Arizona scenic drive: Springerville-Lyman Lake

"A sight for sore eyes" is a dusty old expression, but there's no better way to describe the views along the stretch of U.S. 180/191 from Springerville to Lyman Lake State Park in the White Mountains. You'll be tension-free in no time as you gaze at green mountains, blue sky, expanses of water and grass and burly gray thunderheads when autumn storms loom.

Highlights along the way:

Lyman Lake State Park: There are no size regulations for boats on the 1,500-acre lake, and water skiing is popular in summer. Anglers can cast a line for channel catfish, walleye pike and largemouth bass. There is a no-wake zone for quiet fishing and a protected cove for swimmers. You can spot dozens of images on the Peninsula Petroglyph Trail. The hike is about a mile long and slightly hilly. Signs point the way to the biggest aggregations of markings. With so much to do, you might want to stay overnight. Camp in your tent or RV, or rent a cabin or yurt.

Details:11 miles south of St. Johns on U.S. 180/191. $7 per vehicle. 928-337-4441, azstateparks.com/parks/lyla.

SCENIC DRIVE:Schnebly Hill Road, Sedona

Wildlife areas: Pull off the road and walk one of the two trails at Wenima Wildlife Area. You might spot mule deer, pronghorns, beavers, eagles, ducks or other animals. The site is 3 miles north of Springerville. Becker Lake Wildlife Area, 2 miles north of Springerville, also has two trails and a similar variety of animals. At both places, your best chance is in the morning or around dusk.

Details: www.azgfd.gov, click on Outdoor Recreation.

Casa Malpais Archaeological Park: On a bluff overlooking Springerville lies an ancient Mogollon pueblo whose name means House of the Badlands. The 17-acre site was occupied in the 13th century; features such as the Great Kiva, stairways, petroglyphs and astronomically aligned shrines give visitors a glimpse into the past. Guided tours, available at 9 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays from March through November, start at the Casa Malpais Visitor Center and Museum. The cost is $10, $8 for age 62 and older, $5 for 18 and younger.

Details: Museum is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 418 E. Main St., Springerville. Free. 928-333-5375, www.casamalpais.org.

SCENIC DRIVE:Cottonwood to Clarkdale

Don't miss: You probably know that Los Dos Molinos has been serving up blazing-hot Mexican food in the Valley for years. What you may not know is that the original location is in Springerville. The family-run restaurant specializes in New Mexico chiles, known for their heat. Enjoy fiery red or green salsa, dig into a red-chile burrito or moist, flavorful tacos, and then go "aah" in the cool mountain air. A word of advice: Take the menu's heat warnings seriously.

Details:900 E. Main St., Springerville. 928-333-4846.

Mileage: From central Phoenix, it's about 220 miles to Springerville, then about 16 miles north along U.S. 180/191 to Lyman Lake State Park. To get to Springerville, take Loop 202 east to State Route 87 and go north to Payson. Take SR 260 east through Show Low to Eagar/Springerville.