If you take 17 N out of Phoenix to the crest of the Verde Valley you will see some awesome high desert scenery, miles and miles, and the Verde Valley is a real stunner from the crest.
The switchback road up to Flagstaff is not bad -- well surfaced two-lane asphalt. Three-quarters of the way up there's a View pullover where the world unfolds at your feet in the most gracious way.