Ruby Road is a beautiful drive with lots of historical sights in Arizona

Cruising Ruby Road in southern Arizona is an unforgettable experience, a real desert adventure straddling Santa Cruz and Pima counties. Named after a once-bustling mining camp along its path, this 37.1-mile route stretches from near Rio Rico, eastward to Arivaca, tracing the Atascosa Mountains' southern slopes through wild, untamed lands.

You'll need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek. The first 12 miles are paved, leading to the serene Peña Blanca Lake, but after that, it transforms into a graded dirt road for the remaining 25 miles to Arivaca. Be prepared for varying conditions and some rough patches under the tires.

Reaching a peak of 4,829 feet, Ruby Road demands respect. It's narrow, winding, and lacks guardrails in sections, featuring some serious drop-offs. Slow and steady is the name of the game. Watch out, too, because the unpaved sections can get slippery and rutted when wet. Don't go it alone! And definitely let someone know your plans. The drive demands your attention to avoid potholes and to watch out for other vehicles on the road.

But oh, the scenery! Prepare to be wowed by rugged mountains, semi-arid landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Don't forget your camera! Set aside 2-3 hours of pure driving time to soak it all in, or more if you want to explore. Think rolling hills, towering buttes, a desert oasis teeming with life, two picturesque lakes, and the ghost town of Ruby. History buffs will love exploring the remnants of Ruby, Oro Blanco, and other abandoned mining camps. Arivaca is billed as a ghost town, even though people still live there. Ruby, the ghost town, was named after a pioneer resident.

Located only 8 miles from the Mexican border, the best time to visit is late fall, winter, or early spring. Summer temperatures can be brutal, often exceeding 100 degrees. But anytime you go, watch out for the heat and drink plenty of water. And if you hike, take water, snacks, protective clothing, a flashlight, first aid kit, compass, and map. Protect yourself from the sun with light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Keep an eye out for snakes. There are a lot of rattlesnakes.