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.

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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