We decided that we needed to witness the road’s beauty once again.

We drove up to Payson from Fountain Hills today. This highway, Arizona Highway No. 87, was voted one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

This essay is an attempt to describe in words what only the eye can capture.

The panoramic views were so far-reaching that a camera can only capture such beauty in sections. The trip began at the very edge of Fountain Hills on the Salt River Indian Reservation.

The first taste of beauty started when we passed over the river. The trees at the river’s side were a shade of chartreuse green. The leaves of these trees were the start of spring color.

After a few miles the road bends to the left, exposing a full view of Four Peaks Mountains. These mountains are the true symbol of the Valley. They were outlined against the morning sky.

Our car threads its way through the cuts in the mountains. Huge rocks stand on each side of the road as though challenging each vehicle that passes.

Suddenly, as though someone pulled a huge window shade, a panoramic view appears. A long and distant valley appears in magnificent splendor. The valley seems endless and offers a breathtaking view. We marvel at what we are seeing.

Fields of Saguaro appear as a group of soldiers charging up a hill. Each stands with arms outstretched, as though they were signaling a message. They are evenly spaced, as nature has given each room to grow.

Traveling in such splendor is something that I wanted to share with others. I would like others to feel the beauty of such distance, quietness and isolation.

Did you feel it?