State Route 289

Westbound beginning of SR 289 from the Interstate 19 overpass.

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SR 289 travels along Ruby Road for most of its course to Pena Blanca Lake. Otherwise, this confirming marker for the state highway stands beyond the interchange with I-19.

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Distance sign to Pena Blanca Lake. The lake is the only control point or destination along the road.

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SR 289 is surprisingly well-signed for a short highway.

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As the road climbs into the mountains, the vegetation gets more lush and flash flood areas become more prevalent.

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Surprisingly, this is the third reassurance marker in five miles.

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SR 289 parallels Calabasas Creek for several miles.

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SR 289 now leaves Calabasas Creek behind and turns to descend into Walker Canyon.

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There is a short one way section where the road splits, with a creek in the middle. This is where SR 289 descends into Walker Canyon.

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SR 289 climbs out of Walker canyon and winds around through verdant country.

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This is the final turn north to the lake. The road to the left is a Forest Service Road leading eventually to SR 286.

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This is the final reassurance marker along Arizona 289.

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SR 289 ends at Pena Blanca Lake. The pavement abruptly ends, as seen in the second photo.

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Pena Blanca Lake was constructed by the Arizona Department of Fish and Game in 1958. The lake is a hidden treasure, stocked with fish, but has had many issues over the years, including former mine tailings laced with mercury washing into the lake in the early 1990s.

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Leaving the lake, SR 289 navigates through numerous curves.

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Turn left to continue on SR 289. A right turn will take you through the forest to Arizona 286.

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This is the first reassurance marker for Arizona 289.

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Distance sign to Interstate 19, 9 miles.

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SR 289 winds down an unnamed tributary of Walker Canyon.

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Here is the short one way section of SR 289 heading uphill. There is a reassurance marker at the bottom of this section of the road.

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SR 289 meets the Calabasas Picnic Area here. The Picnic Area is named after Calabasas Creek.

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SR 289 now follows Calabasas Canyon.

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This is the last reassurance marker along Arizona 289.

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SR 289 now leaves the canyon and heads directly toward Interstate 19.

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SR 289 ends here, at the overpass over Interstate 19. Turn left for Interstate 19 northbound.

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