We will be driving from Phoenix to Petrified Forest Nat'l Park end April, and want to drive the Apache Trail up to Lake Roosevelt. From there we could veer left and drive through Payson, OR go right and drive through Globe and up Route 60. The latter looks a bit longer, but we're wondering which route is more scenic.
Could someone weigh in please?
Thank you in advance.

I can't advise on which route to take up to I-40, but instead of going east on 40, take 180 east to the south entrance of Petrified Forest NP and head north on the park road, unless you are planning on heading south after your tour of the park.

I would go through Payson and drive up/along the Mogollon Rim. It's beautiful and a very different side of Arizona that most visitors never see. You'd want to check current weather/road conditions since the Rim is at a higher elevation and some roads are not paved (but very driveable).

Petrified Forest and Painted desert
Do you hike? Say 3 miles one way across a rather level desert?
very good petrified wood in that area of Painted desert

Petrified Forest is where 'Gerdie' fossils were found
In a small valley
- We did not find any other fossils there probably because they were already collected by Rangers
There are many petrified wood stores in town - take none in the park.

Vaga

Vaga

Thank you all for your suggestions. I love Fodors Forums!