Top 10 Scenic Drives in Arizona to Take This Winter
Winter is one of the best seasons to experience scenic drives in Arizona. Cooler temperatures make long routes more comfortable, the desert air is clearer, and high-elevation viewpoints often have a thin layer of snow that adds dramatic contrast to the landscape. From red rock panoramas in Sedona to remote cliff faces near the Utah border, Arizona’s roadways offer a mix of easy scenic loops and all-day adventures.
Winter Driving Essentials in Arizona
Arizona’s terrain varies sharply from desert basins to alpine plateaus. Winter creates unique conditions across these elevations, so keep the following essentials in mind before you head out:
Expect sudden temperature drops as you climb into higher elevations.
Carry layered clothing, including a warm jacket, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Always start with at least a half tank of fuel, especially in remote regions.
Keep snacks, water, a flashlight, a physical map, and a portable charger in your car.
Check Arizona DOT road conditions before departure.
Avoid unpaved roads after recent storms unless you have a capable vehicle.
These simple steps make each scenic drive smoother and safer, especially on longer or more remote routes.
1. Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179)
Best for: Easy winter sightseeing with stunning red rock formations.
Why this drive stands out in winter Sedona’s sandstone formations glow in winter’s soft light. Low sun angles and clear skies highlight the deep reds and oranges that make this region famous. Snow appears occasionally on higher buttes, adding another layer of beauty.
Distance and route overview This 14-mile byway connects Interstate 17 to Sedona via SR 179. The drive is short but packed with viewpoints and trailheads.
Terrain and road conditionsWell-maintained paved road with wide shoulders. Near Sedona, you may encounter moderate seasonal traffic.
Best vehicle Any standard passenger car. A sunroof or convertible enhances the panoramic experience on mild days.
How long to plan Set aside 1.5 to 3 hours to enjoy the viewpoints, take short walks, and explore Chapel of the Holy Cross.
What to wear Light layers and a warm jacket. Strong shoes help if you plan to take any short trails.
What to carry Water, sunglasses, a small daypack, and your Red Rock Pass if stopping at designated recreation sites.
Safety in winter Morning shade may cause thin ice on the pavement. Take care on curves if temperatures fall below freezing.
Nearby highlights Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque Arts Village.
2. Sedona to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon (State Route 89A)
Best for: Forested canyon scenery, mountain switchbacks, and classic Arizona views.
Why this drive stands out in winter You experience a rapid shift from a red-rock desert to a pine forest. Snow on the upper canyon slopes creates a dramatic contrast with the red cliffs below.
Distance and route overview About 30 miles from Sedona to Flagstaff via SR 89A. The road climbs steeply through Oak Creek Canyon.
Terrain and road conditions Winding mountain road with scenic overlooks and narrow curves. The ascent toward Flagstaff contains iconic switchbacks.
Best vehicle A standard car works on clear days, but an All Wheel Drive vehicle offers extra confidence when temperatures drop or snow appears.
How long to plan Allow 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the viewpoints and stop at Slide Rock State Park or Oak Creek Vista.
What to wear Warm layers. Flagstaff sits at more than 6900 feet, so temperatures can be much colder than in Sedona.
What to carry Water, warm gloves, offline GPS maps, and a charged phone.
Safety in winter Black ice on shaded curves is possible. Drive with caution during early mornings or after snowfall.
Nearby highlights Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Vista, Flagstaff downtown, Lowell Observatory.
3. Apache Trail Historic Road (State Route 88)
Best for: Desert canyon views, lakeside scenery, and a taste of rugged Arizona.
Why this drive stands out in winter Cooler temperatures make this desert route ideal for exploration. The sunlight reflects beautifully off Canyon Lake and the surrounding cliffs.
Distance and route overview About 40 miles from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat. Portions beyond that point may be unpaved or closed due to maintenance.
Terrain and road conditions A combination of paved road and rough gravel. Some stretches are narrow with steep drops.
Best vehicle A regular car is fine for the paved section. For unpaved segments, use a high clearance or All Wheel Drive vehicle.
How long to plan Expect 3 to 5 hours with stops at lakes, overlooks, and Tortilla Flat.
What to wear Comfortable layers, sun protection, and shoes suitable for uneven ground.
