Phoenix AZ Trip

[nine lives]

The wife and I are going out to Phoenix in April 8-12th. Not taking the dog but renting a H-D. I was wondering if you members that live in the area or are familiar with the area could give my some examples of what I should try to see and what areas to avoid. Off the beaten path areas are fine, as long as the dresser can access them.

 

[Roaddawg]

If you are going to be in the Phoenix area, you have to go north and see Prescott, Sedona and Jerome. It's off the highway (route 89) and some of the most beautiful country one can imagine.

Think of starting on the desert floor (cactus, flat, scrub brush) and as you travel north the scenery will change until you are in a forest at over 7,000 feet (that's right, higher elevation that Denver (mile high) Colo.

Prescotts rugged mountains and old town feel is great for visiting (Whiskey Row, downtown). Sedona has some of the most breathtaking red rimmed buttes and mountains around, not to mention the "vortexes" and other new age spiritual stuff there. Jerome, a city literally built on the side of a mountain is amazing. Step out the front door and your on the street. Go out your back door and drop 1,000 feet straight down.

And in between all sorts of great views, small friendly towns and super motorcycling.

A round trip covering this area can be done in a day.

 

[jbotts]

I was out there for a week in October. The best damn Mexican food I've ever had. The rule of thumb quickly became, the more run down and third world looking the establishment the better the food was.

Watch yourself around the airport @ night. Up around Scottsdale, that's yuppyville and more silicon per capita than just about anywhere else I've been.

 

[Little-Boo]

I am not from there, but from what I hear if you have a dark tan please don't wear a straw hat (sombrero) cause you may get deported :lol::lol:

Carlos

 

[jsmuth]

Nine lives I would have to agree with RoadDawg. The Jerome, Prescott, and Sedona ride should be on everyones bucket list. Incredible scenery! Take warm clothes because you will most likely start out in high 80 to low 90 temps and end up in the 50 to 60's. This trip will take all day. The Bartlett Lake and Canyon Lake/ Tortilla flats trip are just a few hours each. Along with the scenery you can get a good hamburger and a beer at Tortilla Flats!:up:

 

[nine lives]

What about going South to Tucson? Nice ride?

 

[jsmuth]

Really only two ways to get from Phoenix to Tucson. I-10 Is boring as hell and way to much traffic. I've only driven the other route halfway. I'm sure the other half is more senic. I have a buddy that lives in Tucson I'll ask him about the hot spots. If you're going to ride in AZ for the first time you have to see the sites north first JMO.

 

[Moespeeds]

I have a place right outside of Scottsdale, and have ridden all over the state. The ride up to sedona is the one to take. Get an early start from phoenix and head up to wickenburg, then pick up 89 in congress. Follow 89a up through Prescott, then into Jerome for a haunted hamburger and a drink at the spirit room. Be quick and you can make sedona before sunset. Find the sedona airport on your gps and ride up the mountain where it's located for an unbelievable sunset. Stay at the hotel right on the airport, can't remember the name but they usually have rooms and it's nice. From sedona in the morning head into payson then down 87 back into phoenix. Bring some warm clothes because you will see a 30 degree temp change throughout the day. I'm telling you the ride is one of the best you will ever do. Tuscon is ok but not much to see if youre riding. If you want more info pm me, I spend a ton of time out there riding and have been to all corners of the state. It's too bad, we will be out there doing that exact ride April 15-18.

 

[BigDogBro1]

The Hideaway Bar & Grill in Cave Creek and others http://www.hideaway-usa.com/
Fountain Hills fountain http://www.wildnatureimages.com/Fountain_Hills_Photo.htm
Saturday night at Greasewood Flat in N. Scottsdale Greasewood Flat
Saguro Lake ride out Fountain Hills http://www.wildnatureimages.com/Saguaro_Lake_Marina_Photos.htm

 

[nine lives]

Looks like we'll be heading north. Would have been nice to ride with someone familiar with the area Moe, maybe another time. Really looking forward to this trip after all the suck ass weather in PA. Thanks guys.