Desert to Tall Pines & Bruzzi Vineyard
June 4
Desert to Tall Pines & Bruzzi Vineyard
June 4, 2026
$145
Join us for an unforgettable springtime journey along the 76-mile Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Byway, following Highway 288 from Globe to the remote mountain community of Young, Arizona. This rugged region, known by cowboys as “the high lonesome,” carries a fascinating past and some of the most dramatic scenery in the state.
The area became famous during the Pleasant Valley War of the 1880s, an Arizona sheep war between two feuding families—the cattle-herding Grahams and the sheep-herding Tewksburys. Long before the feud, the town of Young was established by William Young, whose name the settlement still carries today.
Today the drive to Young is celebrated as one of Arizona’s most scenic routes, offering sweeping views of Roosevelt Lake, winding mountain roads, and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Ancha Mountains as the landscape transitions from desert to tall pine forest.
In addition to breathtaking scenery and fascinating history, Young is home to the first winery in Gila County—Bruzzi Vineyard. Here we’ll relax and enjoy a flight of six wines paired with a hearty Italian-style sandwich lunch, included.
A beautiful scenic drive, a touch of Arizona history, and a charming hidden vineyard—it’s the perfect way to welcome spring in the high country.
Depart: NW 8 a.m. | Phx 8:30 a.m. | Scts 8:45 a.m. | Mesa 9 a.m.
R: 6 p.m.
Departure Locations — We can only guarantee pick-up from the locations listed below. If you’re requesting pick-up from an unofficial location, please call our office at 480-497-2478 to confirm. It never hurts to ask!
Northwest Valley:
Sundome Plaza
13547 W. Camino Del Sol
Sun City West, AZ 85375
Located in the heart of Sun City West at the Sundome Plaza Shopping Center.
Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.
Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights
Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.