Updated: June 26, 2026
Short answer
Scottsdale is surrounded by world-class driving roads. The red rock country around Sedona is about two hours north, Mount Lemmon's switchbacks climb from desert to pine near Tucson, and desert loops through Carefree and Cave Creek are minutes away. Each offers stunning scenery and roads that suit an exotic perfectly.
Scottsdale is one of the best places in the country to enjoy an exotic, because it is surrounded by spectacular driving roads in every direction. Within a short drive you can reach desert loops, mountain switchbacks, and some of Arizona's most famous scenery. The red rock country around Sedona is about two hours north, the climb up Mount Lemmon near Tucson is a switchback paradise, and there are superb desert routes just minutes from the city. Whatever kind of drive you want, there is a road nearby to match, and an exotic to make the most of it.
The combination of climate, scenery, and roads makes the Scottsdale area ideal for exotic driving. The weather is dry and sunny for much of the year, the roads are generally well maintained and uncrowded once you leave the city, and the landscapes are genuinely breathtaking.
You also get huge variety within easy reach. Flowing desert highways reward effortless cruising, tight mountain roads reward precision, and dramatic scenic byways reward simply taking your time. Few places offer this range so close together.
That is why so many visitors come here specifically to drive. A supercar and an open Arizona road is a combination that is hard to beat, and Scottsdale puts you right in the middle of it.
The time of year helps as well. For much of the calendar the weather is dry and clear, which keeps the roads in great condition and the views sharp. Mornings and evenings are especially good, with soft light on the desert and cooler temperatures that suit a spirited drive. It is hard to pick a bad day to head out and explore.
The drive up to Sedona is a classic, roughly two hours north of Scottsdale. As you approach, the landscape opens into the famous red rock formations, and the Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through some of the most photographed scenery in the state. It is stunning from behind the wheel and even better when you stop to take it in.
The roads themselves are a treat, with flowing curves and elevation changes that suit an exotic beautifully. The contrast of a gleaming supercar against the red rock backdrop also makes for unforgettable photos, which is why this route is so popular for drives and shoots alike.
Sedona makes a perfect day trip. You can enjoy the drive up, spend time exploring the town and the views, and return in the evening, with great driving roads in both directions.
Locals and visitors alike rave about this stretch. Arizona's tourism guides call it one of the state's most beautiful drives, and the section officially known as the "Red Rock Scenic Byway" is the highlight, winding past towering formations the whole way. Take it slowly and enjoy the views as much as the road itself.
For a true driver's road, the Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon near Tucson is hard to beat, about two hours from Scottsdale. It climbs thousands of feet from the desert floor to cool pine forest at the top, through a long series of sweeping switchbacks and curves.
This is the kind of road that makes an exotic come alive. The constant cornering rewards precise steering and strong brakes, and the changing scenery, from saguaro cactus to alpine forest, keeps the drive interesting the whole way up. The temperature drop at the summit is a welcome bonus on a warm day.
It is a longer outing, but for anyone who loves driving, the climb up Mount Lemmon is one of the most rewarding roads in the region, and exactly the sort of route a performance car is built for.
Pack a layer if you go. The summit can be twenty or more degrees cooler than the desert below, and the change in scenery is dramatic. The drive back down is just as enjoyable, with the same curves in the opposite direction and long views opening out across the valley as you descend toward the desert.
You do not have to travel far for a great drive. Just north of Scottsdale, the roads through Carefree and Cave Creek offer beautiful high desert scenery and flowing curves within easy reach. A loop through these towns and the surrounding desert makes for a perfect shorter drive.
There are also longer desert routes, like the run out toward Bartlett Lake or the open stretches heading northeast, that combine wide-open scenery with roads that let an exotic stretch its legs. These are ideal when you want a memorable drive without committing to a full day.
For a quick taste, even an evening loop through the desert as the light softens can be spectacular. The scenery and the roads make almost any direction out of Scottsdale worthwhile.
These shorter routes are perfect for a first drive or a relaxed evening out. You get genuine scenery and enjoyable roads without a long commitment, which makes them easy to fit around the rest of your day. They are also ideal for photos, with the desert backdrop flattering almost any car you put in front of it.
A few simple things make these drives better. Plan your route and timing, especially for the longer trips, and check current road and weather conditions before you set out, since mountain roads in particular can be affected by season. Start with a full tank and give yourself time to stop and enjoy the views.
Choosing the right car matters too. A sharp, focused car like the 911 GT3 or McLaren 600LT shines on the mountain switchbacks, while the comfortable, spacious Urus is superb for longer scenic trips with passengers. The GMG team can recommend a car and a route to match the drive you have in mind.
To book a car and get local route suggestions, call or text (623) 400-3031 or message @grantmotorgroup, and they can help you plan the perfect Arizona drive.
Call or text (623) 400-3031 or send a DM to @grantmotorgroup on Instagram. We deliver anywhere in Scottsdale.
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