Scottsdale to Jerome in a Luxury Rental: A Day Trip to Arizona's Hillside Mining Town

Jerome is one of the most memorable towns in Arizona. It clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill above the Verde Valley, with old brick buildings stacked along switchbacks and views that stretch all the way to the red rocks around Sedona. It was once a booming copper mining town, and today it is a small community of galleries, shops, restaurants and history. For a driver, the best part is getting there: a long highway run out of the Valley, then a climb up a winding, paved mountain road straight through the middle of town.

This guide covers how to plan a Scottsdale to Jerome day trip in a luxury rental, from the route and the stops along the way to mileage, timing and which car in our fleet fits the drive.

The Route From Scottsdale to Jerome

From Scottsdale, the most direct route heads west to Interstate 17 and north out of the Valley. The highway climbs steadily out of the desert, and within an hour the saguaros give way to high desert and open grassland. Take the exit for State Route 260 toward Camp Verde and Cottonwood, then follow State Route 89A through Cottonwood and Clarkdale. From Clarkdale, 89A starts to climb, and the last few miles into Jerome are a series of tight switchbacks with the valley falling away below you.

Depending on where you start in Scottsdale, expect roughly 110 to 120 miles each way and around two hours of driving without stops. Every mile of the main route is paved.

Driving Through Jerome Itself

The road through Jerome is narrow and steep, with hairpin turns, pedestrians crossing and cars parked along the curb. Take it slowly. This is a road to enjoy at a relaxed pace, not one to push. Parking in town is limited and tight on busy days, so arrive earlier in the day if you can and use a public lot rather than squeezing a wide car into a curbside spot.

Continuing Over Mingus Mountain

Past Jerome, 89A keeps climbing over Mingus Mountain and down toward Prescott Valley. If you want to turn the day into a loop, you can continue to Prescott and return to the Valley from there. Our Scottsdale to Prescott guide covers that side of the drive. Keep in mind the mountain section can see snow and ice in winter, so check conditions before you commit to the loop.

Stops Worth Planning Around

Cottonwood's Old Town

Cottonwood sits at the bottom of the hill and has a walkable Old Town with restaurants and wine tasting rooms from the Verde Valley. It is an easy stop for lunch before or after the climb to Jerome. If anyone in your group plans to taste, make sure the driver is someone who is not drinking.

Clarkdale and the Verde Valley

Clarkdale is a small historic town between Cottonwood and Jerome and the home of the Verde Canyon Railroad. Nearby Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a hilltop pueblo with views over the Verde River. Both make good add-ons if you want a slower, fuller day.

Jerome State Historic Park

Jerome State Historic Park, set in the former Douglas Mansion, tells the story of the town's mining era and has wide views over the valley. Combine it with a walk through town, a few galleries and a meal with a view.

Planning Your Mileage and Timing

The round trip from Scottsdale to Jerome is roughly 220 to 240 miles before side trips. That matters because our rentals include a daily mileage allowance of 75 to 120 miles per day depending on the vehicle, and extra miles are billed at $0.50 or $1 per mile depending on the car. You have two good options:

Book two days. Spreading the trip across a two-day rental gives you more included miles and lets you stay overnight in the Verde Valley or Sedona instead of rushing back.

Plan for extra miles. If you only want one day, simply budget for the additional miles so there are no surprises at return.

Jerome is well inside the 200-mile radius from the pickup location that applies to every rental. Our mileage limits explainer breaks down how the daily allowance and the radius work.

Best Time of Year

Late fall through spring is the most comfortable time for the drive. Jerome sits roughly a mile above sea level, so it is noticeably cooler than Scottsdale. Bring a jacket, especially if you plan to stay into the evening. Winter storms can occasionally bring snow to the higher elevations, and rentals are not refunded or moved for unexpected weather, so keep an eye on the forecast when you choose your dates.

Which Car to Rent for the Drive

Ferrari 488 Spider or McLaren 720S Spider

If the drive is the whole point, the Ferrari 488 Spider or the McLaren 720S Spider turns the highway run and the climb up 89A into an event. Both are two-seaters with limited luggage space, which works perfectly for a couple on a day trip.

Custom Corvette C8

The Custom Corvette C8 is a mid-engine car with a little more everyday usability, a great choice if you want a supercar feel for the switchbacks.

Bentley Bentayga or Lamborghini Urus

For more passengers, more luggage or an overnight stay, the Bentley Bentayga or the Lamborghini Urus gives you room for four and a smooth ride on the long highway stretch. Just remember the streets in Jerome are tight, so take extra care parking a larger vehicle.

You can compare everything available on our Scottsdale rentals page.

Rules to Keep in Mind on the Road

Use 91 octane or higher fuel, and return the car with the same fuel level or more. Fill up in Cottonwood or on the way back into the Valley.

Stay on paved roads. Some scenic side roads in the Verde Valley are dirt, and driving on unpaved surfaces is not allowed.

Never exceed 100 mph, and no racing, speed tests or demonstrations.

Return on time. Late returns are $50 for every 30 minutes, so build in a buffer for traffic coming back down I-17.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Scottsdale to Jerome?

Expect roughly two hours each way without stops, covering about 110 to 120 miles depending on your starting point in Scottsdale.

Is the road to Jerome paved?

Yes. The main route via I-17, State Route 260 and State Route 89A is paved all the way into Jerome. The last stretch has tight switchbacks, so drive it slowly.

Will the trip go over my daily mileage?

Most likely, yes, if you do it in one day. The round trip is roughly 220 to 240 miles, and daily allowances are 75 to 120 miles depending on the car. Book two days or plan for extra miles at $0.50 or $1 per mile.

Can someone else share the driving?

Yes. One additional driver is allowed if they are named on the rental contract and sign it. No one else may drive the car.

What do I need to rent?

Drivers must be 21 or older (25 or older for certain vehicles), with a valid driver's license and active full-coverage insurance in the same name. You also need $5,000 available for the security deposit.

Book Your Scottsdale to Jerome Road Trip

The entire rental process is online. Complete the Book Now form at royalrentals.io/rentals to choose your car and dates. Questions about the Scottsdale fleet? Call our Scottsdale team at (480) 702-2885 or our main line at (800) 997-4816, 8 AM to 9 PM daily.