Itinerary Suggestions Tonto National Forest

Question

I hope I posted in the right forum.

Can I get suggestive itineraries for our end-of-February trip? We are not familiar with Arizona. After spending a few morning hours at Old Tucson, we plan to drive toward Flagstaff. We would like to spend the night somewhere in between. The idea is to see Old Tuscan in the morning and then find an area (????) for a few short hikes or a scenic drive for the afternoon, and then find a quiet area to spend the night (????) before heading to Tonto National Forest and the Sedona area, where we plan to spend another day exploring before our stay in Flagstaff. We are trying to avoid traffic and crowds (like Phoenix) and are not interested in shopping or commercial attractions. We like nature and old west history. We realize Sedona and other areas near the Grand Canyon will have crowds, so we are hoping to find some less-traveled spots to enjoy nature.

Thanks in advance for your help and time.

Answer

For a nature- and history-focused Arizona trip in late February, avoiding crowds while experiencing the Old West and scenic landscapes, you can plan a route from Tucson toward Flagstaff with stops in Tonto National Forest and Sedona. Here’s a detailed itinerary suggestion that balances hiking, scenic drives, and quiet overnight spots.

Day 1 – Tucson to a Midway Stop:

Start your morning at Old Tucson for 2–3 hours exploring the western movie sets and historic exhibits.
Afterward, head north on I-10 toward Florence or Superior for a taste of historic Arizona mining towns. Both towns have a small-town Old West vibe without heavy crowds.
In the afternoon, enjoy short hikes or scenic drives:
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park near Superior – about 1–2 hours of walking trails among desert flora, with quiet areas for photography and birdwatching.
- Queen Creek Canyon – a short drive and hike opportunity with striking red rock formations and moderate desert trails.
Overnight options: Stay in Globe or Superior for a quiet night, avoiding major highways and commercial areas. Small motels or B&Bs are available.

Day 2 – Continue Toward Tonto National Forest:

Drive from your overnight spot toward Tonto National Forest, entering near the lower Salt River region.
Enjoy short hikes or scenic viewpoints:
- Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive – less-traveled, dramatic canyon views, picnic areas, and small trailheads.
- Payson Rim Country or Mogollon Rim areas – a variety of short trails with pine forests and panoramic views.
- Hike a 1–2 hour trail like Horton Creek Trail or Tonto Natural Bridge Trail for quiet nature experiences.
Overnight: Consider a cabin, lodge, or campground within Tonto National Forest, such as near Pine or Strawberry. These areas are peaceful and offer starry skies away from city lights.

Day 3 – Sedona Exploration:

Drive north toward Sedona early to avoid heavier traffic. Use scenic backroads if possible, such as Forest Road 525 or Schnebly Hill Road for less-traveled views.
Suggested short hikes and sights in Sedona:
- Bell Rock Trail – moderate, less crowded in the morning.
- Boynton Canyon Trail – offers both red rock views and a quiet forested area.
- Devil’s Bridge Trail – popular but worth an early visit for photography.
Optional scenic drives: Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Overnight: Stay in West Sedona or Cornville for a quieter setting compared to central Sedona.

Additional Tips:

Start hikes early to avoid any crowds, especially near popular Sedona trailheads.
Pack picnic lunches to enjoy at overlooks or trailheads in Tonto National Forest or Sedona.
Carry a detailed map or GPS, as some scenic drives and hiking areas in Tonto and Rim Country are remote with limited cell service.
Check local weather forecasts, as February can be chilly in higher elevations like the Mogollon Rim.

This itinerary provides a combination of Old West history, quiet scenic drives, and short hikes with minimal crowds, making for a relaxed and nature-focused Arizona road trip.