Arizona

Arizona’s Beeline Highway: An easy day trip from the Phoenix area

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2024

Arizona’s Beeline Highway: An easy day trip from the Phoenix area

GILA COUNTY, AZ (Arizona Highways TV) — If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure through some of Arizona’s most scenic and charming locations, this episode is your perfect guide.

Arizona Highways TV takes you on a journey along Highway 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, which cuts through the heart of the Tonto National Forest.

This road trip between Phoenix and the White Mountains offers a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and unique local flavors that you won’t want to miss.

Our journey begins in the vast expanse of the Tonto National Forest, the largest urban forest in the United States.

Covering nearly 3 million acres, this forest offers a diverse range of landscapes from flatlands to highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to nearly 8,000 feet.

As you drive north, you’ll witness the transition from desert saguaros to towering evergreens, culminating in the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines.

First stop: Strawberry, Arizona.

This quaint town is a perfect getaway, just two hours from Phoenix and 20 degrees cooler.

One of the highlights here is the Pie Bar, a specialty restaurant run by Kimberly Brennan. Known for its delicious empanadas, Pie Bar offers a variety of flavors, from green chili to chicken pot pie.

Kimberly’s inspiration comes from her time in Puerto Vallarta, and her empanadas are a must-try for any visitor.

Just west of Strawberry, you can hike along the beautiful Fossil Creek.

This area is one of Arizona’s most diverse riparian zones, home to over 30 species of trees and shrubs and more than 100 species of birds.

Managed by the Tonto and Coconino National Forests, Fossil Creek flows for 14 miles and offers stunning natural beauty.

Next, we head to Pine, Arizona, just a few miles south of Strawberry. Here, you’ll find the Rusty Pine Cone, a specialty gift shop owned by Jean and Lee Pendergraft.

From custom wood signs to homemade jellies, this shop has something for everyone. Pine is also home to electric bike tours, offering a unique way to explore the town and its surroundings.

No trip along Highway 87 is complete without a visit to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park(Arizona Highways TV / azfamily)

No trip along Highway 87 is complete without a visit to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

This park features the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, a stunning formation millions of years in the making. The park offers plenty of spots for picnics and even hosts weddings and family reunions.

As we continue our journey, we stop at Coles Ranch Lodge, a historic lodge along Tonto Creek that has been welcoming guests since 1917.

Whether you choose to stay in a creekside cabin or enjoy a meal at the Zane Grey Steakhouse, this lodge offers a perfect retreat.

Finally, we reach By the Bucket, a unique eatery in Payson that serves spaghetti in buckets.

Founded by Brett Acosta, this restaurant has become a local favorite, offering delicious spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread.

We also explore the Zane Grey Cabin, a historic replica dedicated to the famous author who wrote extensively about Arizona. The cabin houses original artifacts and offers a glimpse into the life of this prolific writer.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply looking to relax and enjoy some local flavors, this episode has something for everyone.

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Arizona

Arizona’s mountain rollercoasters are open for season. How to ride

Published

6 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Arizona’s mountain rollercoasters are open for season. How to ride

Arizona is home to several roller coaster attractions, including two mountain coasters.
The Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is located in Williams, Arizona.
The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is at Sunrise Park Resort near Greer.

Despite its desert reputation, Arizona has several exciting roller coaster attractions that make it a fun destination for thrill seekers. One of the best-known rides is the Desert Storm coaster at Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix.

Arizona is also home to two popular mountain coasters located in the cooler mountain regions of the state.

Mountain coasters are gravity-powered rides built along hillsides or mountains. Riders sit in individual carts attached to a track and control their own speed using hand brakes. Unlike traditional roller coasters, mountain coasters often wind through forests and natural scenery, creating a mix of adventure ride and scenic experiences.

And Arizona is lucky enough to have two mountain coasters. Here’s how to visit.

What roller coaster is in the mountains in Arizona?

There are two mountain coasters in Arizona: the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams and the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise ski resort.

Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams AZ

Canyon Coaster Adventure Park features the Canyon Coaster, which spans 1 mile with a scenic mountain backdrop. It has a peak height of 35 feet and is integrated into the natural curves of the landscape. The 13-acre park also offers tubing across 400 feet of track in summer and snow-covered slopes in winter, facilitated by two conveyor lifts. There’s also a restaurant and bar.

Where: 700 E. Route 66, Williams, Arizona.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7p.m. Fridays-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday year-round.

Admission: The Canyon Coaster costs $20 per person per ride. Riders must be over 4 feet, 5 inches tall. Children who are at least 3 years old and 38-54 inches tall ride for $10 with a driver who is 18 or older. Visit the website for other attractions and pricing.

Details: 928-707-7729, canyoncoasteradventurepark.com.

Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise ski resort

Spanning over half a mile with 3,287 feet of track, the coaster’s carts can reach up to 25 mph. Hand brakes let you choose a mellow or zippy ride. Sunrise Park has skiing and other snow activities in winter, plus mountain biking, scenic chair lift rides and more in summer. Dining options include a restaurant and pub.

Where: Sunrise Park Resort, 200 State Route 273, on the Fort Apache Reservation near Greer.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, closed Monday-Thursday. Open every day starting June 2026.

Admission: $19 per ride or buy two rides for $38 and get a third ride free. Tickets are available in person. See the Sunrise Park website for other seasonal activities and prices.

Details: 928-735-7669, sunrise.ski/apache-coaster.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #42: 5/13 @ Rangers

Published

18 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #42: 5/13 @ Rangers

Last night was the seventh consecutive game where the Diamondbacks were held to six hits or fewer. That ties a franchise record, last done in April 2022, and previously in August 2011. The team’s .477 OPS over that time is actually lower than either streak, though due to the efforts of the pitching staff, Arizona are actually 3-4 during the current run. They went 2-5 in 2022, and 1-6 in 2011. There hasn’t been a longer streak in the majors since the Angels went nine in April last year. In the National League, the Pirates went eight in June 2023. And in case you are wondering, the last team to reach a double-digit streak of games with 6 or fewer hits each time? The 1968 Astros reached 11, the year before the mound was lowered.

Let’s hope the D-backs render that moot and the offense comes to life a bit. The three runs added in garbage time last night, because one of the Rangers’ relievers couldn’t find the strike-zone, certainly padded Arizona’s resume. But they were more because of walks than hits. I’ve no doubt the team will hit better. They have batted .152 over the past week. It’s the second lowest in franchise history for a seven-game span. The only worse was April 7-15, 2022 when Arizona hit a remarkable .135, going 28-for-208 in that span. They actually scored three more runs than the current streak, mostly because they had twice as many home-runs (6-3).

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Arizona

Arizona Democrats debate for state’s top education job

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Arizona Democrats debate for state’s top education job

Democrats Brett Newby and Teresa Leyba Ruiz are set to make the argument to voters that they’re the best candidates to serve as Arizona’s top education official for the next four years.

The Arizona Republic will be streaming the Democratic debate for the Superintendent of Public Instruction race in partnership with the Arizona Media Association. The debate starts at 6 p.m. on May 13.

The office is currently held by Tom Horne, who will on May 14 face off in an Arizona Media Association debate against fellow Republican candidate Kimberly Yee, who currently serves as state treasurer.

Newby has worked as a behavioral analyst and professor, according to his campaign. He received a master’s degree in special education. His campaign has hinged on issues like downsizing the state’s controversial Empowerment Scholarship Program, retaining teachers and hiring more school counselors.

Ruiz attended Roosevelt Elementary School District and Phoenix Union High School District as a child before earning her Ph.D. from Arizona State University. She worked as a teacher at the middle and high school level before becoming president of Glendale Community College.

Like Newby, her campaign has also focused on the ESA program. She has also focused on advocating for more funding for public schools and supporting both rural and urban school districts. Ruiz has also spoken publicly about the teacher retention crisis as part of her campaign.

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