Arizona 97 is a short route connecting Arizona 96 to US 93. The route was added
to the state highway system in 1964.
Before Arizona 97 was added to the state highway system,
Arizona 96 was an orphan highway that did not connect to any
other state highway. Arizona 97 does not directly serve any
communities, but connects Bagdad and the Bagdad Mine to US
93.
Perspective from Northbound Arizona 97
Northbound Arizona 97 begins here, at US 93. Photo taken
March 3, 2007.
Arizona 97 crosses many washes as it winds through the
mountains toward Arizona 96. All of these wash crossings
are at-grade (no bridges are built on the route), so this
sign warns motorists to be aware of potential flash flooding.
Photo taken March 25, 2007.
Distance sign to Bagdad (17 miles) and Hillside (31
miles). Neither town lies on Arizona 97, but both towns
lie at either end of Arizona 96. Photo taken March 25,
2007.
This is a typical panorama along Arizona 97. Arizona
97 winds along Bridle Creek and Cowboy Wash as it climbs
up to Arizona 96. Photo taken March 25, 2007.
Many of the wash crossings are marked with this sign,
warning travellers not to attempt to cross the wash when
it is flooded. Photo taken March 25, 2007.
Arizona 97 ends here, at Arizona 96. Travellers may
turn left to reach Bagdad and the Bagdad Mine, or right
to reach Hillside. Photo taken March 25, 2007.
