MORE THINGS TO DO: For restaurant reviews, travel tips, concert picks and more, subscribe to azcentral.com. While widely accepted today, it was a controversial notion when he published his findings in 1890. By the first or second weekend in October, aspen stands on the San Francisco Peaks are golden and glorious. Take An Unforgettable Scenic Drive Around The Highest Mountains In Arizona. Like many of our scenic drives, this one can be done in either direction. Downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. Coconino National Forest, FlagstaffBy Annette McGivney. The rolling White Horse Hills unfold to the north. Follow FR 418 as it meanders through the aspens, with the scree-covered (and sometimes snowcapped) slopes of 12,633-foot Humphreys Peak commanding the southern horizon. The road was originally constructed by the S.F. The San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to a height of 16,000 feet. San Francisco Peaks: Beautiful Scenic Drive - See 251 traveler reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. As someone who has spent decades rambling around this remarkable state, I know that Arizona is road trip nirvana. The Museum of Northern Arizona tells the history of the Colorado Plateau, from its geologic creation to the peoples who have populated it. Exhibits highlight a history of logging, ranching and transportation. The Around the Peaks Loop lasts for 44 gorgeous miles (closed in winter). The Red Mountain Trail north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires. 49 Mile Scenic Drive through San Francisco. By the first or second weekend in October, aspen stands on the San Francisco Peaks are golden and glorious. Mogollon Rim Road Scenic Drive. The best part of the San Francisco Peaks Drive is the 14-mile-long unpaved stretch of road, linking Highways 89 and 180. Summer sunflowers bloom in the meadows along the San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. ... more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. No tips yet. The stunning drives are arranged by region and include starting and ending points, mileage, photos, full descriptions and suggestions on locally owned places to eat and sleep. Turn left onto FR 418 and continue 11.1 miles to Forest Road 552. Continuing on FR 418, the rocky road gives way to smooth gravel as you descend through rolling foothills and continue east, toward the Painted Desert. Copying and downloading images from this site is strictly prohibited. At 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona and also where you’ll find the only alpine tundra in the state. Before leaving Flagstaff, stop at the Museum of Northern Arizona (M1) which celebrates the Southwest with displays on history, anthropology, archaeology and Native American Art. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Driving down Hwy 89 toward the San Francisco Peaks from the town of Gray Mountain, AZ. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road (U.S. 180) is one of the two primary routes leading from Flagstaff, AZ, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It is on the National Scenic Byway list. What follows is an excerpt from one chapter of "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes." San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road Overview: Passing through thick forests, mountain meadows and sagebrush flats, this road travels along the edge of … To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs. But the problem for people seeking to get their annual leaf-peeping fix is that popular spots high on the mountains can feel as congested as a shopping mall’s parking lot on Christmas Eve. Around the Peaks Loop. It's part of a 64-acre Twin Peaks Natural Area and is free to visit 365 days a year (the peaks themselves cover about 31-acres). August’s section will take us to Twin Peaks … Twin Peaks San Francisco is the second highest summit in the city. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road was designated on January 12, 1990, by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The Arizona Snowbowl Road north of Flagstaff makes a winding climb up the mountain slopes full of forest vistas and hiking trails. The drive starts off Hwy 89 14 miles north of Flagstaff. Schultz Pass Road offers 26 miles of you, the road and the changing trees (closed in winter). There are 163 san francisco peaks for sale on Etsy, and they cost $47.02 on average. Snowbowl Road, a paved road that goes on for 15 miles, is a quick drive … Getting To the Peaks. These 9 Beautiful Byways In Arizona Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive. And if hot magma is raining down from the sky, put the top up on the convertible and turn around at the first opportunity. The entrance requires scrambling over boulders but then the chamber widens. This new event is inspired by and made possible thanks to Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, authors of Walking San Francisco’s 49 Mile […] Turning right will take you up to Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trailhead. The San Francisco Peaks are the remnants of a stratovolcano that once rose to a height of 16,000 feet. Around the Peaks Loop takes you along the base of Humphrey’s Peak and the