The state of Arizona is considering creating scenic trails from the Phoenix metro area to the Grand Canyon, reports the Arizona Republic.
Naturally, such a trail would have to cross Route 66 at some point. One of the segments proposed hits the Route 66 town of Ash Fork.
The idea is to create an alternate driving route reminiscent of vintage Route 66, which would connect the Valley to Grand Canyon National Park. The route would hit Surprise, Wickenburg, Prescott, Jerome and Sedona along the way, prompting overnight tourist stays in those cities.
Traditionally, Grand Canyon-bound tourists departing the Valley drive a straight shot north on Interstate 17 and bypass several of those cities’ off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Trail organizers said they could promote and brand the journey as a state tourism experience for a budget of about $5,000 to $15,000.
Details on the scenic routes haven’t been determined, but advocates are doing a dry run of possibilities today. The governor has indicated support for such a program. And anything that would bring even peripheral tourist numbers to the Mother Road is a good thing.