Perkinsville Road Scenic Drive
An unpaved adventure offering breathtaking scenic views, an iconic bridge, and peaceful river spots. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, cooler temps
Perkinsville Road Scenic Drive
Best Time
Vibrant colors, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An unpaved adventure offering breathtaking scenic views, an iconic bridge, and peaceful river spots. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
"The views at the top of the hills were absolutely breathtaking."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt road sections. :car:
📸 Pack for Photography
Bring your camera! The views are stunning, especially in autumn. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perkinsville Bridge
End of the dirt road
An iconic bridge offering stunning panoramic views, perfect for photography enthusiasts and a rewarding destination.
Verde River Picnic Spots
Along the Verde River
Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the Verde River, a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a chance to relax.
Scenic Autumn Photography
Throughout the drive
Capture breathtaking autumn colors and landscapes, making this drive a photographer's dream during the fall season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Off-Road Adventure
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt road sections. :car:
📸 Pack for Photography
Bring your camera! The views are stunning, especially in autumn. :camerawithflash:
Going through a tunnel in an open air car from a 1912 train in Sedona, AZ (Verde Canyon Railroad)
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the Verde River. :forkandknife:
💧 Be Prepared for Remoteness
No services available. Bring water, snacks, and a spare tire. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt road sections. :car:
📸 Pack for Photography
Bring your camera! The views are stunning, especially in autumn. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the Verde River. :forkandknife:
💧 Be Prepared for Remoteness
No services available. Bring water, snacks, and a spare tire. :water_wave:
🐄 Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for cows and other local wildlife along the route. :cow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Perkinsville Road for its breathtaking scenic views, especially the iconic bridge and panoramic hill vistas, making it a photographer's dream, particularly in autumn. It's also noted as a fun, relaxing spot for families and a great place for picnics by the Verde River. However, the unpaved, rough road conditions require a high-clearance vehicle and preparedness for remoteness, with potential for flat tires.
"So we took quite an off-road dirt adventure to get to this bridge (45-60 mins one way, since you can't really drive more than 15-20 MPH on the old back roads). If you're into bridges and scenic photography, it's worth it. The views at the top of the hills were absolutely breathtaking. If you're interested in seeing people, having access to services (like gas stations & shops), obtaining physical souvenirs, and maintaining your safety, it's probably not worth the potential flat tire, remoteness, or car mess. We didn't have any issues in our HRV, though, and the post trip car wash brought things back to normal. :D It was a fun side adventure and worth it to us for the autumn pictures. Oh and we saw two cows on the way and got other photos at various stops."
Kristin Marzec
"Photos ARE JUSTICE!! This place is awesome for the kids and myself to just relax.
We just moved to Paulden and this is a gem 40 minutes away and a beautiful drive ahead!"
Julie Green
"Beautiful scenic area and bridge. If you’re looking for a place to stop head to or from Jerome or Williams, this spot is perfect for lunch."
Caleb Crabbs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Perkinsville Road is primarily a dirt track. Access often requires a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD. Some reviews mention a 'shortcut gate' that may be closed, affecting the full route.
No, Perkinsville Road is largely an unpaved, dirt road. Travelers should be prepared for off-road conditions.
The road can be rough and slow-going, with potential for flat tires. It's described as an 'off-road dirt adventure.'
While some visitors have managed in vehicles like an HRV, it's not recommended. A high-clearance vehicle or SUV is strongly advised to avoid damage or getting stuck.
Information on specific signage is limited, but the drive is known for its natural beauty and the bridge at its end.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for the Perkinsville Road Scenic Drive itself, as it's a public road.
There are no stated entrance fees for driving the scenic route.
As a public road, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, be mindful of potential closures or gate access, especially for shortcuts.
Visiting during autumn offers vibrant colors for photography. Summer days can be hot, making river access a good option for cooling off.
Yes, the bridge is a key feature and a popular destination for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The Perkinsville Bridge and the panoramic views from the hilltops are prime photography locations. The changing autumn colors also provide excellent opportunities.
Expect scenic landscapes, the iconic bridge, potential wildlife like cows, and beautiful natural light, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely. The rolling hills, open spaces, and the river create a diverse and picturesque landscape for photographers.
Mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
Visitors have shared photos of the bridge, the river, autumn foliage, and even cows encountered along the drive.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy a scenic drive, have a picnic by the Verde River, take photos, and experience the remote natural beauty.
Yes, it's described as fun for kids, offering a chance to relax and see nature. However, ensure vehicle safety and supervision.
No, the area is remote and lacks services. Visitors must come prepared with all necessities.
Take your time, stop at various points for photos, and enjoy the peacefulness. Consider it an 'off-road dirt adventure.'
While not explicitly stated, the river is mentioned as a place to 'cool off,' suggesting it's possible. Exercise caution.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚗 Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Unpaved Road
Despite the challenging road conditions, many find the adventure rewarding. The drive offers a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Arizona landscape away from paved tourist routes. It's an experience that requires a different mindset than a typical scenic drive, embracing the wilder side of the region.
Photography Opportunities
Travelers often highlight the panoramic views from the hilltops as breathtaking. The drive also presents chances to photograph local wildlife, such as cows that may be grazing along the route. For the best photographic results, aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows and enhance the natural colors of the scenery.
Picnicking and River Relaxation
While specific picnic facilities aren't detailed, the presence of the river suggests natural spots where visitors can set up. It's an ideal way to break up the drive and enjoy the serene environment. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit