Arizona's Scenic Roads

Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or just along for the ride, Arizona has many scenic roads to make your trip worth taking.

But, what exactly is an official “scenic road” and who makes that determination?

Well, the term “scenic road” often is used to describe several types of roadways offering visual, historic and cultural significance.

Anyone may nominate a road for local and/or national designation. Find out more on the process (/about/historic-and-scenic-roads/designating-state-scenic-road).

ADOT oversees the designating and planning of five types of scenic roads, including:

• Scenic roads offer a memorable visual impression, are free of visual encroachment and form a harmonious composite of visual patterns. Scenic roads are the most commonly designated type. In Arizona there are 18 roads designated as scenic roads.
• Historic roads offer historical importance to the cultural heritage of the state, nation or region, contribute to a historical area or exploration/settlement of Arizona , are easily accessible and unique. There are two historic roads in Arizona.

• Parkways meet scenic or historic road criteria, have a one-mile minimum distance between access roads, allow visitor facilities and offers controlled access and adjacent development.
• National scenic byways have multi-state significance and have one or more of the following qualities: scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological or natural. They must also be a currently designated state scenic road and contain no gaps in continuity, accommodate bicycles and pedestrians.
• All-American roads have national significance and posses a multiple of the following qualities: scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological or natural. They must be a currently designated state scenic road and contain no gaps in continuity, accommodate bicycles, pedestrians and scenic pullouts. The road must also be considered a destination.

For a list of all scenic roads, historic roads, parkways, national scenic byways and All-American roads in Arizona , visit ADOT's scenic roads web page.