Arizona 89A begins in Prescott, and travels northeast via Jerome to Sedona.
Between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona 89A travels through
Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic roads in Arizona
(and the first designated scenic road in Arizona).
Arizona 89A began life in 1927 as Arizona 79, and was added
to the US Highway system as US 89A in 1940. In 1992, the route
was decomissioned as a US Highway, and reverted to a state-designated
highway. The route is not recommended for long trucks due
to a number of tight turns.
Northbound Arizona 89A
Entering Oak Creek Canyon, we find this reassurance
marker. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
Trucks over 50 feet long are prohibited from the
grade 12 mies ahead, due to tight turns and twists.
Photo taken April 10, 2006.
Arizona 89A has numerous twists through the canyon,
and a relatively low speed limit. Due to the scenic nature
of the road, most traffic tends not to speed. Photo taken
April 10, 2006.
Arizona 89A is a designated scenic highway, as seen
on this sign. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
This bridge over Midgley Canyon was constructed in 1939.
The steel arch bridge is typical of canyon bridges of
the era in Arizona. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
The red rocks of Sedona are visible throughout the canyon.
Photo taken April 10, 2006.
The walls of Oak Creek Canyon tower 1000-1500 feet above
the canyon bottom. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
The best is yet to come in Oak Creek Canyon. Photo taken
April 10, 2006.
As we get further into the canyon, the road narrows
and trees form an arching canopy across the road. Photo
taken April 10, 2006.
All photos of Oak Creek Canyon below taken
April 10, 2006.
Tall cliffs are one of the many notable
features of Oak Creek Canyon. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
Climbing out of the canyon, we find a number
of hairpin turns as we climb along the steep cliff. Photo
taken April 10, 2006.
Arizona 89A rapidly gains elevation as it
climbs out of the canyon onto the Kaibab Plateau. Photo
taken April 10, 2006.
At the top of the canyon, there is an overlook
that features amazing views of the canyon, as well as
Native American vendors selling their wares. This was
taken (on a windy day) overlooking the canyon from the
overlook. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
The twisting switchbacks of Arizona 89A
can be seen from the overlook as well. Looking at this,
it is amazing that we just drove up this sheer canyon
wall. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
On top of the Kaibab Plateau, Arizona 89A
travels through pine and oak forest common to the Flagstaff
area. Arizona 89A meets I-17 shortly and follows the freeway
into Flagstaff. Photo taken April 10, 2006.
Northbound Arizona 89A approaching Junction
Business Loop I-40 in Flagstaff just north of the northern
terminus of Interstate 17. The business loop follows Old
U.S. 66 throughout Flagstaff. A right turn takes travelers
to U.S. 89 to Page and U.S. 180 to Grand Canyon National
Park, and a left turn reconnects with Interstate 40 en
route to Ash Fork and Williams. Photo taken 05/23/03.
Northbound Arizona 89A at its northern terminus
at Junction Business Loop I-40/To U.S. 89-180/Historic
U.S. 66 in Flagstaff. Photo taken 05/23/03.
