Local Area Rides
Hey guys, I wanted to provide some info for local ride routes on the forum. Hope this is the correct thread. I know there are numerous websites that have this info, but these are routes I've have personally ridden. I'm covering routes from the Valley, doable in the same day (avoiding I-17) without killing me, max of 375-400 miles and 8 hours max seat time.
I'll add/update as I can. Not in any special order:
Saguaro Lake Loop - 60 miles
Up 87/Beeline Hwy North to Bush Hwy then South West. The Beeline Hwy is 4 lanes (2 each way) and can carry a lot of traffic. Traffic seems to move at a pretty good clip, so keep your wits. As you head South West there is nice scenery along Bush Highway with good road surface. There are a few twists and turns as you pass the Lake. Lots of PoPo too, especially near the Lake turn in so dial it down a notch thru there.
When you hit the Stop sign, you can continue straight on Bush Hwy along the Salt River or go left up Usary Pass Road. UPR is silky smooth pavement and has a few turns in the short span, but is usually anchored with the MCSP so keep your eyes peeled.
Roosevelt Lake Loop - 215 miles
up 87 North past Bush Hwy to AZ 188. Then Southeast toward Globe.
87 is 4 lanes thru a couple small mountain 'passes' and carries an avg speed around 71 for most vehicles on it.
AZ 188 is a 2 lane roadway with decent pavement and nice sweeping wide turns, great visibility, low traffic. You cross a cool suspension bridge near the end. It has good scenery as it runs along the west side of Roosevelt Lake.
From Globe take 60 west to Gold Camp and travel thru the Salt River Canyon. Salt River Canyon is very scenic with lots of turns, but unfortunately, lots of traffic, so go early. It's still a cool route.
Prescott Out & Back - 270 miles
AZ-74 to Wickenburg is 1 lane each way, semi rough road. Not too much traffic, but the occasional trooper near Bartlett Lake turnoff.
At Wickenburg, continue to AZ-93 then to AZ-89 to Prescott. Pretty flat and wide open valley views thru the People's Valley. Once you hit Yarnell Hill and start climbing, the twisties start. Be alert, there is almost always a Trooper sitting high on the hill that will radio ahead to another Trooper waiting ahead. I've been told they use a timer (since visibility is not ideal for their radar) to measure your speed. So either stop 1/2 way up the hill and take a break or stay alert. Once passed Yarnell Hill climb, it opens up for about 15-20 miles. Then from Wilhoit to Prescott it's lined with trees, has sweet pavement and smooth twists and turns. Check out SSKY0078's video (that is the southbound perspective).
Phoenix - Payson - Show Low - Globe Loop - 340 miles
will update soon
Phoenix - Prescott - Jerome - Cottonwood - Campe Verde - Payson - Phoenix Loop - 370 miles
will update soon