Arizona State Road 98

Scenic travel routes are fairly easy to come by in the western states. A drive through the wide open spaces is rarely dull and boring in this region because the terrain is so interesting to see. As long as the major cities are avoided, travelers will never run into a traffic jam on the old two lane highways. When there is minimal traffic, tourists can drive at a leisurely pace and take the time to pull off the road to take in some beautiful views. A few surprises always seem to await around the next bend when traveling on the roads less traveled!

Arizona State Road 98 is a nice scenic drive that runs from the city of Page to the community of Shonto in the Navajo Nation. SR 98 intersects with U.S. Highway 160 near the majestic Navajo National Monument, which is a great place to learn about the history of the local cultures. The Highway 160 travel corridor also heads east to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Canyon De Chelly National Monument, so AZ SR 98 truly is a road that leads to great adventures!

On a road map, there really is not much showing along SR 98. This long road simply looks like a wiggly line drawn on a blank piece of paper with no stores, gas stations or points of interest along the way. As everybody knows, looks can be deceiving! By switching the mapping system to the satellite view, SR 98 seems to come to life. This old road runs through some of the most beautiful open country in the Southwest! 

SR 98 might just seem to be a straight shot from point A to point B but there always some surprises in store. As the car rounds a bend, solitary rock pillar formations seem to pop up out of nowhere. Some of the colorful sandstone pillars are remnants of old eroded mountain ranges and mesas. Others look more like old eroded volcano cones. Some of the tall rock pillar formations hide in distant canyons that take binoculars to see. After a driving a while on SR 98, spotting the solitary rock pillar formations becomes a game of cat and mouse.

The geology of this high desert region captivates all who pass through. Silently staring out of the car windows at the landscape for endless miles while in deep thought is a common occurrence when driving this road. Thoughts of the native people that live here and what it would take to survive in this environment always seem to cross the mind. The eery silence of the desert is broken by the ravens that taunt those who stop to take a look at the scenery. Smoke rising from a distant mountain that stands alone on this vast desert plain causes one to wonder how the wildfire started and whether there is cause for alarm. The eery silence remains till the motor is started, then it patiently waits for the next traveler to pass through.

The main tourism destination along Arizona SR 98 is Antelope Canyon and there is no end to the adventures that can be found in this place! Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular points of interest in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area and this attraction is managed by the Navajo Tourism Authority. Antelope Canyon offers views of one of the most interesting geological features on earth and a visit is guaranteed to be a memorable one. The smooth polished layers of multi color sandstone bend and swirl in all directions in this complex narrow canyon, which creates a flowing wave visual effect. Wind and water have carved the narrow canyon pathway into a maze of underground sandstone chambers with thin beams of light that stream in from above. Visitors should be aware that Antelope Canyon is only accessible by registered hikes or guided tours, because this natural area is highly protected as a native spiritual place. More information about Antelope Canyon Tours can be found in Page, Arizona. 

Arizona State Road 98 certainly does not look like much on a map, but in real life this road is a gateway for many adventures that belong on the lifetime travel destination list. Antelope Canyon is reason enough to get the show on the road and the ride certainly will be memorable because Arizona SR 98 truly is a scenic drive like no other!