RURAL ARIZONA

Holbrook to Mesa

Since two nights in Sedona was planned for the drive back, I opted for the scenic route through Arizona from north to south.  Only added ten minutes, too.  What I did not know is that I was somewhere near 8000' when I got off the interstate and that this route took me through two national forests.  After a bit, I passed the sign and started a mesmerizing decent through an untouched wilderness that I had no idea existed.  Top 3 happy accident.  Strongest recommendation that you make this drive.  Not sure it would be the same going north.  The southern route you basically just coast all the way to Payson.  It's life-changing.

Sedona to Flagstaff

This drive is also amazing.  You'd have to backtrack a ways to take the interstate out of Sedona, so this is really the only option to go north.  With that said, do it!  It winds through very deep gorges and along the river.  It's breathtaking.  Lots of traffic coming into Sedona, so I wouldn't recommend that.  South to north is amazing!

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