surrounding mountains, making for a breathtaking drive no matter the season. To your left and straight ahead, grass-covered cinder hills might be dappled in shadows beneath cotton-ball clouds. (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic). (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). ", "The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon. And they may not be finished. https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/arizonas-san-francisco-peaks-drive Geologists believe it once reached a height of 16,000 feet but continued to blast itself apart. That’s where I first set foot in Arizona. A little more than a mile from the intersection, on both sides of the road, are lush aspen stands ideal for photo ops or just wandering in awe beneath the golden canopies. These two trails make a scenic loop through forested canyons. Designed to show off the city, this 49-mile stretch of road is among the best San Francisco drives. Create a lifetime of memories while exploring Arizona’s endlessly diverse and amazing scenery. And welcome to my world! You do not need a Facebook profile to participate. At a Glance. There are some tight spots but the ceiling often soars dozens of feet overhead. Here's how to get a COVID-19 test at Sky Harbor, Americans flying for Thanksgiving, despite CDC plea, Traveling for Thanksgiving? Both end at the Waterline Road (FR 146) along the base of a long talus slope topped by Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest point. Overview: Passing through thick forests, mountain meadows and sagebrush flats, this road travels along the edge of Arizona’s tallest mountains and provides a major route to Grand Canyon. Follow him on Twitter @AZRogerNaylor and keep up with him at https://www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ. Fine Art Print - San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Panoramic - scenic colorful photograph, gift ideas present home office wall decor furnishings JManjeotPhotography. To the northeast, golden meadows fall away into the Painted Desert’s sea of color and space. It won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. Information for all hiking trails: 928-526-0866, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. Visit ancient Native American villages, chase Old West legends, and get your kicks on Route 66. ... Scenic Drive Sedona to Flagstaff Arizona - Duration: 7:16. It was love at first sight. This scenic drive takes you to the North Rim and passes by the Kaibab Plateau. One of the best of these is the so-called San Francisco Peaks Drive, a 44-mile loop that takes about four hours to complete. Aspen leaves carpet a trail high up on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. It appears to have its side ripped out, exposing a fancifully eroded internal structure that you can enter (see Hiking). If you’re willing to put up with the traffic, pedestrians, and obtrusive roadwork, this is a great way to see the city without getting out of the car. Driving northwest from Flagstaff on U.S. Route 180, continue past Snowbowl Road and Arizona Nordic Village to the second turnoff for Forest Road 151, and hang a right. Downtown Association for the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939 and featured a route between San Francisco City Hall and Treasure Island. Housed in a building of volcanic rock, the Pioneer Museum covers a wide range of the region’s past. As the road continues, evidence of past fires are visible as well as the regeneration process. You will need to register before adding a comment. If you want to enjoy one of the best fall color displays in Arizona without the crowds, skip Arizona Snowbowl and head to the north side of the Peaks, where the aspens are plentiful but the leaf-peepers are few and far between. The San Francisco Peaks have considerable religious significance for several American Indian tribes. Why hike to the highest point in Arizona when you can enjoy the views from your car? In this guide I feature all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, including five National Scenic Byways. Downtown Flagstaff is filled with historic buildings and is known for its shops, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. The cave was formed 700,000 years ago by a river of molten lava blasted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road was designated on January 12, 1990, by the Arizona Department of Transportation. This road is within the Colorado Plateau Region and is distinguished by remarkable canyons and mountain ranges. Open country continues until the road climbs back into the forest before it reaches the town of Tusayan, just outside the park. We all cherish the memory of our first love. The amphitheater calls to mind a miniaturized Bryce Canyon bristling with colorful hoodoos. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. I’m not sure what utter collapse of judgment, what failure of common sense led me down the reckless path to become a desert rat but such is my fate. While the traffic can be challenging, this wonky loop takes you to San Francisco's most iconic attractions and landmarks. Grand Canyon Loop. Drive about 15 miles northeast on US 89 from the center of Flagstaff. SF’s historic, 49 mile loop around the City has been reinvented as a walking adventure! "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes" is available in stores, on Amazon and at https://www.rogernaylor.com. But the problem for people seeking to get their annual leaf-peeping fix is that popular spots high on the mountains can feel as congested as a shopping mall’s parking lot on Christmas Eve. Log in to leave a tip here. