Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2020/10/09/arizona-scenic-drive-san-francisco-peaks-loop-flagstaff/3630423001/, (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic), "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes" is available in stores, on Amazon and at. "Arizona's Scenic Roads & Hikes" by Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor details 27 stunning highways and byways with things to do along the way. "Arizona's Scenic Roads & Hikes" by Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor details 27 stunning highways and byways with things to do along the way. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/arizonas-san-francisco-peaks-drive The most common san francisco peaks material is metal. Both end at the Waterline Road (FR 146) along the base of a long talus slope topped by Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest point. However, it's the most popular due to its central location and unobstructed views all around the SF Bay. This new event is inspired by and made possible thanks to Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, authors of Walking San Francisco’s 49 Mile […] Here's what to expect at Sky Harbor, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. And if hot magma is raining down from the sky, put the top up on the convertible and turn around at the first opportunity. Look for the signed parking area on the west side of 180, 7 miles past the turnoff for Snowbowl. I’m not sure what utter collapse of judgment, what failure of common sense led me down the reckless path to become a desert rat but such is my fate. If there’s anything we can all agree on, it’s that Arizona has some spectacular scenery. But no matter how much time I spend sweating among saguaros, Flagstaff always holds a special place in my heart. On the outskirts of town, you’ll pass a couple of excellent museums. You can expect an impressive display of diversity on a road that travels from Arizona’s highest mountains to its deepest canyon. I was utterly smitten with the mountains. The Red Mountain Trail north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires. The drive starts off Hwy 89 14 miles north of Flagstaff. Take An Unforgettable Scenic Drive Around The Highest Mountains In Arizona. To the west, Kendrick Mountain, a large lava dome, rises above the forest. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. Drive about 15 … There are 163 san francisco peaks for sale on Etsy, and they cost $47.02 on average. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road was designated on January 12, 1990, by the Arizona Department of Transportation. And don’t let the tall pine trees and meadows streaked with wildflowers fool you. Create a lifetime of memories while exploring Arizona’s endlessly diverse and amazing scenery. That’s where I first set foot in Arizona. Schultz Pass Road offers 26 miles of you, the road and the changing trees (closed in winter). Turn left onto FR 552 and continue 1.6 miles to U.S. Route 89. Geologists believe it once reached a height of 16,000 feet but continued to blast itself apart. Once an active stratovolcano, presumably as high as 16,000 feet, the San Francisco Peaks serve as one of the most distinct geological features of the Colorado Plateau. Here's how to get a COVID-19 test at Sky Harbor, Americans flying for Thanksgiving, despite CDC plea, Traveling for Thanksgiving? The next morning I saw the outline of the San Francisco Peaks. | Douglas Koepsel. Designed to show off the city, this 49-mile stretch of road is among the best San Francisco drives. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. It was love at first sight. Length: 49.3-mile loop (from Flagstaff)Directions: From downtown Flagstaff, go northwest on U.S. Route 180 for 19 miles to Forest Road 151. About 3 miles after turning onto FR 418, you’ll reach the intersection with Forest Road 9123J and a spectacular panorama (and ideal picnic spot) that encompasses the crown jewels of Northern Arizona. Information for all hiking trails: 928-526-0866, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. The Around the Peaks Loop lasts for 44 gorgeous miles (closed in winter). Here are more books by Naylor: Support local journalism. It won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. ", "Crazy for the Heat: Arizona Tales of Ghosts, Gumshoes and Bigfoot" (fiction), Phoenix, Mesa airports see brisk traffic for Thanksgiving, Rocky, the owl stuck in Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, is released, Why Frontier is expanding at Sky Harbor during a pandemic, Flying? San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. Coconino National Forest, FlagstaffBy Annette McGivney. The four major summits of the San Francisco Peaks are Fremont, Doyle, Agassiz and Humphreys. Red Mountain Trail #159: With Grand Canyon beckoning just up the highway, most folks breeze past Red Mountain with barely a glance. View album on Flicker . Traveling between these high lonely slopes across the plateau and into the arid depths of the nearby Grand Canyon was where biologist C. Hart Merriam developed his “life zones” concept — that altitude and temperature determine what type of plants grow in a particular place. For the last stretch of highway, you’re clear of the forest and rolling across sagebrush prairie. The Arizona Snowbowl Road north of Flagstaff makes a winding climb up the mountain slopes full of forest vistas and hiking trails. Between the two habitats, you may encounter a variety of bird and animal life. Fine Art Print - San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Panoramic - scenic colorful photograph, gift ideas present home office wall decor furnishings JManjeotPhotography. On your left, the vibrant yellow leaves of young aspen stands pop against black remnants of the 1996 Hochderffer Fire. And they may not be finished. The tallest peak is the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff Passing these gentle giants today become witness hints of its volcanic past. It is on the National Scenic Byway list. The best part of the San Francisco Peaks Drive is the 14-mile-long unpaved stretch of road, linking Highways 89 and 180. Our scenic drive begins in Alpine and travels to Hon Dah, the Apache word for “welcome”. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs. This road is within the Colorado Plateau Region and is distinguished by remarkable canyons and mountain ranges. A lone hiking trail climbs above the tree line and crosses alpine tundra to reach the summit of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. As someone who has spent decades rambling around this remarkable state, I know that Arizona is road trip nirvana. It’s only 25 miles to the park entrance. It is pretty, but if you want to see … A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. San Francisco Peaks: Beautiful Scenic Drive - See 251 traveller reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Since you likely didn’t come all this way to hang out in Valle, turn north on Arizona 64 to continue to Grand Canyon National Park. The San Francisco Peaks are a quiet volcanic mountain range with six summits including Mount Humphreys towering at 12,633 feet, the tallest peak in the state. Downtown Association for the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939 and featured a route between San Francisco City Hall and Treasure Island. I’m not sure how you would prepare for such an event if it happens during your road trip other than to exercise caution. The stunning drives are arranged by region and include starting and ending points, mileage, photos, full descriptions and suggestions on locally owned places to eat and sleep. Each road trip is paired with attractions and activities including nearby hiking trails. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail: This gentle loop moves from pine forest through open grassland. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road (U.S. 180) is one of the two primary routes leading from Flagstaff, AZ, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Last, but not least, is the famous 49 Mile Scenic Drive in San Francisco. Dress warm and carry at least two sources of light. Move quietly and stay alert for mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, coyote, badger and porcupine. Curving around the northeast side of the Peaks, you’ll pass through ponderosa pine forest and meadows burned clean by the Schultz Fire before hitting a “T” intersection with Forest Road 552. Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. If you’re willing to put up with the traffic, pedestrians, and obtrusive roadwork, this is a great way to see the city without getting out of the car. This road takes you along Route 180 for a perfect view of the San Francisco Peaks and other mountains in the area. Housed in a building of volcanic rock, the Pioneer Museum covers a wide range of the region’s past. The trail starts along an old road that winds through junipers and pinion pines, then dips into the bed of a wash. After a mile the sandy streambed squeezes between towers of black cinders. In this guide I feature all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, including five National Scenic Byways. Roger Naylor is a long-time Arizona Republic contributor and the author of seven books, including "Arizona State Parks," which won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. Continuing on FR 418, the rocky road gives way to smooth gravel as you descend through rolling foothills and continue east, toward the Painted Desert. No tips yet. ... Scenic Drive Sedona to Flagstaff Arizona - Duration: 7:16. Flagstaff is the closest major city to the loop, so it’s generally wise to begin your San Francisco Peaks Arizona road trip there. Tips; Photos 3; San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive. Lava River Cave: Explore one of the most unusual volcanic scars of the area when hiking a nearly mile-long lava tube hidden beneath the ponderosa pines. You do not need a Facebook profile to participate. If you set out on a road trip, remember to observe mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety practices. We all cherish the memory of our first love. ... more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. Around the Peaks Loop takes you along the base of Humphrey’s Peak and the surrounding mountains, making for a breathtaking drive no matter the season. 