Total Distance: 170 Miles (out and back)

Estimated Time: 4-5 hours

Max Elevation: 2,738 ft

Min Elevation: 674 ft

Terrain: Pavement

Description: This is an out and back ride from Wickenburg to Gila Bend on a very secluded route. Wickenburg is one of the oldest towns in Arizona and became known as the “Dude Ranch Capitol of the World” in the late 1800’s. Travel on S. Vulture Mine Road, a long stretch of pavement with twisties and a unique view of the White Tank Mountains from the western side of the range. Continue through to Salome Highway until you reach Historic U.S. Highway 80, what used to be a major transcontinental highway that stretched from Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California. A short scenic distance further you’ll come to the Gillespie Dam Bridge, built in 1927, was one of the longest vehicular structures in Arizona at the time; it was also the only steel bridge across the Gila River, and one of two remaining bridges with multi-span vehicular through trusses. This is a great spot to stop for pictures, read some story boards, and enjoy a piece of history before continuing the journey 22 miles to Gila Bend, the solar capitol of the nation. There are some really cool spots to stop for lunch in town before heading back to Wickenburg.

Highlights and Waypoints:

• Desert Caballeros Western Museum

• Vulture City Ghost Town

• Gillespie Dam Bridge

• Space Age Restaurant

Recommended Campsites:

• Alamo State Park

• Scorpion Bay Campground

Total Distance: 171 Miles (out and back includes 21 mile dirt road loop)

Estimated Time: 5 hours

Max Elevation: 2,627 ft

Min Elevation: 711 ft

Terrain: State Road and dirt road.

Description: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is best known for its namesake, but at least 30 other cactus species can be found in the park, along with steep mountains and dramatic views. This route begins in the town of Gila Bend and continues south on Arizona State Route 85 from the Old U.S Hwy 80 route listed on this site. When combining these two routes its best to plan for a 2-day overnight trip. Camping options in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument park or campsites, hotels and cabins in the historical town of Ajo are great options. The Ajo Mountain Drive portion of this route is a 21-mile graded, one-way dirt road. The ride takes approximately 2 hours and is located in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Best times to travel this route are November to April.

Highlights and Waypoints:

- Ajo Historical Society Museum

- The New Cornelia Mine

- Ajo Central Plaza

- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Recommended Campsites:

- Twin Peaks Campground

- Alamo Canyon Campground

- Backcountry camping (permit required)

Total Distance: 177 Miles (loop)

Estimated Time: 5-6 hours

Max Elevation: 7,480 ft

Min Elevation: 3,267 ft

Terrain: State, County and Forest Service roads.*

Description: This route has a little bit of everything. Wide open spaces on state roads, dirt and gravel roads, and hairpin twisties. Going North on Old Highway 89 through Chino Valley follow backcountry roads through agricultural landscapes to one of my favorite best kept secret roadways, S. Perkinsville Rd (CR 71). A 30 mile stretch of pavement nestled in between countless ponderosa pines lead up to “the little town with a big heart” - Williams, Arizona. After riding east 15 miles on backcountry roads to Flagstaff you’ll begin the journey south on one of Arizona’s most scenic roadways, Route 89A through Sedona, Cottonwood and the old mining town of Jerome before finishing on a fun stretch full of cliff side turns as you make your way back to the Prescott area.

Highlights and Waypoints:

• Brewed Awakening Coffee Co.

• Fort Tuthill Military History Museum

• Oak Creek Vista Overlook

• Sedona Historic District

• Old Town Cottonwood

• Red Rooster Cafe

• Jerome

• Haunted Hamburger

* Some portions of this route are not passable by motorcycle during winter season months. Recommend travel April - October.

Recommended Campsites:

• Lynx Lake

• Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Total Distance: 191 Miles (loop)

Estimated Time: 4-5 hours

Max Elevation: 7,961 ft

Min Elevation: 3,324 ft

Terrain: Pavement

Description: This is one of my favorite routes to ride in Northern Arizona. The northern portion of this route east to west crosses into Utah, approximately 75 miles from the city of Page to Kanab through some epic western geologic scenery. Honestly this route isn’t long enough for me. Portions of it you’ll experience absolute solitude on low traffic roadways with lots of opportunities to work on cornering. The byway on the south side follows State Route 89A. Take in the spectacular views of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument with its layers of red rock, worth every mile of the journey. Make this a 2-day trip with motocamping at Starlight Camping in Kanab followed by an early a.m. visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Highlights and Waypoints:

• North Rim of the Grand Canyon

• Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

• Kanab, Utah

• Page, Arizona

• Lake Powell

Recommended Campsites:

• Jacob Lake, North Rim

• Skylight Camping, Kanab