocks come into view. The majestic crimson rock formations are nothing short of jaw-dropping, and you’ll easily discover why Sedona is known as “The Most Beautiful Place on Earth.”
Uptown Sedona (photo courtesy Sedona Chamber of Commerce Tourism Bureau)
You’ll find plenty of trails for hiking and biking, exciting red rock Jeep tours, stunning resorts, a wealth of fine dining options, an incredible gallery district featuring 40-plus art galleries lining the streets and many intriguing shops. One Sedona landmark since the 1970s is Tlaquepaque, an Arts & Crafts Village where you can shop for treasures and watch local artisans at work.
Regarded by Native Americans as sacred, Sedona continues to be recognized as a place of healing and spiritual renewal, with many coming to experience the vortex energy centers or receive soothing treatments from the dozens of spa facilities in the town. After a long day on the road behind the wheel, that sounds like just what the doctor ordered!