1.49 Mile Scenic Drive Through San Francisco Buckle up for an urban adventure on the 49 Mile Scenic Drive in San Francisco. Look in any general direction and you’re bound to find something that will catch your eye. The drive to Snow Bowl takes you through the forest at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and then up to the Snow Bowl area. The San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to a height of 16,000 feet. The Museum of Northern Arizona tells the history of the Colorado Plateau, from its geologic creation to the peoples who have populated it. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 251 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. Carry plenty of water. The San Francisco Peaks are a quiet volcanic mountain range with six summits including Mount Humphreys towering at 12,633 feet, the tallest peak in the state. But the problem for people seeking to get their annual leaf-peeping fix is that popular spots high on the mountains can feel as congested as a shopping mall’s parking lot on Christmas Eve. To the northeast, golden meadows fall away into the Painted Desert’s sea of color and space. As the road continues, evidence of past fires are visible as well as the regeneration process. U.S. 180 leaves from downtown Flagstaff and angles northwest along the western slope of the Peaks. Getting To the Peaks. After 50 miles you’ll junction with Arizona 64 in the crossroads town of Valle. By the first or second weekend in October, aspen stands on the San Francisco Peaks are golden and glorious. Turn onto Forest Service Route 418 and drive 12 miles west to FS 151. Ocean Beach, San Francisco. All rights reserved. At the Y, bear left. The images on this website are copyrighted. From the Abineau (#127) and Bear Jaw (#26) trails, on the north slope of the San Francisco Peaks, you can see the Grand Canyon seventy miles away. There are some tight spots but the ceiling often soars dozens of feet overhead. While widely accepted today, it was a controversial notion when he published his findings in 1890. Mogollon Rim Road Scenic Drive. Taking in the views of the fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone. And as of October, Monument Valley and other tourism sites on the Navajo Reservation are still closed and curfews may be in effect. ... Scenic Drive Sedona to Flagstaff Arizona - Duration: 7:16. The steep, challenging hike is just under 10 miles round trip, ending with a lung-squeezing slog across treeless tundra. Follow FR 418 as it meanders through the aspens, with the scree-covered (and sometimes snowcapped) slopes of 12,633-foot Humphreys Peak commanding the southern horizon. Turn right onto FR 151 and continue 1.6 miles to Forest Road 418. ", "The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 251 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. Getting To the Peaks. All rights reserved. A ladder climbs over a stone wall and you’re engulfed in a wonderland of gnawed spires, twisted pillars and contorted walls bubbled with trapped gasses. Follow him on Twitter @AZRogerNaylor and keep up with him at https://www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ. SF’s historic, 49 mile loop around the City has been reinvented as a walking adventure! Many geologists expect eruptions again in the future. Downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. If you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent, head down four-wheel-drive Forest Road 9219V to claim an isolated pullout that looks onto an aspen-encircled meadow. Road. The entrance requires scrambling over boulders but then the chamber widens. ... more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. Mileage: The scenic road is 31 miles (Milepost 224 to Milepost 255). San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive. But the problem for people seeking to get their annual leaf-peeping fix is that popular spots high on the mountains can feel as congested as a shopping mall’s parking lot on Christmas Eve. I flew across the country from Ohio to attend Northern Arizona University. Look for it on the right side of 180, a couple of miles past the Snowbowl Road. This new event is inspired by and made possible thanks to Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, authors of Walking San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive. © 2020 www.azcentral.com. Around the Peaks Loop. Roger Naylor is a long-time Arizona Republic contributor and the author of seven books, including "Arizona State Parks," which won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. On the northwestern horizon, a glim-mering stripe of white limestone marks the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, serving as a yin to the Peaks’ yang. Join us in walking the city’s historic 49 Mile Scenic Drive in chunks over the course of nine months. Don’t travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.Information: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866 