6 Arizona road trips for beating the summer heat (and the crowds)

99 miles: Prescott

Prescott, the former territorial capital of Arizona, is built around a quintessential small-town, courthouse square and famed for its Whiskey Row of western saloons — many of which are still cash only.

• Average June temperature: High of 85, low of 51.
• Where to stay: Try the vintage Hassayampa Inn or one of these Airbnbs that are stumbling distance from Whiskey Row.
• 1 fun thing: Watch the sunset with a craft beer or glass of wine on the roof of the Raven Cafe.
• 1 yummy thing: Sample quirky mead flavors (like the Peanut Butter Jelly Crime) at Superstition Meadery's Prescott Tasting Room.

103 miles: Cottonwood

Now boasting almost a dozen tasting rooms on Main Street, Cottonwood has blossomed into a mecca for Arizona wine lovers.

• Average June temperature: High of 98 (still better than 105!), low of 60.
• Where to stay: Try the Tavern Hotel downtown or one of these Airbnbs.
• 1 fun thing: Take a kayak tour down the Verde River that ends with a glass of wine at Alcantara Vineyards.
• 1 yummy thing: Get the prickly pear-infused mac & cheese at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria. Pairs nicely with the Chupacabra red blend.

111 miles: Jerome

Jerome is a former copper mining town that juts out from the side of Cleopatra Hill, nicknamed the "Wickedest Town in the West" and known for its ghost-story lore.

• Average June temperature: High of 87, low of 64.
• Where to stay: See if you can spot a ghost in the supposedly haunted Jerome Grand Hotel or try one of these Airbnbs.
• 1 fun thing: Check out the Jerome Sliding Jail, a tiny lock-up cell from the early 1900s that slid 225 feet down the hill after dynamite explosions from local mining operations unsettled the ground.
• 1 yummy thing: The Haunted Hamburger offers some of the best burgers in the state and boasts a panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

130 miles: Pine/Strawberry

These two tiny towns have charming downtowns with mom-and-pop restaurants, bars and shops surrounded by cozy cabins.

• Average June temperature: High of 86, low of 55.
• Where to stay: Try the very Instagrammable Strawberry Inn or one of these Airbnbs.

• 1 fun thing: Visit the Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm.
• 1 yummy thing: Grab a scoop of ice cream or an iced coffee at Pine Creek Fudge & Espresso.

175 miles: Williams

Williams is known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon" and was the last town on Historic Route 66 bypassed by Interstate 40. It's in Arizona's high country — about 30 miles west of Flagstaff.

• Average June temperature: High of 81, low of 49.
• Where to stay: We recommend staying walking distance from downtown to fully enjoy all the town has to offer. Here's a list of some nearby Airbnbs.
• 1 fun thing: Take the family on a drive through Bearizona — a wildlife park with bears, wolves, goats, jaguars and more.
• 1 yummy thing: Grab a slice of pie for breakfast (or dessert, if you insist) at Pine Country Restaurant.

184 miles: Pinetop-Lakeside

These cabin-heavy towns, surrounded by lakes and hiking trails, are a nature lover's dream.

• Average June temperature: High of 82, low of 46.
• Where to stay: Cabins are the way to go in this part of Arizona. Try these Airbnbs.
• 1 fun thing: Take a hike! There are more than 200 miles of trails in the White Mountains Trail System near Pinetop-Lakeside.
• 1 yummy thing: Baked in Pinetop offers fresh bread and baked goodies — perfect for carbo-loading before a hike.

Sound off: What other Arizona road trips would you like to see us profile in future Axios Phoenix newsletters? Email us at [email protected].