publisher page - february 2010

Scenic Drives

Arizona State Route 89A traverses one of the most visually stunning landscapes in the United States. Running from Prescott northward through the towns of Jerome, Cottonwood and Sedona to its end in Flagstaff, the highway has been named one of the top ten scenic drives in America.

Prescott to Jerome
This storied road begins at a junction with SR 89 north of Prescott near the Antelope Hills Golf Course and Ernest A. Love Field. The highway heads east until it reaches Fain Road in Prescott Valley.

As the highway continues to the northeast, it begins to ascend the Black Hills mountain range. The highway follows the terrain through a series of hairpin turns as the it climbs in elevation. Once the highway passes over the mountains, it begins its descent into the Verde Valley and enters the town of Jerome where it provides access to the Jerome State Historical Park.

Jerome to Sedona
SR 89A heads northeast as it leaves Jerome through the Verde Valley. After it enters the town of Clarkdale, it turns towards the southeast at an intersection with 11th Street. The highway provides access to the Tuzigoot National Monument and Dead Horse Ranch State Park along this stretch. It continues towards the southeast through Clarkdale before it enters the town of Cottonwood. In Cottonwood, the highway begins to follow Cottonwood Street until it reaches an intersection with Main Street. It turns towards the southeast to follow Main Street to an intersection with SR 260. SR 260 heads towards the south towards the city of Camp Verde while SR 89A heads northeast towards Sedona.

Before reaching Sedona, SR 89A provides access to Red Rock State Park. Sedona is an arts and resort community known for its red sandstone formations. As it enters Sedona, SR 89A is known as the Si Birch Memorial Highway. The highway continues east through Sedona, providing access to the Sedona Airport. SR 89A continues towards the east through Sedona to an intersection with SR 179. SR 179 heads south from this intersection through the southern part of Sedona and also provides access to Interstate 17.

Sedona to Flagstaff
The highway heads northeast from Sedona and follows Oak Creek as it enters Oak Creek Canyon. SR 89A curves to the north as it follows the creek and provides access to Slide Rock State Park along what I believe is the most beautiful portion of the highway. The highway leaves the creek as it begins to ascend the canyon. It goes through a series of hairpin turns to reach the top of the canyon on the Mogollon Rim. There is a scenic view area off of the highway at the top of the canyon. SR 89A continues north away from the canyon towards Flagstaff. The highway curves towards the northeast as it passes to the west of the Forest Highlands Gold Club. The highway continues to the northeast to I-17 in Flagstaff near Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. SR 89A passes to the west of Northern Arizona University before reaching its end at Interstate 40 Business in Flagstaff.

February in Arizona. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and life is good. See you on the road.

Thomas J. Ruberto
Owner / Publisher

89A information courtesy of Wikipedia.