Looking for advise on day trips out of Phoenix Az in April

[Betz]

My hubby & I have rented a couple of bikes in Phoenix for the first week of April and are looking for any suggestions for where to go and what to see. We'll spend some time at Bike Week, but would like to spend most of our time riding. It's been -13 F where we live and we're having serious bike withdrawal symptoms. We even spent an hour wearing our helmets the other night trying out our new Scala Q2 headsets! (Thank you Santa.) We've spent the day researching this trip, but that has left us a little overwhelmed as to our itinerary. We would appreciate some input from those of you who may be familiar with the area. We're hoping to escape our winter, but we're seeing temperature predictions in the mountains around Phoenix that are around the freezing mark. Brrrrrr... not what we expected! Thanks in advance for your help.

[jesus granados]

My hubby & I have rented a couple of bikes in Phoenix for the first week of April and are looking for any suggestions for where to go and what to see. We'll spend some time at Bike Week, but would like to spend most of our time riding. It's been -13 F where we live and we're having serious bike withdrawal symptoms. We even spent an hour wearing our helmets the other night trying out our new Scala Q2 headsets! (Thank you Santa.) We've spent the day researching this trip, but that has left us a little overwhelmed as to our itinerary. We would appreciate some input from those of you who may be familiar with the area. We're hoping to escape our winter, but we're seeing temperature predictions in the mountains around Phoenix that are around the freezing mark. Brrrrrr... not what we expected! Thanks in advance for your help.

I would stay around the NE/E routes, don't know how much time you want to allocate for riding, but i would estimate that, a two to three hour northeast and east of phoenix, you should be able to do an all day ride around some really nice country roads, try Sedona, and if you are a bit in to adventure, try Silver City. Hatch, Globe all those towns are old minning towns and the roads are nice, but lonely, and that's entering the state of New Mexico, east of phoenix, you can also ride up to the Grand Canyon, good luck!

Jesus.

[B-Bob]

1.) Drive north toward Flagstaff. Stop at Camp Verde, Montezuma's Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument, Sedona, ride up Oak Tree Canyon. If you can spend more time away from Phoenix, continue on to Grand Canyon.

2.) Drive south toward Tucson. Stop at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and other stuff in and around Tucson. Loop around and see Biosphere 2.

3) Drive north-east on the Bee-Line toward Payson, over to Heber and Snowflake, down to Show Low, through Fort Apache Indian Reservation to Globe, back to Phoenix.

4) Drive east-north-east to Roosevelt Reservoir. (You can find pictures elsewhere on this board.)

5) Drive south-south-west to Gila Bend, then on to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

I'm sure Arizona natives can give you more info.

[zuke]

are you looking for a scenic ride or to see specific sights?

zuke

el mirage, az.

[Jake '53]

You don't say if you're looking for scenery or things to do but we get over that way a couple of times a year. We like Oak Creek Canyon and the Sedona area, Highway 60 east of Apache Junction and the Salt River Canyon. Tortilla Flats is an interesting 1/2 day ride. Weather north of Flagstaff and east into The White Mountains is still a little chancy that time of year. If it's good, a trip to the Grand Canyon might be in order but you can't really do it justice on one day round trip from Phoenix.

[keith_stepp]

Wow. You could write a book on this subject. To keep it short and sweet...

It is worth going a long way out of your way to see Sedona. The red rock country is trully spectacular. Best ways in and out of Sedona are through Jerome and Oak Creek Canyon.

The high country might still be a bit chilly that time of year, but the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is another must do when in Arizona. You can get to Flagstaff via Payson and Sedona, or Payson and Mormon Lake, or Payson and Winslow. All good choices.

One of the most famous stretches of road in Arizona is the Coronado Trail formerly known as route 666 and now known as the 191. With one end in Alpine at 8,000 feet and the other in Clifton at 3,000 feet, it is one amazing ride.

