Must-See Arizona Drives To Make Your Thanksgiving Weekend Unforgettable
Thanksgiving weekend is perfect for hitting the open road and exploring Arizona’s incredible landscapes. From towering red rocks to winding mountain passes, I’ve gathered the best drives that showcase everything this state has to offer.
Whether you’re craving desert vistas or alpine forests, these routes will transform your holiday into an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
1. Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179)
If you’ve never seen Sedona’s famous red rocks up close, this 7.5-mile drive will absolutely blow your mind. Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Plenty of pullouts let you stop for photos without feeling rushed. You can snap pictures, stretch your legs, or even start a quick hike on one of the many trails.
I love how accessible this route is for all skill levels. Families with kids, photographers, and adventure seekers all find something special here during Thanksgiving weekend when the crowds thin out a bit.
2. Apache Trail (State Route 88)
Did you know this 40-mile route was once a stagecoach path used during the gold rush? It’s packed with history and natural beauty that’ll keep you entertained the entire drive.
Canyon Lake offers a sparkling blue oasis surrounded by towering cliffs. Stop at Goldfield Ghost Town to experience authentic Wild West charm with old buildings and mining exhibits.
The road gets pretty narrow and winding in places, so take your time. I recommend starting early in the morning to catch the golden light on the Superstition Mountains and avoid afternoon traffic.
3. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 191)
Are you ready for one of the most thrilling drives in the entire Southwest? This 123-mile journey through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest features over 460 curves that’ll test your driving skills.
Elevation changes bring you through multiple climate zones in a single trip. You’ll spot everything from desert scrub to towering ponderosa pines as you climb higher into the mountains.
Wildlife sightings are common here, especially elk and deer during cooler months. Pack a lunch and plan for several hours since you’ll want to stop frequently to soak in those breathtaking mountain panoramas.
4. Mogollon Rim Road (Forest Road 300)
Stretching 200 miles along the edge of the Colorado Plateau, this route delivers some of the most spectacular views you’ll find anywhere in Arizona. The rim itself drops away dramatically, revealing endless forests below.
Fall colors peak around Thanksgiving, painting the landscape in gold and amber hues. Aspens and oaks create a stunning contrast against the evergreen pines that dominate the area.
Numerous hiking trails branch off from the main road if you want to explore on foot. I always bring my binoculars because the wildlife watching here is fantastic, with hawks soaring overhead and squirrels darting between trees.
5. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway (Sky Island Scenic Byway)
How cool is it to go from desert cacti to snow-dusted pines in less than an hour? This drive near Tucson takes you through five distinct climate zones as you climb nearly 6,000 feet in elevation.
The temperature can drop 30 degrees from bottom to top, so bring layers. You’ll pass through saguaro forests, oak woodlands, and finally reach alpine meadows that feel like a completely different state.
Vista points offer incredible views back toward Tucson and the surrounding valleys. I recommend timing your drive for late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the desert below in warm, golden light.
6. Historic Route 66
Cruising along the Mother Road feels like stepping back in time to when road trips were America’s favorite pastime. Seligman and Williams preserve that classic roadside charm with vintage diners, old-school motels, and quirky gift shops.
You’ll find restored gas stations, colorful murals, and friendly locals who love sharing stories about the highway’s heyday. Each town along the route has its own personality and unique attractions worth exploring.
I always stop at at least one classic diner for a milkshake and burger. The nostalgia factor is unbeatable, making this drive perfect for families wanting to experience a slice of American history together.
7. Salt River Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 60)
People call this the Grand Canyon’s little brother, and once you see those dramatic canyon walls, you’ll understand why. The 88-mile stretch between Globe and Show Low features some of the most exciting driving in the state.
Hairpin turns wind down into the canyon, dropping you from high desert plateaus to the river below. The bridge crossing offers perfect photo opportunities with the turquoise water contrasting against rust-colored cliffs.
Watch for bighorn sheep on the rocky slopes, especially early morning or late afternoon. I suggest taking this drive slowly to fully appreciate the geological formations and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way.
8. Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (U.S. Route 89A)
It’s hard to believe this 28-mile paradise exists in the middle of the desert, but Oak Creek creates a lush ribbon of green cutting through red rock walls. The drive between Sedona and Flagstaff follows the meandering creek through one of Arizona’s most beautiful canyons.
Slide Rock State Park makes a perfect midway stop for picnicking or wading in the creek. Towering canyon walls provide shade and create an intimate, serene atmosphere completely different from open desert landscapes.
