Arizona, a land of diversity and contrasts. The towering volcanic Mount Humphreys, the highest peak in Arizona at 12,637 feet (3,852 m) shows a bit of snow above its forested flanks. While stretching north beyond the mountains feet for 160 miles at 5,000-6,000 feet (1,524-1,829 m) the Painted desert displays colorful mineral-filled sediments of mud and sand deposited over 200 million years ago and later exposed by erosion. Driving south towards Flagstaff on historic Highway 89 the scenery takes my breath away.
What scenic highways have you traveled lately?
I like your contrasts. People often forget there are mountains in Arizona. I haven’t been on any scenic highways lately, although we are hoping to get down to McKinley next week to drive into the Park before the road is closed to private vehicles for the summer. There’s lots of beautiful scenery along the Parks Highway to get there, and although it isn’t a highway the road in the Park is very scenic.
I love your description of the contrasts of Arizona. That’s why it is such a wonderful state. Another state with tremendous contrasts is California. If you have not traveled Hwy 395 you are really missing something. I started out in desert and now am camped at about the 7,000 ft level. Lots of variety in between. Thanks for sharing about Arizona.
This link will take you to one of our favorite drives! Capitol Reef Utah!
http://www.phunnyfarm.blogspot.com/2010/10/capitol-reef-utah.html
Gaelyn, another beautiful shot. As for me? You know I have been traveling up and down the east coast! I hope you are well!
It was & is the diversity of landscapes in the Southwest that first attracted me to the area back in 1992. Took another 15 years to get back there & we have been coming pretty every winter ever since. Just love the whole Southwest & all it’s beauty.
I love scenic route 83 near Sierra Vista!!! I don’t mind driving that road at all….and the best part is that it leads to wine country!!! and Patagonia….you can’t go wrong with any of these choices:)
Big open sky country and you show your love for it often. I wouldn’t say I have travelled a highway recently, but we did venture out to Lalibela Game Reserve for a night over the weekend. Without the kids.