Another famouse section of road is the old Route 66. Parts of Route 66 run through Flagstaff, but the best section begins in Seligman, west of Flagstaff and ends in Topcock. You could ride back through Lake Havasu City and see the London Bridge.

Shorter rides in the Phoenix area: The Carefree and Cave Creek area is very nice and the ride out to Tortilla Flats is also very nice.

Other nice rides: Sahuaro National Monuments and Mount Lemmon in the Tucson area; Salt River Canyon just north of Globe; Chiricaua National Monument in the far south east portion of the state.

[Betz]

Thanks, everyone for your very informative replies. I think we've got a good basic itinerary planned out using a lot of your suggestions, and we've got some other ideas held on reserve in case we have to make some adjustments for time and weather. We've never been to Arizona, so we weren't sure what to expect. We've read a few articles on the internet suggesting rides, but just wanted confirmation from people who've actually 'been there, done that'. We were a little surprised at reports of snow and near freezing temperatures. We really just want to put some miles on those rental bikes in some new and interesting territory, and I think you've given us some great ideas. We're looking forward to the trip! Thanks again.

[keith_stepp]

I think we've got a good basic itinerary planned out using a lot of your suggestions, and we've got some other ideas held on reserve in case we have to make some adjustments for time and weather.

Be sure and let us all know what you decide on!

We were a little surprised at reports of snow and near freezing temperatures.

April is one of those months where you can't know for sure what will happen. It could be in the 100's in the desert and freezing up in the north country. Typically though, March/ April are excellent riding months in AZ.

[whyssb]

Unless there is a significant change from the norm, April is the sweet spot for the southern half of the state. Days will be sunny, and beautiful with clear roads. While there may be an occasional rain shower this time of year, they are ususally brief and not to heavy. The pretty areas in the northern part of the state are higher in elevation and will be cooler.

Compared to home it will probably be warm by your standards. Also realize that we have wide temperture swings from day to night here. In Tucson it is frequently 30 degrees from early morning to mid day. So by the time you head out for a day trip it's really not that cold. I commute to work year round. In the morning I wear skins & long sleeves and in the afternoon the layers are all in my backpack because it's to warm.

If you are start in the Phoenix area, there are many day trips that you can do, as well as 1-2 day loops.

If you haven't ever been to the Grand Canyon, do it. You can go up via Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, probably 3 hours each way. Once at the canyon you will have to park the bike, but there is a free shuttle that runs along all the vista points and walk paths between them.

Northeast thru Payson & Strawberry (make sure to stop at the Tonto Natural Bridge), is a gently meandering mountain ride. If you want to do a loop you can go up this route across to Showlow and then back down thru Globe.

Down around the Tucson area, we have numerous mountain ranges. The ride down thru the Santa Rita mountains to Sonita and Patagonia is very pretty. Or if you like twisty roads, go up Mt Lemon (Catalina Mountains). There is a Pie shop that is absolutely killer in Summerhaven at the top of the range. Tucson also has Saguaro Monument East & West which are very unique.

If you need help with places to stay, let me know and I can help make suggestions or help you get info.

[Betz]

Be sure and let us all know what you decide on!

We decided to take it a bit easy the first day to get our bearings and become more familiar with our rentals. The ride up the Apache Trail to Canyon Lake appealed to us as a starter.

Second day out, we did decide on seeing the Grand Canyon and have booked a hotel there for an overnight stay to allow us a little more time to see the sights. We plan to travel Wickenburg/Prescott/Cottonwood/Sedona enroute to the Grand Canyon. I hope that's not too much packed into one day. If we can't see enough in the Sedona area on the way to the GC, then we can stop longer on the way back.

We also put Roosevelt Lake on the agenda as a day trip. Already that's looking like a full week, and there's so much more we could have chosen to see.

Northeast thru Payson & Strawberry (make sure to stop at the Tonto Natural Bridge), is a gently meandering mountain ride. If you want to do a loop you can go up this route across to Showlow and then back down thru Globe.