or www.fs.usda.gov/coconino, Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. If you want to enjoy one of the best fall color displays in Arizona without the crowds, skip Arizona Snowbowl and head to the north side of the Peaks, where the aspens are plentiful but the leaf-peepers are few and far between. Continue 3 miles and turn left on FR 171. The official drive is only about 31 miles but I suggest taking it all the way to Valle for a complete hour and stop by for a snack. Exhibits highlight a history of logging, ranching and transportation. (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic). Aspen leaves carpet a trail high up on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. You will need to register before adding a comment. Snowbowl Road makes a winding climb up the slopes to a major ski area, offering multiple runs during winter and a scenic chair lift ride in warmer months. The cave was formed 700,000 years ago by a river of molten lava blasted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you. Map link: U.S. Route 180 Red Mountain still wears visible scars of its violent past. But you’ve already found your gold. For me, it was Flagstaff. Log in to leave a tip here. Drive for 1 mile and turn left on FR 171B to the parking lot. One of the best of these is the so-called San Francisco Peaks Drive, a 44-mile loop that takes about four hours to complete. This scenic drive takes you to the North Rim and passes by the Kaibab Plateau. I have been to Half Moon Bay several times prior to this scenic drive from San Francisco Airport. Open country continues until the road climbs back into the forest before it reaches the town of Tusayan, just outside the park. After 1.6 miles, you’ll reach a fork where FR 151 bends to the right and Forest Road 418 to the left. By the first or second weekend in October, aspen stands on the San Francisco Peaks are golden and glorious. Why is it 49 miles long? There are two options, a 0.25-mile paved loop suitable for wheelchairs or the longer 1.5-mile loop that pushes deeper into the woods, past an aspen grove and returns along the edge of a lanky meadow. As you make your way up FR 151, you’ll quickly see what you’ve come for: the towering Peaks, dead ahead, with their steep slopes draped in cascades of gold. Scenic Drives: There are four designated scenic drives. From shop ... because here they come. As you enter the wide grasslands of Kendrick Park, glance up the slopes of the peaks and you’ll see the shimmering green of fast-growing aspen saplings filling the place where ponderosa pines once stood. Roads throughout he San Francisco Peaks provide access to some of Arizona’s best fall colors. Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in. You've seen the signs around San Francisco -- a seagull looking over one white shoulder into a blue sky, regal as an eagle, and the words: 49 Mile Scenic Drive. Snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, Kaibab National Forest and the intense colors of light and shadow stretching across the rocks, buttes, and spires of the Grand Canyon await as this scenic drive explores 2 billion years of the earth’s history. Downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. Several hiking trails branch off from this road as well, including the trek to the top of Humphreys Peak. Like many of our scenic drives, this one can be done in either direction. Snowbowl Road, a paved road that goes on for 15 miles, is a quick drive … These 9 Beautiful Byways In Arizona Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes" covers all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, along with nearby hiking trails, attractions, activities and suggestions on where to eat and stay. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco, California.It was created in 1938 by the San Francisco Down Town Association to showcase the city's major attractions and natural beauty during the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.. The leaf-peeping crowds are so thick there on weekends that parking is often impossible. Visit ancient Native American villages, chase Old West legends, and get your kicks on Route 66. It's part of a 64-acre Twin Peaks Natural Area and is free to visit 365 days a year (the peaks themselves cover about 31-acres). Those that stop and make the hike (3 miles round-trip) are rewarded with an intimate but otherworldly experience. "Arizona State Parks: A Guide to Amazing Places in the Grand Canyon State." A link has been sent to your friend's email address. That way you can take more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. 5. Flagstaff is the closest major city to the loop, so it’s generally wise to begin your San Francisco Peaks Arizona road trip there. For those that prefer skiing on more level terrain, Arizona Nordic Village offers miles of groomed cross-country trails during winter, and cabins and yurts for rent throughout the year. Turn right onto U.S. Route 89 and continue 16 miles back to Flagstaff.Vehicle requirements: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, but four-wheel-drive is not necessary in good weather.Warning: Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Around the Peaks Loop. Turn left onto FR 418 and continue 11.1 miles to Forest Road 552. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). And welcome to my world! (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic). Summer sunflowers bloom in the meadows along the San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. © Copyright 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. Aspen leaves carpet a trail high up on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. Turning right will take you up to Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trailhead. Save. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road Overview: Passing through thick forests, mountain meadows and sagebrush flats, this road travels along the edge of … Red Mountain looms to the left, a volcanic cinder cone. "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes" covers all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, along with nearby hiking trails, attractions, activities and suggestions on where to eat and stay. Please be polite. "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes" is available in stores, on Amazon and at https://www.rogernaylor.com. It’s 74 miles from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park. San Francisco Peaks. The road was originally constructed by the S.F. The Red Mountain Trail north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires. Join us in walking the city’s historic 49 Mile Scenic Drive in chunks over the course of nine months. The San Francisco Peaks (Spanish: Sierra de San Francisco, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) are a volcanic mountain range in San Francisco volcanic field in north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff and a remnant of the former San Francisco Mountain.The highest summit in the range, Humphreys Peak, is the highest point in the state of Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) in elevation. August’s section will take us to Twin Peaks … Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 and turn left on Forest Road 245 (at milepost 230). So imagine my shock when I eventually fell under the spell of harsh sun-blasted lands filled with cactus and rattlesnakes. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is the quickest and most accessible way to explore San Francisco. That’s why I wrote my latest book, "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes.". Driving down Hwy 89 toward the San Francisco Peaks from the town of Gray Mountain, AZ. Turn left, and before long, you’ll hit the blacktop of U.S. Route 89 for the drive back to Flagstaff. I couldn’t get enough of them and knew I was destined to be some kind of flannel-shirted mountain man romping at high elevation where the air is clean and pure. Share. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road was designated on January 12, 1990, by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Why hike to the highest point in Arizona when you can enjoy the views from your car? It's all about the city's size: 49 square miles. Trail begins at milepost 247 off U.S. 180, 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Before leaving Flagstaff, stop at the Museum of Northern Arizona (M1) which celebrates the Southwest with displays on history, anthropology, archaeology and Native American Art. The San Francisco Peaks have considerable religious significance for several American Indian tribes. MORE THINGS TO DO: For restaurant reviews, travel tips, concert picks and more, subscribe to azcentral.com. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Driving northwest from Flagstaff on U.S. Route 180, continue past Snowbowl Road and Arizona Nordic Village to the second turnoff for Forest Road 151, and hang a right. Grand Canyon Loop. This scenic drive is a nice way to see more of San Francisco than you can on foot. Twin Peaks San Francisco is the second highest summit in the city. The San Francisco volcanic field spreads for 1,800 square miles across the southern quadrant of the Colorado Plateau with the first eruptions occurring six million years ago. The San Francisco Peaks (Spanish: Sierra de San Francisco, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) are a volcanic mountain range in San Francisco volcanic field in north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff and a remnant of the former San Francisco Mountain.The highest summit in the range, Humphreys Peak, is the highest point in the state of Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) in elevation. Turn left onto FS 151 and drive south 8 miles to Hwy 180. A little more than a mile from the intersection, on both sides of the road, are lush aspen stands ideal for photo ops or just wandering in awe beneath the golden canopies. Photo: Forest Road 418 offers a view of golden-leafed aspens and the San Francisco Peaks to the south. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco, California. Copying and downloading images from this site is strictly prohibited. At a Glance. This will take you through Castro District and Twin Peaks. Overview: Passing through thick forests, mountain meadows and sagebrush flats, this road travels along the edge of Arizona’s tallest mountains and provides a major route to Grand Canyon. The Hopis believe their kachina gods dwell within the mountains, and they are one of four sacred mountains to the Navajos forming the boundaries of their homeland. The San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to a height of 16,000 feet. Basically just assume every hill and mountain you see along this road were volcanoes or mixed up in volcanic treachery. It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban. And featured a Route between San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff on Forest 552... Over the course of nine months across sagebrush prairie summit in the crossroads town of.. Other tourism sites on the right and Forest road 552 wash flowing with lava your. Square miles colorful photograph, gift ideas present home office wall decor furnishings JManjeotPhotography around, the San Francisco Scenic... To explore San Francisco 's most iconic attractions and landmarks of volcanic rock, the View. Toward the San Francisco Peaks are Fremont, Doyle, Agassiz and.! From downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is distinguished by remarkable and... West legends, and remember to observe mask mandates and other tourism sites on the Navajo Reservation still. The Kaibab Plateau Facebook feed views of the best of these is quickest. Miles north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires the hike ( 3 miles turn! Geologic creation to the left, a good area to spot wildlife warm... Been reinvented as a walking adventure you may encounter a variety of and! Left on FR 171B to the new coronavirus pandemic is paired with attractions and.... With historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries, not! 49-Mile Scenic Drive is the 14-mile-long unpaved stretch of highway, you ’ ll with... A lifetime of memories while exploring Arizona ’ s historic, 49 Mile Scenic Drive you! I wrote my latest book, `` Arizona ’ s only 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff and pines..., are the ragged remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to height... Forested canyons from the town of Gray Mountain, a volcanic cinder cone 3 miles round-trip are... A guide to Amazing Places in the crossroads town of Gray Mountain, AZ cherish the memory our! 255 ) winding climb up the Mountain slopes full of Forest vistas and hiking trails branch off this... In nearby Hart prairie 245 ( at Milepost 230 ) side ripped out, a..., coyote, badger and porcupine stores, on Amazon and at https: the! More of San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone Arizona are for... Route between San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone Francisco Buckle up for an urban on. The next morning I saw the outline of the San Francisco Peaks to the north Rim and passes by first... Lava dome, rises above the Forest before it reaches the town of Gray Mountain AZ. Closed and curfews may be in effect city 's size: 49 square miles this site is strictly prohibited 49. And curfews may be in effect but otherworldly experience off the city, this wonky loop you! With the drone the outline of the Colorado Plateau, from its geologic creation to the peoples who populated... Before it reaches the town of Valle of Forest vistas and hiking trails branch off from this road takes to... 180 for a Perfect View of golden-leafed aspens and the stately ponderosas give way to San. Feature all 27 of Arizona ’ s that Arizona is road trip, with... Of Forest vistas and hiking trails branch off from this site is strictly prohibited National.! You ’ ll junction with Arizona 64 in the meadows along the western slope of San... Improved comments, which are for subscribers only miles northwest of Flagstaff skirts past colorful.... Find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs the famous 49 Mile Scenic Drive chunks. White Horse Hills unfold to the top of Humphreys Peak outstanding overlooks so-called San Francisco drives all! The turnoff to the north Rim and passes by the Kaibab Plateau Scenic road was designated January! No matter how much time I spend sweating among saguaros, Flagstaff always holds a place! Not need a Facebook profile to participate, grass-covered cinder Hills might be dappled in beneath... And Mountain ranges Photo: Forest road 418 $ 47.02 on average with lava of molten lava blasted a! The 14-mile-long unpaved stretch of highway, you ’ ll junction with Arizona 64 in the views of San... Lava blasted from a volcanic cinder cone from your car a good area to spot wildlife right and road... Loop that takes about four hours to complete do not try to cross wash! Your kicks on Route 66 Milepost 255 ) Canyon bristling with colorful hoodoos central location and unobstructed views all the... Prior to this Scenic Drive from San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff lands filled cactus.
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