What to carry Water, snacks, a full fuel tank, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
Safety in winter Avoid unpaved stretches after rain. Check the latest road updates because winter storms can affect access.
Nearby highlights Canyon Lake, Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield Ghost Town.
4. Historic Route 66 from Seligman to Kingman
Best for: Classic Americana, diners, neon signs, and desert scenery.
Why this drive stands out in winter Crowds thin out, and the road feels calm and nostalgic. Winter brings crisp desert air that enhances long-range visibility.
Distance and route overview An 80-mile preserved section from Seligman through Kingman. Continue toward Oatman for more scenic stretches.
Terrain and road conditions Paved two-lane highway with occasional rolling hills and small towns.
Best vehicle Any car is suitable. Enthusiasts often enjoy the route in classic or retro-style vehicles.
How long to plan Plan 4 to 6 hours to stop at diners, shops, and old service stations.
What to wear Comfortable layers and a jacket for cooler mornings.
What to carry Water, snacks, a camera, and some cash for historic businesses.
Safety in winter Morning frost is possible. Fuel stations are spaced out, so keep your tank above one-quarter.
Nearby highlights Seligman’s historic district, Hackberry General Store, Kingman’s museums, and Oatman burro encounters.
5. Kayenta to Monument Valley (US 163)
Best for: Desert panoramas and towering sandstone formations recognized worldwide.
Why this drive stands out in winter Clear skies and cool temperatures create ideal viewing conditions. Light snow on the buttes adds dramatic contrast to the red rock.
Distance and route overview About 26 miles from Kayenta into Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Continue inside the park for deeper viewpoints.
Terrain and road conditions Smooth paved road to the entrance. The interior park loop is unpaved and can be rough or muddy.
Best vehicle Passenger cars work on the highway. A high clearance SUV or guided tour is advised for the loop drive.
How long to plan Set aside 2 to 4 hours. Add more time for a Navajo guided experience.
What to wear Warm outer layers and sturdy shoes for viewpoint walks.
What to carry Water, snacks, sunglasses, and tribal park entry fee.
Safety in winter High desert winds may reduce visibility. Avoid unpaved loop roads after storms.
Nearby highlights Goulding’s Lodge, Visitor Center overlook, and Navajo guided tours.
6. Fredonia to Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Road (US 89A)
Best for: Expansive cliff faces, remote desert, and some of Arizona’s most dramatic landscapes.
Why this drive stands out in winter Winter’s crisp air sharpens views of the towering Vermilion Cliffs. The low sun casts long shadows that reveal striking rock textures.
Distance and route overview About 82 miles from Fredonia to Bitter Springs.
Terrain and road conditions Paved but remote highway with long intervals between services.
Best vehicle Any reliable car, but ensure your fuel tank is full before leaving town.
How long to plan Expect 4 to 6 hours with stops at bridges, viewpoints, and wildlife areas.
What to wear Layered clothing and a warm jacket for windy overlooks.
What to carry Plenty of water, snacks, a printed map, and emergency supplies.
Safety in winter Storm systems may affect visibility. Plan your timing to avoid driving after dark in remote areas.
Nearby highlights Navajo Bridge, Lees Ferry, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
7. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (US 191)
Best for: Adventurous drivers who love mountain switchbacks and alpine views.
Why this drive stands out in winter The byway climbs from desert terrain to more than 9000 feet. Snow on the peaks and forests creates an alpine atmosphere.
Distance and route overview About 123 miles from Morenci to Springerville, with more than 400 curves along the way.
Terrain and road conditions Steep, narrow, and winding. Elevation changes create rapid temperature shifts.
Best vehicle All Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive is recommended in winter. Good brakes and quality tires are essential.
How long to plan Plan 4 to 6 hours without extended hikes.
What to wear Heavy jacket, warm boots, hat, and gloves.
What to carry Water, blankets, traction aids, and a flashlight.
Safety in winter Snow is common at higher elevations. Check conditions before committing to the route and avoid travel during storms.
Nearby highlights Hannagan Meadow, Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Casa Malpais Archaeological Park.
8. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road (US 180)
Best for: Quick access to snowy landscapes near Flagstaff and Arizona Snowbowl.
Why this drive stands out in winter You can move from mild high desert to full winter conditions within minutes. Snow on the peaks creates postcard-level scenery.
