Arizona 74 travels between Interstate 17 and U.S. 60, passing Lake Pleasant
and New Waddell Dam between the two. It is the primary access
route to Lake Pleasant, a reservoir for Phoenix, as well as
a quick access between the two arterials.
Arizona 74 was added to the state highway system in 1964,
but not completed until 1975. Until the late 1990s, the eastern
section was considered temporary, but has since been made
permanent.
Originally, the route number (74) was assigned to U.S. 60
between Ehrenberg (the Colorado River) and Wickenburg. This
route was designated as Arizona 74 between 1927 and 1931,
when it was merged into the realigned U.S. 60.
Perspective from Westbound Arizona 74
Arizona 74 begins here, at the top of the ramp from
Interstate 17. Photo taken March 3, 2007.
Distance sign to Lake Pleasant and Wickenburg. Photo
taken March 3, 2007.
Arizona 74 meets Lake Pleasant Road here. This road
does not go to Lake Pleasant, but rather heads south to
Phoenix. Photo taken March 3, 2007.
This Arizona 74 shield is a legacy of the original routing
of Arizona 74. Before 1998, thru traffic on Arizona 74
had to turn right to continue on the road. Photo taken
March 3, 2007.
The original T-intersection was reconstructed to add
a turn in the road so through traffic did not have to
stop and turn This sign advises traffic to continue on
Arizona 74 to reach Lake Pleasant. Photo taken March 3,
2007.
Distance sign to the Lake Pleasant Outdoor Center and
boat ramp. In the background on the right side of the
picture is New Waddell Dam, which was constructed in 1992
to increase storage capacity on the lake. Photo taken
March 3, 2007.
Turn right to reach Pleasant Harbor and the Lake Pleasant
Outdoor Center. Photo taken March 3, 2007.
Distance sign to Lake Pleasant, U.S. 60 and Wickenburg.
Photo taken March 3, 2007.
Lake Pleasant was originally constructed in the 1920s,
and named after Carl Pleasant who was the chief engineer
on the project. Photo taken March 3, 2007.
Arizona 74 travels through gaps in the Hieroglyphic
Mountains after passing Lake Pleasant. Photo taken March
3, 2007.
Turn right to reach Quintero Lane. Photo taken March
3, 2007.
Arizona 74 meets Castle Hot Springs Road here. Castle
Hot Springs, located north along the road, is the site
of the first resort in Arizona, dating back to 1896. The
resort burned down in 1976 and remains closed. Photo taken
March 3, 2007.
This reassurance marker is the last reassurance marker
westbound on Arizona 74. Photo taken March 3, 2007.
Advance signage for U.S. 60, 1/2 mile. The upcoming
T-junction marks the end of Arizona 74. Photo taken March
3, 2007.
Arizona 74 ends at U.S. 60. Turn right (west) on U.S.
60 to reach Wickenburg, or left (east) to reach Surprise.
Photo taken March 3, 2007.
