AZ road trip - looking for advice

Hi AZ!

My 8 yo daughter and me are planning a road trip to central AZ in the first week of May. We’ve never been to AZ, so I figured this group would be a good place to get some advice.

We are thinking of visiting Tonto and Coconino NFs. Maybe going through Phoenix and working our way North. We’d like to see the Saguaro cacti, but otherwise just camp, hike, and explore some of your beautiful country. Maybe check out Sedona.

Naturally, we want to do some off-roading, but we will be by ourselves so nothing intense. We’ll be in my second gen Tacoma with 33s and a rear locker.

Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

That time of year the flowers should be out. The area north of Roosevelt Lake in the Tonto NF is a good place to see them. South of the lake is Tonto National Monument--Indian ruins and more flowers that time of year. There are more ruins in the area, but generally more difficult to access. There are some more developed ruins between Cottonwood and Sedona. There are many more possibilities than you probably have time for. PM me if you want more info.

 

4 peaks, easy road over the mountain, couple nice views

Sheeps bridge, 40 miles 1 way, last 10 miles are bumpy but it's easy. Camp by the river, rope swing off the bridge, hot tub.

Montana mountain, I've seen some nice flowers out there. 35 mile loop, easy, maybe a few rain ruts and a slightly tippy spot.

Sasco loop near Tucson. 25 mile loop, super easy graded road. Old mine foundations and the absolute weirdest Suguaro cacti ever.

Needle rock. Verde river and trees. Weird roc formation. Head north up Camp Creek thru the canyon in the soft sand. Stay on main trail and watch for on coming traffic around the blind turns.

Enjoy!

 

Use to live in Novato. Went to Novato High School.

There is so much to see in AZ. If you never have been it would be worth the drive to the Grand Canyon. While the South Rim is open year round the North Rim reopens middle of May. The North Rim a completely different view of the GC. Worth the drive.

 

I checked my pictures folders--May is probably a bit late for optimum flower pix in that area. As someone else wrote--there is a lot here to see. I've been here 50+ years and still have lots of new places to go to.

 

Apache trail for nice easy dirt road along the river and a few lakes. Superstition mountain for hiking and lots of cacti. All located in the east valley.

 

Check out Sedona if you have a chance. Beautiful red rocks and quite a few trails. Schnelby hill rd is an easy one with great views.

 

We are planning on heading up thru Tonto the over into Prescott NF, Crown King and Jerome, then on to Sedona. Broken Arrow is also on the list.

 

I found the drive from Crown King to Prescott by the Senator Highway more interesting than taking I17. An alternative is to go west to Highway 89 and north to Prescott.

 

Thanks, that’s the plan. Take it slow and stay on as much dirt and back roads as possible.

 

Better do it soon its starting to get warm.
Sedona is a must do. Sheep's bridge is a nice drive and pretty camping spots too.
Oak creek by sedona has nice camping and hikes too.