Jerome to Fountain Hills: A Scenic Arizona Road Trip Guide

Jerome, Arizona, clings to Cleopatra Hill at 5,000 feet, while Fountain Hills sprawls in the Sonoran Desert at 1,500 feet. The 97-mile drive along AZ-89A, I-17, and AZ-87 drops 3,500 vertical feet and passes through three distinct life zones.

This route passes through the real 'Bloody Basin' and crosses the Verde River twice. One unexpected detail: near the Camp Verde exit, you'll drive over the 'world's largest natural bridge' — Tonto Natural Bridge, though it's a short detour off AZ-87.

The drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes without stops, but the true time depends on how many detours you take. The question is it worth driving Jerome, AZ to Fountain Hills, AZ has a clear answer: yes, for the geological and cultural transitions alone.

The first 10 miles from Jerome descend the Mogollon Rim through juniper and pinyon pine. Near Camp Verde, the land flattens into cottonwood-lined river valleys. As you climb back toward Payson, you enter ponderosa pine forests at 5,000 feet. The final descent to Fountain Hills drops into saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert.

• The Verde River: Two crossings near Camp Verde. Look for bald eagles in winter.
• Mazatzal Mountains: Visible from AZ-87. The range is a designated wilderness area with hiking trails.
• Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: A 183-foot-long travertine bridge over a creek. Open daily, $7 entry fee.
• Fountain Hills Fountain: The world's fourth-tallest fountain, shooting water up to 560 feet. It runs hourly on the hour from 9 am to 9 pm.

Local commerce along the route includes Jerome's art galleries (like Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes) and Payson's antique shops. In Fountain Hills, the main commercial strip is along Saguaro Boulevard with boutiques and cafes. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide can help you discover lesser-known spots like the Tonto Fish Hatchery or a roadside turquoise vendor near Camp Verde.

Safety on this route is generally good, but watch for wildlife on AZ-87 (deer, javelina) and ice on AZ-89A in winter. I-17 has heavy truck traffic. The road quality is excellent on I-17 and AZ-87; AZ-89A has some narrow sections and blind curves.

• Family stops: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (easy trails, picnic area) and Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale (scenic train ride, child-friendly).
• Pet-friendly stops: Most rest stops allow pets on leash. Tonto Natural Bridge allows dogs on leash on the main trail. Jerome is very walkable with pets; many shops have water bowls outside.
• Fatigue management: Take a break at the I-17 rest area (milepost 289) or at the Strawberry Lodge in Strawberry (AZ-87, historic inn with cafe).
• Emergency services: Camp Verde has a hospital (Verde Valley Medical Center); Payson has an urgent care (Banner Health). Cell service is spotty on AZ-87 in the Mazatzal foothills.

For fuel and route economics, the average price of gas in this region is around $4.50/gal (2024). A mid-size car will cost about $18 in fuel for the round trip. The drive is suitable for families with children 5+; younger kids may find the winding Jerome segment nauseating. Pet owners should bring water and a cooling mat, as the desert can be hot even in winter.

AZ-89A from Jerome to I-17 is a winding two-lane road with steep grades and frequent curves. It's well-paved but requires caution. I-17 is a divided highway with a 75 mph speed limit. The final leg on AZ-87 (Beeline Highway) is also divided but has many at-grade intersections and occasional wildlife crossings.

• Gas stations: Jerome has one Shell station on Main Street. Better to fill up in Cottonwood (5 miles south) or Camp Verde (exit 287 on I-17).
• Toll roads: None on this route.
• Rest areas: I-17 has a rest area at milepost 289 (northbound) near Camp Verde. AZ-87 has pullouts near the Tonto Natural Bridge turnoff.
• Recommended fuel stops: Chevron in Camp Verde (1090 W Finnie Flat Rd) and Circle K in Payson (809 E Hwy 260).
• Parking: Both Jerome and Fountain Hills have ample free parking lots. Fountain Hills has a large lot near the fountain park.