Getting Out on the Open Road Around Phoenix

During the long no-man's land of winter, cabin fever starts to set in. I think you would be hard-pressed to find anyone that didn't agree with you about this. Once the holidays have passed and a new year has begun, there are fewer distractions, except for those pesky old standbys like television and food. There really is no better time, to plan a vacation, and ban the blahs than hitting the open road?

Nothing says U.S. of A. like a road trip. But rather than packing up the car and tackling the mileage between you and the great Southwest, streamline your adventure by renting a vehicle once you arrive. The choices are numerous, from scooter-style bikes and Harley-Davidson's to a sunshine-basking convertible.

Once you've chosen your ride, decide on your route. The website Arizona Scenic Roads suggests the following day trips out of the Phoenix area:

Apache Trail Historic Road

Route: State Route 88

Length: 41.5 miles

Limits: Milepost 201.0 to Milepost 242.5

Established: June 20, 1986

Considered one of the best scenic drives in the state, the Apache Trail was completed in 1905, during the construction of Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Following alongside a chain of man-made lakes – Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt – on the Salt River, these 48 miles of zigzagging road lead through the volcanic landscape of Tonto National Forest, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Tortilla Flat.

Gila – Pinal Scenic Road

Route: US 60

Length: 26.0 miles

Limits: Milepost 214.5 to Milepost 240.5

Established: June 20, 1986

Resting in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains through Queen Valley, the Gila – Pinal Scenic Road passes through several canyons – including Queen Creek and Devil's – and features an array of desert flora, and biotic communities with seasonal, riparian areas. Along the route, travelers will find the Boyce Thompson Southwest Arboretum and the towns of Globe and Miami – fabled Old West mining communities, where many a prospectors found and lost their fortune.

Copper Corridor Scenic Road East

Route: State Route 77

Length: 38.0 miles

Limits: Milepost 124.0 to Milepost 162.0

Established: October 17, 2008

Copper Corridor Scenic Road West

Route: State Route 177

Length: 15.0 miles

Limits: Milepost 149.0 to Milepost 164.0

Established: October 17, 2008

Southeast of Phoenix, the Copper Corridor Scenic Byway passes through the Sonoran Desert, offering a unique look at the breathtaking scenery of the high desert areas of the state. The corridor crosses some of Arizona's richest mineral areas, and is aptly named – in 2007, one of the largest copper deposits in North America was discovered one mile beneath the surface nearby. Featuring “tortuous” roadway curves, panoramic views, gigantic open mining activities, and diversity of desert ecology, the Copper Corridor is sure to be a drive to remember!

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