Tucson to Apache Junction
Basin and Range
Distance (miles)
Tucson Elevation (feet)
Apache Junction Elevation (feet)
US Route 89 from Nogales to Flagstaff was decommissioned in 1992. To follow the historic route, take Arizona Route 77 to Oracle Junction, Arizona Route 79 to Florence Junction and US Route 60 to Apache Junction. Continuing through the Sonoran Desert north of the Catalina Mountains, Historic 89 crosses the Gila River near Florence. As it approaches the Salt River Valley, the volcanic mass of the Superstition Mountains dominates the view.
Basin and Range
Colorado Plateau
Special Attractions

Saguaro National Park
Arizona
The most southern national park along US Route 89, Saguaro, is divided into two districts on each side of Tucson. Both sections feature mountains separated by broad valleys characteristic of the Basin and Range geographic province. The park preserves Sonoran Desert plants and animals dominated by the majestic saguaro cactus. In Saguaro East the eight-mile paved Cactus Forest Drive winds through an extensive saguaro forest and offers a close-up view of life in the desert. In Saguaro West, the unpaved Bajada Loop Drive passes saguaro forest. There are also two short nature trails with interpretive signage.

Tucson
Arizona
Surrounded by rugged mountains, Tucson rises out of the Santa Cruz River valley. A modern city with ancient roots, Tucson incorporates Native American, Spanish and Anglo culture elements to create a diverse experience for travelers as part of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area. Notable cultural institutions include the Arizona State Museum highlighting indigenous Southwest peoples, the Tucson Museum of Art and the University of Arizona. In addition, because of its sustainable agriculture and multicultural food history, UNESCO has named Tucson a World City of Gastronomy.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Arizona
A short drive to the west of Historic Highway 89 (Arizona Route 79) will bring you to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Constructed during the 1300s, the Great House and the compound surrounding it were the center of an agricultural community. An extensive series of canals brought irrigation water from the Gila River to fields of beans, squash and corn. Casa Grande was abandoned around 1450 for reasons that are still a matter of speculation. In 1892 Casa Grande Ruins became the first prehistoric and cultural reserve in the US. It was then re-designated as a national monument in 1918. A steel canopy was built over the Great House in 1932 to protect it from further deterioration.

Lost Dutchman State Park
Arizona
The park, named for a fabled lost gold mine, is located in the Sonoran Desert, 40 miles east of Phoenix. Several trails lead into the Superstition Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron. Depending on the year’s rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring.
View photo galleries of special attractions along Historic Highway 89 between Tucson and Apache Junction…

Towns, Cities and Reservations
Tucson
Oro Valley
Catalina
Oracle Junction
Florence Junction
Apache Junction

Public Lands and Historic Places
Saguaro National Park-Tucson Mountains District
Saguaro National Park-Rincon Mountains District
Tucson Mountain County Park
Coronado National Forest
Pusch Ridge Wilderness
Sky Island Scenic Byway
Catalina State Park
Tom Mix Monument
McFarland State Historic Park
Tonto National Forest
Superstition Wilderness
Lost Dutchman State Park

Landmarks
Santa Catalina Mountains
Tortolita Mountains
Gila River
Superstition Mountains
View these articles to find out more about…
Making the Connection: Arizona’s Historic Highway 89
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Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
Add the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in southern Arizona to your must-see places along Historic US Route 89. The heritage area brings together the cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Santa Cruz River watershed to provide visitors with a...
Tourists, Tourists Everywhere
As we slowly reopen from our pandemic lock down, people are hitting the road to visit the national parks. Although I haven’t experienced it first hand yet, I hear that the parks are getting crowded with tourists. This got me to thinking about the photographs I have...
US Route 89 Roadside Attraction: Catalina State Park
The Santa Catalina Mountains dominate the horizon as you approach Tucson from any direction. The tallest peak is Mount Lemon at over 9,100 feet, some 6,900 feet above the surrounding valley. The whole range covers 200 square miles and is one of the largest of the...
US Route 89 Roadside Attraction: Tom Mix Memorial
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Where Is US Route 89 in Arizona?
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Getting the Most Out of a Visit to Saguaro National Park
The image that comes to mind with the word ‘desert’ is of a desolate, dry place of sand dunes and little else. When you visit Saguaro (pronounced “sah WAH row”) National Park you will enter a lush world filled with plants and animals that have evolved to live in a...
Five Outstanding Scenic Drives on US Route 89
National Geographic selected US Route 89 as the #1 Drivers’ Drive in the world in its recently published book, Drives of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Most Spectacular Trips. Having driven over 20,000 miles on Highway 89, I couldn’t agree more. I have my favorite...
Panoramic Photograph of the Week-Spiral Petroglyph
From now until early summer is the best time to visit Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. The weather is pleasant with warm days and cool evenings. Cactus will be blooming and wildflowers may appear depending on the amount of rainfall. The majestic saguaro...