Road from Portal to Cave Creek Canyon.
Here you will find some of our recommended Southern Arizona back roads with links to more information. But first, there are a few things you might consider.
Southern Arizona back roads are generally scenic and most will also transport you back in history a hundred years or more. Many of our recommended back roads are paved. Some are not.
Our featured unpaved roads are usually passable in a standard sedan. However, they are usually washboards when dry, muddy, flooded, or otherwise impassable during and immediately after a rain.
Arizona has a ‘Stupid Motorist’ law. If you’re stupid enough to drive into a flooded wash (that is usually a dry or shallow stream bed), the authorities will pull you out, but you will pay for this very expensive service. I have assured the authorities that this website has no stupid motorists.
Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to check on road conditions before heading out. If you want to visit a museum, also check to see if they will be open.
- U.S. Forest Service Current Weather & Road Conditions
- Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Online or 5-1-1.
- Here is the state’s list of Scenic, Historic, and Federally-designated Roads.
Precautions
- Start your tour with a full tank of gas and don’t let the tank get below 1/4. Sometimes it’s a long way between gas stations.
- Take your mobile device. Make sure the battery is charged and stays charged.
- In the back county, DO NOT rely on your navigation device. Take a real map, with back road details. I’ve been on unpaved roads where Google couldn’t find its hind end with two hands and a compass.
- Take water or juices and some snacks just in case.
- Tell a friend where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you’re running late, call that friend so they don’t panic and call ‘Search & Rescue’.
Other Thoughts
- Get out of your car occasionally. Take some photos. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to spot a few rare birds. Meet some interesting folks along the way.
- Find a pleasant picnic area and enjoy the good life.
- Watch out for bicyclists. Give them plenty of passing room.
- Write us and share your experiences. Send your best photos.
Best Southern Arizona Back Roads
Why do we particularly like these back roads? (A) natural beauty; (B) historical significance; (C) interesting people and things to do. Click on the links for more information about each.
Mt. Lemmon: Ski Valley above the clouds.
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1. Tucson to Mt. Lemmon via Catalina Highway.
About 25 miles from the east side of Tucson to Summerhaven, Ski Valley, and Sky Center. This is a scenic drive through the Coronado National Forest, one of several Sky Islands in Southern Arizona. The road has many pullouts and overlooks; plus nearby hiking, camping, birdwatching, and, in January, skiing. At 9,000 feet elevation, Mt. Lemmon is usually 30 degrees cooler than Tucson. You can dine at the new Sawmill Run Restaurant in Summerhaven or continue 2 miles up the road to Ski Valley and eat at the Iron Door Restaurant. (Drive time about an hour to the top.)
2. Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park West
Petroglyphs: Saguaro Nat’l Park West.
An almost surreal drive through a splendid saguaro forest. Hiking, picnic areas, and petroglyphs. From Tucson, take Gates Pass west and turn right on Kinney Road past the Desert Museum to the Park’s visitor center where you can pick up a map. (Drive time from Tucson about an hour.)
3. Tucson To Florence and Casa Grande Ruins National Park via old Hwy 79
Casa Grande Ruins near Florence.
4. Tucson To Empire Ranch, Las Cienegas Conservation Area, & the Sonoita Wine Country
Deer in the grasslands near Sonoita. Photo by Sally Reichardt.
5. Tucson South to Madera Canyon
Madera Canyon Arizona: an acorn woodpecker.
Ruby Arizona: ghost town near Arivaca.
7. Tucson To Gammons Gulch & Muleshoe Ranch Preserve.
Take I-10 east just past Benson to Pomerene exit 306. Then north about 21 miles on Pomerene Road which turns into Cascabel Road to Links Road. Links Road is unpaved. Head NW for 15 miles before reaching Muleshoe Road. Take the unpaved Muleshoe Road another 15 miles North to the Preserve.
From Willcox head south on Hwy 186 to Chiricahua National Monument. Once in the Monument there’s only one road. It follows Bonita Canyon to the top where you will discover one of nature’s amazing sights: The Wonderland of Rocks. Go for a hike. Be sure to stop at the ranger station and find out when the next tour of Faraway Ranch is. Take the tour. Before you leave Willcox, be sure you have plenty of gas & food because none is available until you get back to Willcox. (Drive time about 2 hours to the top)
9. Sonoita To Sonoita Creek Preserve & Patagonia Lake State Park
From Sonoita take Hwy 82 south to Patagonia, Sonoita Creek Preserve, and Patagonia Lake State Park.
10. Sonoita Madera Canyon via Box Canyon
11. Tucson To Kentucky Camp (ghost town near Sonoita)
Portal Store, Lodge & Cafe’
Black Hills Back Country Byway: one of many picnic areas.
This unpaved back road was the original highway from Safford to the mines at Clifton. You can access it from the little town of Solomon on Hwy 191 or Clifton at the east end.
14. Douglas To Slaughter Ranch
Slaughter Ranch Museum: a fine picnic area by the lake.
From Douglas, take 15th street east. As you leave Douglas you will also leave the pavement. Slaughter Ranch Museum is totally worth the trip. In addition, there is a very pleasant picnic area by the lake. (Drive time about half-hour.)
15. Ghost Town Trail: Gleeson To Pearce
Pearce Arizona: General Store.
If you take Gleeson Road (unpaved) east out of Tombstone about 17 miles you will come to the ghost town of Gleeson. At Gleeson, check out the old jail open one Saturday a month by Joe Bono, owner and former resident. Across the street is the old saloon and the adobe walls of the miners’ hospital. Just east of Gleeson you can pick up the Ghost Town Trail going north to what remains of Courtland and Pearce.
For book recommendations and further reading on all things and Day Trips unique to Southern Arizona, please click here. We will be posting a new compilation of our Road Trips sine this was written for the Spring. Tis the season to explore Southern Arizona!