A Scenic Escape Up Arizona State Route 87: Best Stops Along the North Beeline Highway
Photograph by Nicole Ford
Arizona’s State Route 87 — also known as the North Beeline Highway — is one of the most beautiful and diverse drives in the state. In just a couple of hours, you’ll travel from Sonoran Desert saguaros to cool pine forests, with lakes, waterfalls, small mountain towns, and incredible overlooks along the way.
Whether you're road-tripping from Phoenix, capturing landscape photos, or just craving mountain air, here are the top stops and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Saguaro Lake
Photograph by Nicole Ford
Distance from Phoenix: ~45 minutes
Best for: Sunrise photography, boating, desert-mountain views
Saguaro Lake greets you early on the drive with sparkling water, rugged canyon walls, and towering saguaros — the perfect first stop to stretch, snap photos, or grab a lakeside drink at Saguaro Lake Marina & ShipRock Restaurant.
Don't miss:
Desert reflections at sunrise
Short walk to the marina overlook
Seasonal boat tours (great wildlife chance!)
Fort McDowell / We-Ko-Pa Casino & Resort
Best for: Quick food stop, casino, horseback riding nearby
Just past Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell offers a classy stop with food, restrooms, and a gorgeous desert backdrop. If you're into Western experiences, nearby ranches offer horseback riding in red-rock desert country.
Worth a stop for:
Fast break and food
A luxury desert photo backdrop
Bonus: Fountain Hills fountain detour on the way
Pine, Arizona
Best for: Charming mountain town strolls & shops
Welcome to pine country — literally! As you continue climbing, the desert fades and tall evergreens welcome you. Pine is rustic, cozy, and perfect for a relaxed wander.
Top things to do in Pine:
✔ Antique & craft shops
✔ Cozy coffee stops
✔ Quick trails around town
✔ Pine Creek Canyon overlook area
This is where the mountain air hits different — crisp, cool, refreshing.
Strawberry, Arizona
Best for:Pie Bar! + small-town charm
A few minutes past Pine sits tiny, adorable Strawberry. If you love local flavors, Pie Bar is a must — mini pies, empanadas, and totally reel-worthy treats.
Stop for:
A sweet or savory pie
Cute roadside cabin aesthetics
Quiet mountain vibes
Make time to walk a bit — small mountain towns are best enjoyed slow.
Fossil Creek
Best for: Crystal-clear water, lush creek canyon, adventure vibes
One of Arizona’s most pristine natural waterways, Fossil Creek is famous for turquoise water, waterfalls, and travertine formations. It’s like stepping into a hidden jungle oasis — hard to believe it's in Arizona.
Important: Access sometimes requires reservations depending on season — check conditions before going.
Ideal for:
Short nature walks
Picnic by the water
Refreshing dips when allowed
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Best for: Waterfall caves, hikes, dramatic scenery
This is one of Arizona’s most unique geological wonders — the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Water trickles through the cave-like bridge, moss glows green in the light, and canyon walls tower around you.
Highlights:
Multiple overlook viewpoints
Trails under the bridge (moderate difficulty)
Picnic areas and shady forest vibes
Bring good shoes — some trails can be slick.
Payson, Arizona
Photograph by Nicole Ford
Best for: Mountain-town hub with interesting history and things to explore
Payson is your gateway to Rim Country — gas, restaurants, shops, hiking access, and a friendly small-town feel. Stop to refuel (yourself and your car!), grab coffee, and stroll through the historic downtown.
Nearby ideas:
Green Valley Park & lake
Rim Country Museum
Tonto Creek / Horton Creek trails
Mogollon Rim
Photograph by Nicole Ford
Best for: Epic views, sunset photography, and cool forest air
This is the dramatic highlight of the drive — a 200-mile long cliff edge dropping into ponderosa-pine forests, canyons, and endless mountain layers.
What to do at the Rim:
Rim Road scenic overlooks
Sunset photography (insane light!)
Short rim hikes
This is one of the most breathtaking and peaceful viewpoints in Arizona — bring a jacket, it gets cool up here!
Why This Drive is Perfect
This route offers:
✅ Desert + lake + forest + waterfalls in one trip
✅ Family-friendly stops & easy access points
✅ Constant photo opportunities
✅ Cute mountain towns for food & browsing
✅ Wildlife potential — elk, deer, eagles
It's a dreamy, refreshing escape from the Valley and a perfect day trip for families, photographers, hikers, and explorers.
Suggested Itinerary
Phoenix → Saguaro Lake → Pine & Strawberry → Tonto Natural Bridge → Mogollon Rim → return via Payson
Approx. 5–7 hours with stops.
Road Trip Tips
Photograph by Nicole Ford
Start early for best lighting + cooler temps
Bring layers — temps drop as you climb
Pack water/snacks or stop in Pine/Strawberry
Check Fossil Creek permits depending on season
Cell service can be spotty in higher elevations
Final Thoughts
The North Beeline Highway isn’t just a road — it’s a journey through Arizona’s most beautiful ecosystems. From cactus-covered desert to cool mountain forests and waterfall-filled canyons, this drive is the perfect mix of peace, adventure, and scenic surprises.
Save this guide for your next weekend getaway — and don’t forget to roll down the windows and breathe in that pine-fresh air.