Fall foliage transforms the canyon into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Pack your camera because every curve reveals another stunning vista worth capturing for your holiday memories.
9. Prescott Loop
Starting and ending in Prescott, this loop combines Arizona’s largest stand of ponderosa pines with genuine small-town hospitality. The historic courthouse square anchors downtown, surrounded by antique shops, galleries, and restaurants serving hearty comfort food.
You’ll wind through Watson Lake with its massive granite boulders creating a surreal landscape. The Dells area offers additional scenic beauty with rock formations perfect for photography and light hiking.
I appreciate how this route mixes natural beauty with cultural attractions effortlessly. Breweries, art studios, and historic sites give you plenty of reasons to stop and explore beyond just admiring the scenery from your car window.
10. Jerome and Verde Valley Loop
Perched impossibly on Cleopatra Hill at a 30-degree angle, Jerome looks like it might slide down the mountain at any moment. This former copper mining town has reinvented itself as an artists’ colony filled with galleries, shops, and fascinating ghost stories.
Winding down into Verde Valley rewards you with completely different scenery and excellent wineries. The contrast between the rugged mining town and the gentle valley vineyards makes this loop especially memorable.
Plan at least half a day to explore Jerome’s steep streets and quirky shops properly. I always grab a bottle of local wine in the valley to enjoy later while reminiscing about the stunning views from Jerome’s hilltop perch.
11. Lake Havasu City and London Bridge
Yes, that’s the actual London Bridge, transported brick by brick from England in 1968 and reassembled in the Arizona desert. It’s one of those quirky roadside attractions that sounds too strange to be true but absolutely is.
The lake itself offers fantastic water activities even during Thanksgiving when temperatures remain pleasant. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours let you see the bridge from unique angles while enjoying the desert sunshine.
Shops and restaurants line the waterfront, creating a festive atmosphere year-round. I love strolling across the bridge at sunset when the desert mountains glow orange and the water reflects the colorful sky perfectly.
12. Tucson Loop
Tucson pulses with a unique blend of Mexican heritage, Native American culture, and modern Southwestern style that you won’t find anywhere else. The Sonoran Desert surrounds the city, creating dramatic backdrops of giant saguaro cacti against rugged mountain ranges.
You’ll discover incredible museums, vibrant murals, and some of the best Mexican food north of the border. The arts district showcases local talent while historic neighborhoods preserve adobe architecture and frontier history.
I recommend visiting Saguaro National Park on either side of the city to see thousands of these iconic cacti. The combination of urban culture and pristine desert wilderness makes Tucson a perfect Thanksgiving weekend destination.
13. Bisbee and the Mule Mountains
Tucked into the Mule Mountains, Bisbee defies every stereotype about Arizona being flat and boring. Victorian houses painted in wild colors cling to steep hillsides, creating a European village vibe in the middle of the desert.
The artsy community thrives on creativity, with galleries, studios, and unique shops around every corner. Former copper mines now offer underground tours that reveal the town’s fascinating industrial past and the hard work that built it.
Stairways connect different levels of town, giving you a workout while exploring. I always discover something new here, whether it’s a hidden courtyard cafe or a vintage shop selling treasures from Bisbee’s glory days as a mining boomtown.
14. Scenic Desert View Drive (Grand Canyon East Rim)
Though many visitors stick to the main Grand Canyon Village area, the East Rim drive offers equally spectacular views with fewer crowds. Desert View Watchtower stands as a stunning example of Mary Colter’s architectural genius, blending Native American design with modern construction.
Multiple overlooks along the route provide different perspectives of the canyon’s immensity. Each viewpoint reveals new layers of colorful rock formations and the Colorado River snaking through the depths below.
The drive connects to other routes heading toward Flagstaff or the Painted Desert. I find this area especially peaceful during Thanksgiving when most tourists have headed home, leaving you with more intimate encounters with one of nature’s greatest masterpieces.
15. White Mountains Scenic Byway (Highway 260)
When you need a break from desert landscapes, the White Mountains deliver cool pine forests and alpine meadows that feel like a different world. Highway 260 winds through this high-elevation paradise, offering refreshing scenery and crisp mountain air.
Small towns like Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low provide cozy bases for exploring the area. You’ll find excellent hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks that showcase the dramatic Mogollon Rim escarpment.
Early snow sometimes dusts the highest peaks by Thanksgiving, adding magical winter beauty to your drive. I pack both sunscreen and a warm jacket because mountain weather can surprise you, but that variety makes the journey even more memorable and exciting.