This ride is/was on the agenda as well, but was kind of the point in our deliberations at which we clued in that higher elevations could have snow! Still, we can always watch the weather and make adjustments.

If you need help with places to stay, let me know and I can help make suggestions or help you get info.

Shelly, thanks for the offer of help finding places to stay. We have a number of hotel points we can use, so we've got that covered - we think. That was very generous of you to offer assistance in sorting that out. PS How did you know we'd like pie? (I suppose that's a given.)

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions. We were a bit overwhelmed at the possibilities when we first started planning and your suggestions helped us sort it all out.

[Betz]

April is one of those months where you can't know for sure what will happen. It could be in the 100's in the desert and freezing up in the north country. Typically though, March/ April are excellent riding months in AZ.

Unless there is a significant change from the norm, April is the sweet spot for the southern half of the state. Days will be sunny, and beautiful with clear roads. While there may be an occasional rain shower this time of year, they are ususally brief and not to heavy. The pretty areas in the northern part of the state are higher in elevation and will be cooler.

Compared to home it will probably be warm by your standards.

Well yes, actually. That was the whole motivation of the trip. Where in North America can you ride in April 'cause most years, it isn't here in Edmonton where we live!! Actually, last year Bob bought his bike mid-April and did have a few very chilly rides, but only for a few hours at a time. I waited until June - a much more sensible time of year to ride here!

[keith_stepp]

We decided to take it a bit easy the first day to get our bearings and become more familiar with our rentals. The ride up the Apache Trail to Canyon Lake appealed to us as a starter.

Mmmm. I love to have breakfast at Tortilla Flat and have their chili cheese omelette. Yum! That ride has some pretty tight turns and is a little challenging, but is a great choice for your first ride. There are some great views along the way too of the Superstition Mountains. The Lost Dutchman State Park is right there if you want to stop and go for a short walk (parking fee is required) and if you are lucky, some spectacular wild flower displays. There is also a touristy place called the Goldfield Ghost Town, which can be kind of fun that is right there on the way. There are some places to eat in there too along with your typical touristy stuff, including some live entertainment.

Second day out, we did decide on seeing the Grand Canyon and have booked a hotel there for an overnight stay to allow us a little more time to see the sights. We plan to travel Wickenburg/Prescott/Cottonwood/Sedona enroute to the Grand Canyon. I hope that's not too much packed into one day. If we can't see enough in the Sedona area on the way to the GC, then we can stop longer on the way back.

That's a lot to do in one day, but that is an awesome ride! Are you staying in Williams, Flagstaff or at the Rim? Be sure and stop in Jerome for a few minutes for the ambience and views. Also, since you will be doing little more than passing though Sedona, I would strongly recommend the Upper Rock Loop Rd. It is a loop off of 89A, which takes you through the state park. Definately worth the 15 or so minutes and is basically on the way. I also highly recommend stopping in the Cowboy Club Steakhouse in Sedona.

gl, hf, and takes lots of pictures!

[Betz]

Do you think our route via Prescott was a little too ambitious for one day? Sometimes it's hard to relate time and distance in unfamiliar territory. And then there are the little distractions along the way to consider.

We booked a night at the rim, planned to spend the next day in the area and then move down to Flagstaff for the following night. That would set us up to return to Phoenix either back through Sedona, if we didn't see enough on our way through, or one of the other routes east of I17.

Thanks for the restaurant tips - sometimes where to eat can be the most taxing decision of the day! Chili cheese omelet sounds good!

[Jake '53]

Do you think our route via Prescott was a little too ambitious for one day? Sometimes it's hard to relate time and distance in unfamiliar territory. And then there are the little distractions along the way to consider.

We booked a night at the rim, planned to spend the next day in the area and then move down to Flagstaff for the following night. That would set us up to return to Phoenix either back through Sedona, if we didn't see enough on our way through, or one of the other routes east of I17.