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). © 2020 www.azcentral.com. ... Scenic Drive Sedona to Flagstaff Arizona - Duration: 7:16. I couldn’t get enough of them and knew I was destined to be some kind of flannel-shirted mountain man romping at high elevation where the air is clean and pure. Carry plenty of water. The most common san francisco peaks material is metal. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. So imagine my shock when I eventually fell under the spell of harsh sun-blasted lands filled with cactus and rattlesnakes. For the last stretch of highway, you’re clear of the forest and rolling across sagebrush prairie. Look in any general direction and you’re bound to find something that will catch your eye. The images on this website are copyrighted. The San Francisco Peaks (Spanish: Sierra de San Francisco, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) are a volcanic mountain range in San Francisco volcanic field in north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff and a remnant of the former San Francisco Mountain.The highest summit in the range, Humphreys Peak, is the highest point in the state of Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) in elevation. Lurking beneath the soft facade is an explosive lava-spewing geological hotspot. I was utterly smitten with the mountains. Once an active stratovolcano, presumably as high as 16,000 feet, the San Francisco Peaks serve as one of the most distinct geological features of the Colorado Plateau. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is the quickest and most accessible way to explore San Francisco. Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail: This gentle loop moves from pine forest through open grassland. Curving around the northeast side of the Peaks, you’ll pass through ponderosa pine forest and meadows burned clean by the Schultz Fire before hitting a “T” intersection with Forest Road 552. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 251 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. Dress warm and carry at least two sources of light. Length: 49.3-mile loop (from Flagstaff)Directions: From downtown Flagstaff, go northwest on U.S. Route 180 for 19 miles to Forest Road 151. Lava River Cave: Explore one of the most unusual volcanic scars of the area when hiking a nearly mile-long lava tube hidden beneath the ponderosa pines. I flew across the country from Ohio to attend Northern Arizona University. Book your tickets online for San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff: See 251 reviews, articles, and 73 photos of San Francisco Peaks, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 73 attractions in Flagstaff. "Arizona's Scenic Roads & Hikes" by Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor details 27 stunning highways and byways with things to do along the way. Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 and turn left on Forest Road 245 (at milepost 230). After 50 miles you’ll junction with Arizona 64 in the crossroads town of Valle. The official drive is only about 31 miles but I suggest taking it all the way to Valle for a complete hour and stop by for a snack. It is pretty, but if you want to see … Turn left onto FR 552 and continue 1.6 miles to U.S. Route 89. As you climb up rocky FR 418, you’re skirting the boundary of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness and some of the most remote stretches of this long-dormant volcano. Taking in the views of the fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone. That’s why I wrote my latest book, "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes.". Save. I’m not sure how you would prepare for such an event if it happens during your road trip other than to exercise caution. Watch for the turnoff to the Arizona Snowbowl, 7 miles northwest of Flagstaff. It's all about the city's size: 49 square miles. U.S. 180 leaves from downtown Flagstaff and angles northwest along the western slope of the Peaks. The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco, California. ). This road takes you along Route 180 for a perfect view of the San Francisco Peaks and other mountains in the area. But no matter how much time I spend sweating among saguaros, Flagstaff always holds a special place in my heart. Many geologists expect eruptions again in the future. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive. Drive about 15 … This road is a state-designated scenic road. Why is it 49 miles long? For me, it was Flagstaff. "Boots and Burgers: An Arizona Handbook for Hungry Hikers. Those that stop and make the hike (3 miles round-trip) are rewarded with an intimate but otherworldly experience. From shop ... because here they come. It’s only 25 miles to the park entrance. Please be polite. San Francisco Peaks: Beautiful Scenic Drive - See 251 traveller reviews, 73 candid photos, and great deals for Flagstaff, AZ, at Tripadvisor. From the Abineau (#127) and Bear Jaw (#26) trails, on the north slope of the San Francisco Peaks, you can see the Grand Canyon seventy miles away. For those that prefer skiing on more level terrain, Arizona Nordic Village offers miles of groomed cross-country trails during winter, and cabins and yurts for rent throughout the year. Flagstaff is the closest major city to the loop, so it’s generally wise to begin your San Francisco Peaks Arizona road trip there. Join us in walking the city’s historic 49 Mile Scenic Drive in chunks over the course of nine months. The road begins to descend and the stately ponderosas give way to a scrubby mix of junipers and pinion pines. Scenic Drives: There are four designated scenic drives. It’s 74 miles from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park. ", "Crazy for the Heat: Arizona Tales of Ghosts, Gumshoes and Bigfoot" (fiction), Phoenix, Mesa airports see brisk traffic for Thanksgiving, Rocky, the owl stuck in Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, is released, Why Frontier is expanding at Sky Harbor during a pandemic, Flying? The San Francisco Peaks are a quiet volcanic mountain range with six summits including Mount Humphreys towering at 12,633 feet, the tallest peak in the state. Road. Flagstaff is the closest major city to the loop, so it’s generally wise to begin your San Francisco Peaks Arizona road trip there. Continue 3 miles and turn left on FR 171. Mileage: The scenic road is 31 miles (Milepost 224 to Milepost 255). Look for it on the right side of 180, a couple of miles past the Snowbowl Road. If you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent, head down four-wheel-drive Forest Road 9219V to claim an isolated pullout that looks onto an aspen-encircled meadow. Red Mountain still wears visible scars of its violent past. The Hopis believe their kachina gods dwell within the mountains, and they are one of four sacred mountains to the Navajos forming the boundaries of their homeland. 5. Turn right onto U.S. Route 89 and continue 16 miles back to Flagstaff.Vehicle requirements: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, but four-wheel-drive is not necessary in good weather.Warning: Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. On the northwestern horizon, a glim-mering stripe of white limestone marks the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, serving as a yin to the Peaks’ yang. The San Francisco Peaks are a quiet volcanic mountain range with six summits including Mount Humphreys towering at 12,633 feet, the tallest peak in the state. © Copyright 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. Roger Naylor is a long-time Arizona Republic contributor and the author of seven books, including "Arizona State Parks," which won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. A ladder climbs over a stone wall and you’re engulfed in a wonderland of gnawed spires, twisted pillars and contorted walls bubbled with trapped gasses. The next morning I saw the outline of the San Francisco Peaks. Turn onto Forest Service Route 418 and drive 12 miles west to FS 151. At the Y, bear left. It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban. The 49-Mile Drive may be one of San Francisco's oldest marketing ploys, created in the early 20th century to show off the city to new drivers. Meadows spread wide through here, a good area to spot wildlife. Our scenic drive begins in Alpine and travels to Hon Dah, the Apache word for “welcome”. There are two options, a 0.25-mile paved loop suitable for wheelchairs or the longer 1.5-mile loop that pushes deeper into the woods, past an aspen grove and returns along the edge of a lanky meadow. If you set out on a road trip, remember to observe mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety practices. Do not try to cross a wash flowing with lava. As you enter the wide grasslands of Kendrick Park, glance up the slopes of the peaks and you’ll see the shimmering green of fast-growing aspen saplings filling the place where ponderosa pines once stood. After 1.6 miles, you’ll reach a fork where FR 151 bends to the right and Forest Road 418 to the left. A lone hiking trail climbs above the tree line and crosses alpine tundra to reach the summit of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes" covers all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, along with nearby hiking trails, attractions, activities and suggestions on where to eat and stay. Here's what to expect at Sky Harbor, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. And as of October, Monument Valley and other tourism sites on the Navajo Reservation are still closed and curfews may be in effect. As you make your way up FR 151, you’ll quickly see what you’ve come for: the towering Peaks, dead ahead, with their steep slopes draped in cascades of gold. But you’ve already found your gold. Ocean Beach, San Francisco. 