Scenic Drive

Welcome to Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive!

The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, the northern-most section of Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Arizona, is both a landmark and a preservation effort. Not many communities have a historic scenic drive. Ours does!

Scenic Drive Ironwood in Bloom and Saguaro

We also have A Peek at the Peak (The Peak) magazine, the publication that you are reading. The Peak was founded in the Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale in 1983. It’s the very best source of information about Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive.

The Peak, which is published by the same nonprofit organization that cares for Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive, focuses on subjects that relate to its mission of preserving and protecting the quality of life and environment in the north Scottsdale Sonoran Desert. Pubished as a community service, The Peak is supported by individuals, businesses, and organizations that sponsor advertisements or articles to publicize their events and activities. At the same time, volunteers and sponsors strive to continue the long-standing tradition of preserving and enhancing the drive by their community service and support.

How You Can Contribute

Reviewing “About Scenic Drive”

What is the Scenic Drive? Because of a caring community, the beautiful Sonoran roadside vegetation and desert vistas, including views of the McDowell Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, Lone Mountain, Black Mountain, and the Tonto National Forest, can still be enjoyed by motorists. The roadside plant identification signs and the Scenic Drive’s exhibit area enable visitors to the learn about the area’s flora, fauna, and history. This section of The Peak Magazine will introduce you to the Scenic Drive.

About Scenic Drive

Reviewing Why the Scenic Drive is Special

There are many things to see and do in Scottsdale and neighboring communities. More than 50 years have passed since the Scenic Drive was established and the area has been discovered! Today, its route passes by equestrian properties, small neighborhoods, planned communities with golf, swimming, tennis, and fitness centers, and a few retail centers. Nearby there are parks, preserves, upscale resorts, and more. This part of The Peak provide information about:

Sonoran Environment, Climate, Plants and Animals
Attractions
Events and Venues
Neighborhoos, Churches, and Schools

That’s not a kitty waiting for a ride in the family car. Sometimes neighborhoods along the Scenic Drive are visited by critters like this bobcat. “Urban Bobcat” by Kim Perina, Winner, Summer Fun Photo Contest, 2008

Enjoy Scenic Drive

Reviewing Scenic Drive History

The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive was established by area residents in 1963 to preserve roadside vegetation and vistas. Its past is as interesting as the its natural environment, and active lifestyle.

History, Old Photographs
Heritage Timeline
Archives
FAQs

A Part of Our Heritage

Reviewing Recent Peak Articles About Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive

Get the latest news and information about the Scenic Drive from the Scenic Drive category of articles in The Peak.

Read Scenic Drive Articles

Viewing Information About GPPA and Friends of the Scenic Drive Events

The Peak‘s GPPA-Scenic Drive Events category includes articles about events and activities related to Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA). You will also find articles and websites related to our organization’s ongoing activities.

As examples, in the current issue you will find articles about:

GPPA’s “Save the Scenic Drive” Petition Campaign
Litter Cleanup Schedule for Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive
And more.

Review GPPA – Scenic Drive Events

Reviewing Plans for the Scenic Drive’s Future

The goal of creating a road that is special lives on. In 2000, Scottsdale voters approved $31.5 million to beautify and enhance Scottsdale Road. Approximately $7 million is being spent enhancing the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. Also, the City of Scottsdale and its residents are working to create one of the largest city-owned preserves in the county. The Scenic Drive will benefit from these for plans.

Review Scenic Drive: The Future

How You Can Contribute

Become a Friend of the Scenic Drive. You can support our efforts by making a tax deductible donation, purchasing a Peak advertisement or advertorial, or becoming a member of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association and Friends of the Scenic Drive. Support a good cause. It’s simple and fast.

gHow You Can Contribute