7 Best Motorcycle rides in Arizona: Twisty Desert & Mountain Routes

• START/END: Mesa to Payson
• ROUTES: AZ-188, US-60
• DISTANCE: 131 miles
• RIDE TIME: 2.5 hours
• BEST TIME: Oct-Apr (avoid summer heat)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

The curvy route from AZ-188 to Mesa is one of the best motorcycle roads in Arizona , and it is a great route for those who are looking for motorcycle rides near Phoenix.

Starting northeast of Mesa, this route winds through Tonto National Forest with flowing curves, long straights, and elevation changes around the massive Theodore Roosevelt Lake.

In fact, the pavement stays excellent in 2025–2026 after recent repaves, offering perfect grip on climbs and descents. This scenic motorcycle route offers the variety of vast straightaways, desert terrain, twisties, all with climbs and descents.

Additionally, pair it with AZ-87 (Beeline Highway) for a full day loop back to the Valley. Watch for occasional gravel near pull-offs, but traffic remains light mid-week.


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• START/END: Flagstaff to Wilhoit
• ROUTES: AZ-89, 89A
• DISTANCE: 108 miles
• RIDE TIME: 3 hours
• BEST TIME: Sept-Nov (fall colors)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

When most hear Arizona, they think of Grand Canyon. But if you’re looking for scenic motorcycle rides in Arizona, one area that should not be missed by motorcycle are the roads south of Flagstaff through Sedona. Dropping over 4,000 feet from pine forests to desert canyons, you’ll carve switchbacks with jaw-dropping Oak Creek Canyon overlooks and Jerome’s historic curves.

However, Sedona traffic peaks weekends—ride southbound early mornings for the best sightlines and emptier roads. Moreover, 2025 repairs smoothed the Jerome section perfectly. Stop at Indian Gardens or Mingus Mountain pull-offs for photos.


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• START/END: N Bush Hwy to Tortilla Flat
• ROUTES: N Bush Hwy, Apache Trail
• DISTANCE: 44 miles
• RIDE TIME: 1 hour
• BEST TIME: Nov-Apr (avoid summer heat)
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

The historic Apache Trail (AZ-88) stands out as one of the best motorcycle rides in Arizona near Phoenix, blending paved twisties with Superstition Mountains and Canyon Lake scenery. From N Bush Highway, enjoy flowing curves along the lake before the legendary tight sections to Tortilla Flat.

This route covers scenic desert landscapes with mountains and even Canyon Lake scenery. Taking Route 88 will lead you to Tortilla Flat. In particular, the freshly repaved stretch (updated 2024–2025) offers buttery grip—perfect for sport bikes.

While many turn back around at this point, there is actually an 8-mile stretch of beautiful pavement that will offer worthwhile riding. (Click the map link for the exact location of where the pavement ends.) Adventure riders can continue beyond here on the packed gravel section towards Roosevelt for great views of high wall canyons and more beautiful scenic areas of Arizona.


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• START/END: Golden Valley to I-40
• ROUTE: Oatman Rd
• DISTANCE: 48 miles
• RIDE TIME: 1.5 hour
• BEST TIME: Oct-May
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

Oatman Highway on old Route 66 challenges riders with one of the best motorcycle rides in Arizona for raw, technical hairpins through the Black Mountains. Climbing to Sitgreaves Pass at 3,550 feet, the narrow road features no shoulders, steep drop-offs, and donkey crossings in historic Oatman.

Because it’s remote with zero services for 40+ miles, fuel up in Kingman or Laughlin first. Additionally, 2025 widening in spots has eased the tightest turns slightly. However, because of the number of twisty turns, vehicles over 40ft are banned. (But that’s how you know you’re on a great motorcycle road!)

Finally, as you ride through the Black Mountain region, you’ll get some excellent views of these scenic mountains and their rock formations. Ride cautiously and watch out for the donkeys!


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

• START/END: Springerville to Three Way
• ROUTE: US-191
• DISTANCE: 130 miles
• RIDE TIME: 3.5 hour
• BEST TIME: May-Oct
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

The Coronado Trail (US-191), formerly the Devil’s Highway, is Arizona’s twistiest crown jewel and arguably the best motorcycle ride in Arizona for non-stop curves. This 130-mile north-south masterpiece climbs over 5,000 feet through Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest with endless switchbacks, pine forests, and alpine meadows.

In fact, pavement remains pristine in 2025–2026 after resurfacing. Additionally, gas is scarce (only Morenci and Alpine)—so be sure to fill up when you can! The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is best for advanced-level riders; beginners may struggle with the relentless technical sections. But if you’re up for the challenge, you may agree with many riders who say this is the best motorcycle road in the entire southwest United States! For an amazing Arizona motorcycle ride, don’t miss the Coronado Scenic Trail!


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• START/END: E Catalina Hwy to Mt Lemmon summit
• ROUTE: Mt Lemmon Hwy
• DISTANCE: 26 miles
• RIDE TIME: 45 mins
• BEST TIME: Mar-Nov
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

The Mt Lemmon Highway is one of the best motorcycle rides in Tucson, with its climb from saguaro desert to pine forests. In fact, the climb in elevation changes from 2500 to 8000 feet in just a few short, action-packed miles. These elevations allow the motorcyclist to experience the change in foliage and temperature as they climb the road.

Starting in northeast Tucson, the road serves perfectly banked sweepers, rock formations, and valley overlooks all the way to Ski Valley.

Moreover, Caltrans-level maintenance keeps grip excellent year-round. Keep in mind, this route can get heavy with traffic and bicyclists on weekends, so it’s best to ride this in the earlier hours. Pack layers; it’s often 30°F cooler at the summit! However, you’ll ride with amazing views of the valley floor as well as of the breathtaking rock formations.

Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

• ROUTE: US-60
• DISTANCE: 87 miles
• RIDE TIME: 2 hours
• BEST TIME: Mar-May or Sept-Nov
• GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
• GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download

US-60 from Globe to Show Low through Salt River Canyon hides as one of the best motorcycle rides in Arizona—a mini-Grand Canyon experience with deep descents, hairpin turns, and dramatic red rock walls. Dropping 2,000 feet to the river then climbing back up, the route mixes high-speed sweepers with technical canyon carving.

Because services are 80+ miles apart, be sure to fuel up in Globe or Show Low. Additionally, 2025 repaves fixed rough spots near the bottom. Pull-offs at the canyon rim are must-stops for photos.

All in all, US-60 from Globe to Show Low is a stunningly beautiful Arizona motorcycle ride, and this hidden gem road offers nice pull-offs that give you great views of the changing scenery.


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near Arizona and the Southwest United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Southwest with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!