Arizona’s Ultimate Overland Loop: From Canyons to Pine Forests
- Ben Easley
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
The Arizona Overland Adventure Trail is a 550+ mile loop starting in Phoenix, which makes its way north to Williams before descending back down to the greater Phoenix area. With 31 discovery points, there's plenty to see and experience along the way.
Arizona is often defined by the Grand Canyon, the towering saguaro cacti that dominate its southern deserts, and the dramatic red rock landscapes of Sedona. But there’s much more to the state than its well-known canyon lands and desert scenery. And while the Arizona Peace Trail is an impressive route, we believe the locals who originally mapped out the 500+ mile overland loop originally known as The Heart of Arizona—now the Arizona Overland Adventure Trail—have truly outdone themselves. Originally developed by Journey West and refined by members of the Arizona Pinstripers, the Arizona Overland Adventure Trail showcases the state's diversity like few others. It takes travelers along the breathtaking Mogollon Rim, winds through high-elevation pine forests, skirts ghost towns and historic mining camps, and offers a unique vantage point over Sedona’s Sycamore Canyon. The trail also ventures into the surreal volcanic terrain of the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Wildlife is abundant—mule deer, bobcats, black bears, bighorn sheep, and javelina all call this region home.
While some sections of the route cross well-traveled areas like the Mogollon Rim, much of it veers far from the crowds, leading travelers to places even many longtime Arizonans haven’t explored. Have you ever wondered what the historic mining town of Jerome looks like from above? Wanted to cool off in a remote high-country lake? Or stand in awe before the towering rock dwellings of the ancient Puebloan people? The Arizona Overland Adventure Trail delivers all of this and more.
With its stunning landscapes, deep ties to both Native American and pioneer history, and some of the best camping in the state, the Arizona Overland Adventure Trail is destinated to become a classic route within the American Southwest. Once you experience The Heart of Arizona for yourself, you’ll be planning your next trip before the dust even settles.
