I will probably be taking I40 to Holbrook, then swing down to Show Low. East from there, through Springerville to Quemado, then south to Armijo Springs. - - - I would gladly take any suggestions. In my line of work, and at my age, you never know if this will be the last trip.
Tracy - you named what is probably the shortest route - in miles and time. But. for me, the stretch on I40 from Flagstaff to Holbrook, and from there to Springerville, is not as scenic as a slightly longer trip.
If you have a bit more time, you can leave I40 at Winslow and drive south on AZ87 through some gorgeous forest to Payson and see more of the famous Mogollon Rim area by turning east on 260 at Payson to Show Low. From there, drive US 60 into NM. Even more scenic from Flagstaff would be to drive the road going southeast from Flag past Mormon Lake and through Happy Jack (may be Route 3) eventually to intersect AZ87 and then south to Payson, etc.
With some more time, you can leave I40 at Ash Fork, AZ driving south on AZ89 almost to Prescott, AZ, then turn east on AZ89A and go "over the top" of Mingus Mtn, dropping down through the old mining town of Jerome (still alive and interesting) then downhill and take AZ260 over to nearby Camp Verde and then east (that's a nice scenic drive - Gen. Crook Trail) to intersect AZ87 that comes down from Winslow and turn south on AZ260/AZ87 to Strawberry, Pine and Payson, then the aforementioned route on AZ260 and US60. If you wish any specific details for the above, let me know. Several guys on here know more than do I and can make suggestions. Wish I were making that drive again.
