SCENIC DRIVE

scenic drive Burro Creek Crossing Road

There are times when the roads that lead to a scenic drive are anything but scenic. And some roads seem endless, even boring. “Are we there yet?” becomes the mantra of those stuck in the car. Yet you drive on because the payoff endless vistas of stunning Arizona wilderness is worth it. The drive to Six Mile Crossing has a definite payoff, but the scenery along the way is impressive, too. This trip is all about beautiful landscapes, from start to finish.

To reach Burro Creek Crossing Road, which is the link to Six Mile Crossing, travel north from Wickenburg on U.S. Route 93. It isn't long into the drive before the landscape is suddenly covered in Joshua trees. Designated the Joshua Tree Forest Parkway of Arizona, The payoff on this scenic drive is the lush riparian habitat of Burro Creek, but the Joshua trees, saguaros and endless vistas make it something special from the get-go.

this 54-mile stretch of U.S. 93 is spectacular, and because the road winds and climbs, you're guaranteed several excellent views of these beautiful yet bizarrelooking plants. If Mother Nature is kind and the right amount of rain falls at the right time of year, clusters of whitegreen blossoms will sprout from the tips of the Yucca brevifolia.

As the signs for Burro Creek begin to appear, start paying attention to the milepost numbers. The turnoff to Burro Creek Crossing Road is around Milepost 132. Keep in mind there isn't a turning lane, so you'll want to slow down as you approach, and make sure you use your turn signal to give the folks behind you a heads-up. Once you make the turn, you'll see a sign that reads: “Primitive Road. Caution. Use at Your Own Risk.” In spite of the warning, Burro Creek Crossing Road is a well-maintained, graded dirt road that can be navigated with a sedan, weather permitting. Heading east, saguaros, chollas and ocotillos replace the Joshua trees, and it isn't long before you're treated to some very nice views of Arizona's backcoun-try. Although you'll be less than a mile from the heavily traveled U.S. 93, you'll feel a world away other than the piles of scat, a few cattle crossings and tire tracks, it's just you and Mother Nature. That said, take it slow and be mindfulof the occasional oncoming vehicle. For the next 7.5 miles, the road narrows as you climb the hillside. And then, at Mile 5.3, the road becomes rough, but it's temporary. A flash-flood sign serves as a reminder to skip this drive during inclement weather.

Around Mile 8, you'll see the tailings dam from the Freeport-McMoRan Cop-per & Gold Mine. It's an unexpected and unnatural scar on Mother Nature's otherwise pristine canvas. As the road begins to descend in a series of switch-backs, the scenery shifts once again as cottonwood trees erupt from the ground, their leaves providing shade as you bump along toward Burro Creek.

The creek is a lush, life-giving stream for the javelinas, toads, mosquitofish and raptors that inhabit the area. It's also the payoff of this scenic drive. Beauty certainly abounds en route, but it's here, as you walk along the banks of the creek, where you'll want to thank Mother Nature for her impressive handi-work.

ADDITIONAL READING: For more scenic drives, pick up a copy of our book The Back Roads. Now in its fifth edition, the book features 40 of the state's most scenic drives. To order a copy, visit www.shoparizonahighways.com/ books.

tour guide

Note: Mileages are approximate.

LENGTH: 29 miles round-trip (Burro Creek Crossing Road) DIRECTIONS: From Wickenburg, take U.S. Route 93 north to Milepost 132. Turn right onto Burro Creek Crossing Road and drive 14.5 miles to Six Mile Crossing. Retrace the route back to U.S. 93.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: A high-clearance vehicle is suggested. Do not cross Burro Creek unless you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

WARNING: Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don't travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

INFORMATION: Bureau of Land Management, Kingman Field Office, 928-718-3700 or www.blm.gov/arizona Travelers in Arizona can visit www.az511.gov or dial 511 to get information on road closures, construction, delays, weather and more. AH