Most Scenic Road Trips in Mesa, Arizona, United States
1. Apache Trail Scenic Drive
A windy and rugged drive through the Superstition Mountains offering stunning views of canyons, rock formations, and historic sites.
- Natural Beauty: Provides a unique opportunity to witness Arizona's diverse landscapes and geology
- Historical Significance: Passes by historic sites such as Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat
- Adventure: Includes narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs, adding a sense of adventure to the trip
2. Superstition Mountain Wilderness Loop
A scenic loop drive through the Superstition Mountains offering breathtaking views of desert landscapes and mountain vistas.
- Nature's Beauty: Allows for close-up views of diverse desert wildlife and plant life
- Seclusion: Provides a feeling of isolation from the hustle and bustle of city life
- Off-road Opportunities: Allows for exploration of off-road trails for more adventurous travelers
3. Red Mountain Scenic Loop
A picturesque drive through the red rock formations of the Red Mountains, with panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Geological Wonders: Offers up-close views of unique geological features such as red rock formations and hoodoos
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides easy access to popular hiking trails for those who want to explore on foot
- Photography Opportunities: Offers many beautiful and Instagrammable spots for photographing the desert landscape
4. Usery Pass Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through Usery Mountain Regional Park offering views of rugged desert landscapes, rock formations, and wildlife.
- Scenic Variety: Provides a variety of landscapes including canyons, hills, and open desert
- Hiking Trails: Offers access to numerous hiking trails for exploration and adventure
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing
5. Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive
A breathtaking drive along the Salt River Canyon, offering views of towering cliffs, the Salt River, and the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Natural Wonders: Provides awe-inspiring views of the Salt River Canyon's towering cliffs and rock formations
- Geological History: Passes by the Tonto Natural Bridge, a natural limestone bridge formed over millions of years
- Adventure Activities: Offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing along the Salt River
6. McDowell Mountain Regional Park Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through McDowell Mountain Regional Park offering views of rugged desert landscapes, rock formations, and wildlife.
- Desert Landscapes: Provides close-up views of diverse desert flora and fauna
- Hiking Trails: Offers access to numerous hiking trails for exploration and adventure
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing
7. Gilbert Road to Tonto National Monument
A scenic drive through the San Tan Valley offering views of the San Tan Mountains and the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Natural Beauty: Provides stunning views of the San Tan Mountains and surrounding desert
- Historical Significance: Passes by the Tonto National Monument, a historical site featuring ancient Salado Indian cliff dwellings
- Adventure Opportunities: Offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness areas
8. Coolidge Wash Scenic Road
A scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert offering views of diverse desert landscapes, including washes, mesas, and canyons.
- Natural Wonders: Provides close-up views of unique Sonoran Desert plant life and wildlife
- Off-road Opportunities: Allows for exploration of off-road trails for more adventurous travelers
- Photography Opportunities: Offers many beautiful and Instagrammable spots for photographing the desert landscape
9. Queen Creek Olive Mill Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Queen Creek area offering views of olive groves and rolling hills.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience by visiting the historic Queen Creek Olive Mill
- Scenic Variety: Offers views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the surrounding desert landscape
- Local Produce: Allows for tastings and purchases of locally produced olives, olive oil, and other products
10. Saguaro Lake Scenic Drive
A scenic drive along Saguaro Lake offering views of the lake, surrounding desert landscapes, and the Superstition Mountains.
- Waterfront Views: Provides beautiful waterfront views of Saguaro Lake
- Scenic Variety: Offers views of the lake, surrounding desert landscapes, and the Superstition Mountains
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking at the lake
11. Superstition Lakes Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Superstition Lakes area offering views of lakes, desert landscapes, and the surrounding mountains.
- Waterfront Views: Provides beautiful waterfront views of the Superstition Lakes
- Scenic Variety: Offers views of the lakes, surrounding desert landscapes, and the mountains
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking at the lakes
12. Phon D Sutton Lake Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Phon D Sutton area offering views of the lake, desert landscapes, and the surrounding mountains.
- Waterfront Views: Provides beautiful waterfront views of Phon D Sutton Lake
- Scenic Variety: Offers views of the lake, surrounding desert landscapes, and the mountains
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking at the lake
13. Tonto National Forest Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through Tonto National Forest offering views of rugged desert landscapes, canyons, and the surrounding mountains.
- Natural Beauty: Provides stunning views of the diverse landscapes of Tonto National Forest
- Hiking Trails: Offers access to numerous hiking trails for exploration and adventure
- Wildlife Opportunities: Allows for wildlife viewing opportunities, including bears, elk, and mountain lions
14. Canyon Lake Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Canyon Lake area offering views of the lake, desert landscapes, and the surrounding mountains.
- Waterfront Views: Provides beautiful waterfront views of Canyon Lake
- Scenic Variety: Offers views of the lake, surrounding desert landscapes, and the mountains
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking at the lake
15. Lake Pleasant Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Lake Pleasant area offering views of the lake, desert landscapes, and the surrounding mountains.
- Waterfront Views: Provides beautiful waterfront views of Lake Pleasant
- Scenic Variety: Offers views of the lake, surrounding desert landscapes, and the mountains
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking at the lake