Thanks for the restaurant tips - sometimes where to eat can be the most taxing decision of the day! Chili cheese omelet sounds good!

It's maybe 6 hours riding easy, so it really depends on how much time you spend getting through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

[keith_stepp]

Do you think our route via Prescott was a little too ambitious for one day? Sometimes it's hard to relate time and distance in unfamiliar territory. And then there are the little distractions along the way to consider.

Well, its 270+ miles, which is a pretty long day for me normally, but I can only do about 75 miles before I am ready for a break. I'm kind of a softy that way. There is not much to see or do on the ride to Prescott and the ride is pretty fast once you get out of town. I like to stop in Wickenburg to have breakfast is all. The ride over Mingus mountain to Jerome and Cottonwood is a slow ride though and you will definately want to stop for some pictures along the way and to sight see in Jerome. That is one of my all time favorite rides in AZ. You will love it. Sedona is a weekend long destination in my opinion, but if you just take the loop and stop for lunch there, you will get a really good feel for Sedona. You will definately want to do a little shopping and picture taking in Sedona. The ride up Oak Creek is absolutley spectacular, but the trip to Flagstaff and up to the South Rim will be pretty fast. So, it is certainly doable in one day and I have actually planned that exact same ride for myself too and I think would make a great trip. However...

One of my favorite weekends of all time was spent in a bed and breakfast called the Briar Patch Inn located right on Oak Creek just outside of Sedona. I would rather stay there than in Flagstaff. Its a bit spendy, but totally worth it.

[wyfapres]

There is not much to see or do on the ride to Prescott and the ride is pretty fast once you get out of town. I like to stop in Wickenburg to have breakfast is all.

Being as I live in Wickenburg I have to agree about the breakfast stop, some mighty fine breakfast cooks in town....LOL I would add though, if you like quiet easy ride from Wickenburg to Prescott, you can take the 96 loop off of 89 and go thru Kirkland and Skull Valley and their is some nice photo ops of old buildings (gas station, country store, ect.) and open rolling land and mountains. It brings you into Prescott on Iron Springs Road (kind of the back way in) and you don't have to fight alot of traffic comming between Prescott and Prescott Valley. Time is the same as you can go faster on that route then going up the spars, but if major twisties is your game the White Spars into prescott is the route of choice. My son gets sick when we go that way so we take the loop and see the quiet country side. What ever you decide that is a very do-able day if you don't spend a lot of time sight-seeing in one place.

[keith_stepp]

Being as I live in Wickenburg I have to agree about the breakfast stop, some mighty fine breakfast cooks in town....LOL

Just gotta resist the urge to pull into the first chain restuarant you see is all. There's a place right on the way out of town as you head north on 93 on the left just before you get to Coffinger park, but I can't remember the name of it. I think they only serve breakfast and lunch. Good food, good prices, and very friendly service.

[wyfapres]

Just gotta resist the urge to pull into the first chain restuarant you see is all. There's a place right on the way out of town as you head north on 93 on the left just before you get to Coffinger park, but I can't remember the name of it. I think they only serve breakfast and lunch. Good food, good prices, and very friendly service.

That would be Cowboy Cafe, my daily lunch spot I highly recommend them or the newly reopened New Frontier this place will leave you so stuffed you wont want to ride LOL

[keith_stepp]

That would be Cowboy Cafe...

That's it!

I knew it was Cowboy something something something. The first time I ever ate there, we were on our way to Vegas (I hate flying). As we drove through town, I kept looking for a place to stop and eat. There are a few places and not knowing which one is "good" makes the decision making process hard, unlike a chain where the food is consistently the same (good, bad or indifferent). But, as we drove past the Cowboy Cafe, the parking lot was packed. Decision made! Easy.

[Betz]

Well there goes the old diet. Any idea how many calories are burned per hour of riding?? LOL