Distance and route overview About 40 miles north of Flagstaff on US 180 toward Arizona Snowbowl.
Terrain and road conditions Paved mountain road. Snow and ice are common near the ski resort.
Best vehicle All Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive for best traction. Winter tires enhance safety.
How long to plan Plan 2 to 4 hours. Add more time if you plan to ski.
What to wear Warm base layers, an insulated jacket, gloves, and boots.
What to carry Water, snacks, snow gear, and sunscreen for high altitude exposure.
Safety in winter Carry chains if heavy snowfall is forecast. Expect slow traffic on weekends due to ski visitors.
Nearby highlights Arizona Snowbowl, Lowell Observatory, and Flagstaff downtown.
9. Sky Island Parkway (Catalina Highway)
Best for: Dramatic elevation change from the saguaro desert to the alpine forest near Tucson.
Why this drive stands out in winter You ascend from warm desert to snow-covered pines in less than an hour. Views stretch across valleys and canyons.
Distance and route overview About 27 miles from the base near Tucson to Summerhaven.
Terrain and road conditions Winding paved road with steep curves and scenic pullouts.
Best vehicle Any car in clear weather. All Wheel Drive is helpful if snow is present near the top.
How long to plan Allow 2 to 4 hours, including short walks.
What to wear Warm layers, sturdy shoes, and a winter jacket for higher altitudes.
What to carry Water, snacks, traction aids, and a map for small side roads.
Safety in winter Expect ice on shaded corners. Drive cautiously through the upper sections.
Nearby highlights Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, Windy Point Vista, Summerhaven cafes.
10. Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Road (State Route 288 to SR 260)
Best for: Mogollon Rim scenery, tall pines, and peaceful forest views.
Why this drive stands out in winter The combination of open desert and snow-dusted forest creates a unique winter contrast near the Rim.
Distance and route overview About 74 miles from the SR 188 junction to SR 260 above the Mogollon Rim.
Terrain and road conditions Paved with some steep grades. Connecting forest roads may be rough or muddy.
Best vehicle Standard cars are fine for the main route. High clearance is recommended for optional forest road detours.
How long to plan Plan 3 to 5 hours, depending on the number of stops.
What to wear Warm layers and waterproof outerwear if snow is forecast.
What to carry Water, snacks, a flashlight, warm blankets, and a physical map.
Safety in winter Cell service can drop in remote sections. Inform someone of your travel plan before departure.
Nearby highlights Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Mogollon Rim viewpoints, Pleasant Valley.
Plan Your Arizona Scenic Drive with Good Life Vacations
Good Life Vacations helps make Arizona’s scenic winter drives feel easy and enjoyable by giving you a comfortable place to unwind at the end of each day. Our vacation rentals in Arizona offer relaxed spaces where you can rest, recharge, and enjoy the quiet moments between your adventures. You might spend the day exploring sunny desert roads or heading up to the snowy northern towns, and it feels good to return to a home that is peaceful, cozy, and suited to the season. With GLV, your winter getaway finds a natural, steady rhythm—no pressure and no planning overload, just a stay that supports the way you like to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which scenic drives in Arizona are the best to take in winter?
A: Red Rock Scenic Byway, Oak Creek Canyon, Route 66 (Seligman–Kingman), Monument Valley route, Sky Island Parkway, San Francisco Peaks Road, and Fredonia–Vermilion Cliffs.
Q. Are any of Arizona’s scenic drives closed or restricted during winter?
A. Most stay open, but high-elevation routes like the Coronado Trail, Sky Island Parkway, and San Francisco Peaks Road may close or require chains after storms.
Q. What weather should I expect during winter scenic drives?
A. Desert and Sedona areas stay mild; higher elevations like Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff can see snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Q. Which scenic drives have the best chance of snow?
A. San Francisco Peaks Road, upper Oak Creek Canyon, Sky Island Parkway, and parts of the Coronado Trail often get consistent winter snow.
Q. Is a regular car enough for winter scenic drives, or do I need AWD?
A. A regular car works for most routes; AWD/4WD is better for snowy or icy mountain drives.
Q. What should I pack for a winter scenic drive?
A. Layers, a warm jacket, water, snacks, sturdy shoes, a charger, a map, and a flashlight. For higher elevations, add blankets and traction aids.
