Arizona’s state highway system weaves through a dramatic tapestry of deserts, canyons, forests, and high plateaus. Maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), these routes play a vital role in connecting communities, supporting tourism, and providing access to national parks and remote landscapes. Many of these highways offer some of the most scenic and culturally significant drives in the American Southwest.

Among the notable Arizona state highways are State Route 64 (gateway to the Grand Canyon), SR 89A (a winding route through red rock country and Oak Creek Canyon), and SR 260, which cuts across the Mogollon Rim. Each route carries its own unique story—some tracing old Native American trails or early pioneer roads, others developed to link mining towns or modern metro regions like Phoenix and Tucson.

Whether you’re heading to the painted deserts of the northeast, the Saguaro-studded terrain near Tucson, or exploring the historic towns along SR 80, Arizona’s state highways offer more than just transit—they’re an invitation to explore the soul of the Southwest. With dramatic elevation changes and diverse landscapes, they provide unforgettable road trips year-round, especially in cooler months when northern routes remain accessible and desert areas come alive.