Books and Articles

Back in 2016, I had a terrific idea for a new kind of travel guide, a book that would encourage people to tour the back roads, the same way I do it, with a focus on the journey, rather than on the destinations.

The idea came together even better than I expected, so I pitched the basic outline to Imbrifex Books, the publishing affiliate of RoadTrip America. The next thing I knew, I had a book contract, and a lot of work to do. I drove 11,000 miles on the back roads of Arizona and New Mexico, took 7,000 photographs, and copious notes.

Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips was published in April of 2018, the first volume in a whole series of Road Trip books based on my original concept. 

To date, my debut travel book has garnered no less than 6 National awards:

Winner GOLD 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Travel/Guidebook

Winner, SILVER 2019 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Travel/Guidebook

Winner, SILVER 2019 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Interior Design

Winner, FIRST PLACE, Travel/Nature Reader Views 2018-2019 Literary Awards

Winner, 2018-2019 West-Mountain Regional Award, Reader Views 2018-2019 Literary Awards

Winner, 2018 INDIES, BRONZE MEDAL, Travel

This outstanding new guidebook adds extraordinary two-lane adventure to straight-line Interstate road trips.

Add fun, history, and jaw-dropping natural wonders to your southwestern road trip with RoadTrip America’s Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips, each one beginning and ending at an Interstate highway and drivable within a day. Full-color maps and photographs illustrate easy-to-follow scenic routes through breathtaking landscapes and iconic towns in Arizona and New Mexico. Discover the surreal beauty of White Sands, watch the sun set over Monument Valley, or explore the subterranean marvels of Carlsbad Caverns. Find out why Jerome was “the Wickedest Town in the West” or walk in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp in Tombstone. Pamper yourself at a spa in Taos or soak up the vibes at an “energy vortex” in the red rocks of Sedona. With this brand-new, up-to-date guide as your companion, all this and much, much more will be yours to discover and enjoy—one extra day at a time!

* Stunning color imagery and photography throughout
* Easy-to read, full-color route maps with points of interest, mileage, and more
* Color-coded pages for easy identification of routes by geographic region
* Up-to-date insider tips for getting the most out of each route and staying safe
* Phone numbers, websites and visitor info for parks, attractions, and out-of-the-ordinary lodging & dining RoadTrip America’s Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips is is now available in bookstores and available online wherever fine books are sold.

Promotional copy courtesy of Imbrifex Books

REVIEWS

“Rick Quinn reveals the absolute best of Arizona and New Mexico, including hidden gems and overlooked treasures. This gorgeous guidebook helps you plan the ultimate road trip!” ―James Kaiser, author of Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide.”

“Rick Quinn jumps off the interstate to guide travelers on 25 brilliantly conceived road trips. Stunning images of southwestern landscapes and landmarks nicely mix with his insights about historic attractions and roadside treasures along the way.” ―Doug Kirby, RoadsideAmerica.com

“The book itself is absolutely beautiful. Stunning photographs are featured on every page. The photos, combined with detailed maps and highlights about each stop along the route, one could easily content themselves with being an armchair traveler.”― Sheri Hoyte Readerviews.com

Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips delights with more than 300 vibrant images and location tidbits that will keep the pages and your wheels turning.”―Nancy Wiechec, Arizona Daily Sun

“Is a handy guide through the incredibly scenic side trips through Arizona and New Mexico.” ―Rob Kinnan, Mustang Monthly

“The photographs draw you in, capturing the color and flavor of the American Southwest. And you’ll appreciate the detail and accuracy of the maps as you discover what is around the next bend in the road.”―Craig and Suzanne Sheumaker, authors of America’s Living History – The Early Years

“For the road warrior, the weekend traveler, or the arm-chair voyager, Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips provides so much interesting, fun facts and photos it becomes the ultimate guidebook for the ultimate roadtrip to the road less traveled.”―Janet Walker, haute-lifestyle.com

“Full-scale adventures through some of the Southwest’s most spectacular and historic places. For travelers who want their journey to be the adventure, this is a great guide to these two states.”―Cindy Carlsson, Exploration Vacation.net

“Colorfully illustrated, this guide book by well-seasoned traveler Rick Quinn covers Arizona and New Mexico quite well. Enough detail is given about locations and drives to pique the interest and yet not spoil the surprise. As a bonus, the maps are concise but detailed enough to get you to the destination… Overall, I would highly recommend this book by Rick Quinn.”―Jim Hinckley, author of Route 66: America’s Longest Small Town

“This book is amazing, packed with so much information on so many towns and attractions. The directions are clear, the maps are helpful, the descriptions are concise yet engaging, and the photography consistently stunning.”―Brian Butko, author of Greetings from the Lincoln Highway and Roadside Attractions

“For those who may be passing through Arizona or New Mexico on the way someplace else, it’s an inspirational guide to transforming what would otherwise be a simple A-to-B journey into something special – a road trip that takes you into the heart of the Desert Southwest”―Peter Thody, RoadTripAmerica.com

“Iconic only-in-America tourist destinations come alive in Rick Quinn’s guide to famed Arizona and New Mexico road trips. From Burma-Shave roadside signs, vortex sites, tree trunk sculptures, and the world’s smallest museum, to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home, artist Georgia O’Keefe’s studio, and Biosphere 2, you’ll be amazed at the seductive pull these diverse, sometimes quirky attractions will have on your western itinerary.”―Jeff Blumenfeld, editor, ExpeditionNews.com

“It’s not a mirage, this wonderful book brings these legendary, mythical desert regions to life in the best of ways, with compelling stories, gorgeous images and useful information.”―Chris Epting, author of James Dean Died Here and Roadside Baseball

“Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips is a stunningly beautiful book with hundreds of color photos, easy-to-read route maps, and insider tips that only a well-traveled tour guide would know.”―Carol White, author of Live Your Road Trip Dream.

“If there was ever a model for publishing the perfect road trip book, Quinn’s book is the closest thing I’ve seen. It’s a must-have companion if you are driving through the state and have a little extra time or sense of adventure.”―Michael Dougherty, author of The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia

“Rick Quinn’s Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips is pure joy for those who prefer the road less traveled. With more than two dozen maps, stunning photographs and practical advice, this is the indispensable guide to traveling the desert – and mountain – southwest.” ―Aaron Reed, author of The Local Angler Fly Fishing Austin and Central Texas

“Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips is a must-have for travelers exploring the Southwest. Over 300 full-color photos capture the true beauty of these two states.”―Ellen Robson, author of Haunted Highway: The Spirit of Route 66

“As an experienced roadtripper, Quinn has gone beyond the usual in this travel guide, providing important information before you head out, such as when the road turns to dirt or when taking an RV is not advised. Reading this has shown me how many more fascinating and beautiful places I have yet to see. I can’t recommend this too highly. Now my only quandary―which roadtrip to do first! ―Jaimie Bruzenak, RetireToAnRV.com

Scenic Side Trips Blog

Promotional information about the launch of the book, the nine city tour, and more!