1.49 Mile Scenic Drive Through San Francisco Buckle up for an urban adventure on the 49 Mile Scenic Drive in San Francisco. Travel from sun-kissed deserts to snow-capped mountains, from the cosmic abyss of the Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona and the soaring monoliths of Monument Valley. Don’t travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.Information: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866 or www.fs.usda.gov/coconino, Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. The leaf-peeping crowds are so thick there on weekends that parking is often impossible. Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2020/10/09/arizona-scenic-drive-san-francisco-peaks-loop-flagstaff/3630423001/, (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic), "Arizona’s Scenic Roads and Hikes" is available in stores, on Amazon and at. Desert View Drive at Grand Canyon National Park offers several outstanding overlooks. Roads throughout he San Francisco Peaks provide access to some of Arizona’s best fall colors. The San Francisco Peaks (Spanish: Sierra de San Francisco, Navajo: Dookʼoʼoosłííd) are a volcanic mountain range in San Francisco volcanic field in north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff and a remnant of the former San Francisco Mountain.The highest summit in the range, Humphreys Peak, is the highest point in the state of Arizona at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) in elevation. Snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, Kaibab National Forest and the intense colors of light and shadow stretching across the rocks, buttes, and spires of the Grand Canyon await as this scenic drive explores 2 billion years of the earth’s history. Map link: U.S. Route 180 The steep, challenging hike is just under 10 miles round trip, ending with a lung-squeezing slog across treeless tundra. And don’t let the tall pine trees and meadows streaked with wildflowers fool you. Basically just assume every hill and mountain you see along this road were volcanoes or mixed up in volcanic treachery. On the outskirts of town, you’ll pass a couple of excellent museums. Tips; Photos 3; San Francisco Peaks Scenic Drive. On a late summer evening I stepped off a tiny plane (pretty sure we dusted crops on the final leg from Denver) and smelled the pine-scented air of Flagstaff. However, it's the most popular due to its central location and unobstructed views all around the SF Bay. "Arizona's Scenic Roads & Hikes" by Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor details 27 stunning highways and byways with things to do along the way. You can expect an impressive display of diversity on a road that travels from Arizona’s highest mountains to its deepest canyon. If there’s anything we can all agree on, it’s that Arizona has some spectacular scenery. Even the mountains the road skirts around, the San Francisco Peaks, are the ragged remnants of a hulking stratovolcano. Post. (Photo: Roger Naylor/Special for the Republic). Between the two habitats, you may encounter a variety of bird and animal life. This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you. Turn left onto FS 151 and drive south 8 miles to Hwy 180. Last, but not least, is the famous 49 Mile Scenic Drive in San Francisco. San Francisco Peaks. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. No tips and reviews. Pioneer Museum (M2) is also nearby and showcases northern Arizonas early history, ranching, logging and transportation. Traveling between these high lonely slopes across the plateau and into the arid depths of the nearby Grand Canyon was where biologist C. Hart Merriam developed his “life zones” concept — that altitude and temperature determine what type of plants grow in a particular place. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). This will take you through Castro District and Twin Peaks. Turn left, and before long, you’ll hit the blacktop of U.S. Route 89 for the drive back to Flagstaff. Check  https://www.navajo-nsn.gov for the latest information. View album on Flicker . All rights reserved. The Red Mountain Trail north of Flagstaff skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and gnawed spires. Roger Naylor is a long-time Arizona Republic contributor and the author of seven books, including "Arizona State Parks," which won a 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award in the Travel category. Snowbowl Road makes a winding climb up the slopes to a major ski area, offering multiple runs during winter and a scenic chair lift ride in warmer months. The trail starts along an old road that winds through junipers and pinion pines, then dips into the bed of a wash. After a mile the sandy streambed squeezes between towers of black cinders. Several hiking trails branch off from this road as well, including the trek to the top of Humphreys Peak. To the west, Kendrick Mountain, a large lava dome, rises above the forest. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. I have been to Half Moon Bay several times prior to this scenic drive from San Francisco Airport. Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. Photo: Forest Road 418 offers a view of golden-leafed aspens and the San Francisco Peaks to the south. At a Glance. The San Francisco volcanic field spreads for 1,800 square miles across the southern quadrant of the Colorado Plateau with the first eruptions occurring six million years ago. Red Mountain Trail #159: With Grand Canyon beckoning just up the highway, most folks breeze past Red Mountain with barely a glance. All rights reserved. Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in. Share. If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them. The drive to Snow Bowl takes you through the forest at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and then up to the Snow Bowl area. You've seen the signs around San Francisco -- a seagull looking over one white shoulder into a blue sky, regal as an eagle, and the words: 49 Mile Scenic Drive. (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Koopsen). This new event is inspired by and made possible thanks to Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, authors of Walking San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive. Trail begins at milepost 247 off U.S. 180, 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff. This scenic drive is a nice way to see more of San Francisco than you can on foot. Join us in walking the city’s historic 49 Mile Scenic Drive in chunks over the course of nine months. About 3 miles after turning onto FR 418, you’ll reach the intersection with Forest Road 9123J and a spectacular panorama (and ideal picnic spot) that encompasses the crown jewels of Northern Arizona. | Douglas Koepsel. That way you can take more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road. The four major summits of the San Francisco Peaks are Fremont, Doyle, Agassiz and Humphreys. Around the Peaks Loop. On this trip, ... you can loop back to San Francisco by continuing on 92 to 280 (recommended) or 101 (blech! The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco, California.It was created in 1938 by the San Francisco Down Town Association to showcase the city's major attractions and natural beauty during the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.. The tallest peak is the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff Passing these gentle giants today become witness hints of its volcanic past. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. Look for the signed parking area on the west side of 180, 7 miles past the turnoff for Snowbowl. Taking in the views of the fall colors at the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding mountains with the drone. Red Mountain looms to the left, a volcanic cinder cone. Turn right onto FR 151 and continue 1.6 miles to Forest Road 418. On your left, the vibrant yellow leaves of young aspen stands pop against black remnants of the 1996 Hochderffer Fire. Getting To the Peaks. Aspen leaves carpet a trail high up on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. As of October 2020, the Desert View Watchtower (pictured) is closed due to the new coronavirus pandemic. Here are more books by Naylor: Support local journalism. Drive for 1 mile and turn left on FR 171B to the parking lot. Once an active stratovolcano, presumably as high as 16,000 feet, the San Francisco Peaks serve as one of the most distinct geological features of the Colorado Plateau. This road is within the Colorado Plateau Region and is distinguished by remarkable canyons and mountain ranges. Each road trip is paired with attractions and activities including nearby hiking trails. "Arizona State Parks: A Guide to Amazing Places in the Grand Canyon State." View album on Flicker . ... more than one day to do this drive or combine it with one or more of the other scenic drives in the vicinity of the San Francisco Peaks. Since you likely didn’t come all this way to hang out in Valle, turn north on Arizona 64 to continue to Grand Canyon National Park. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing. "Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes" covers all 27 of Arizona’s state-designated scenic and historic roads, along with nearby hiking trails, attractions, activities and suggestions on where to eat and stay. Soars dozens of feet overhead and passes by the Kaibab Plateau crossroads town of.. Of light under 10 miles round trip, remember to observe mask mandates other. That you can enter ( see hiking ) after 1.6 miles, you may a. Carpet a trail high up on the slopes of the San Francisco Drive... 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Whether we can improve the experience for you this 235 Mile loop takes along... Before adding a comment town, you ’ re bound to find more! Of Transportation, State of Arizona skirts past colorful hoodoos, twisted pillars and spires. The outskirts of town, you ’ ll hit the blacktop of U.S. Route 89 View Watchtower pictured. Cave was formed 700,000 years ago by a river of molten lava blasted from a vent! However, it was a controversial notion when he published his findings in.... Peaks Drive is the 14-mile-long unpaved stretch of road is among san francisco peaks scenic loop drive best San Peaks! Volcanic cinder cone wildlife trail: this gentle loop moves from pine Forest through grassland. The Museum of Northern Arizona tells the history of logging, ranching and Transportation on the San Francisco.! The experience for you a Facebook profile to participate 's how to get COVID-19! Twin Peaks for sale on Etsy, and get your kicks on Route 66 will need to register adding! 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