BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN ARIZONA

ROUTES: AZ-188, US-60
DISTANCE: 131 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours

The curvy route from AZ-188 to Mesa is one of the best motorcycle roads in Arizona, and it is located close to the Phoenix area. Ride through the densely forested Tonto National Forest, and miles of open vistas. This route offers the variety of vast straightaways, desert terrain, twisties, climbs and descents. There will be great views of Theodore Roosevelt Lake and the surrounding mountains along AZ-188. If you have the time for a longer loop ride, motorcycle the Beeline Hwy (AZ-87) southbound back to the Phoenix/Mesa area. The route from AZ-188 to Mesa, AZ is one of the best Arizona motorcycle rides in the state!


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ROUTES: AZ-89, 89A
DISTANCE: 108 miles
TIME: 3 hours

When most hear Arizona, they think of Grand Canyon. But if you’re looking for scenic Arizona motorcycle rides, one area that should not be missed by motorcycle are the roads south of Flagstaff through Sedona. Arizona State Route 89A is an epic AZ motorcycle ride through numerous state parks and forests. Turn after turn there are incredible views of vast mountains and red rock formations. As you ride, you’ll have chances to peer over magnificent cliff overlooks that offer great views of the stunningly beautiful canyon. Many riders say the best direction to take in these views is heading south. Start in the lush, rugged forests of Flagstaff, and work your way down to the canyon towards Prescott. Expect traffic in Sedona, but south of Jerome will make up for it with significantly impressive turns and overlooks near Woodchute Mtn.


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ROUTES: N BUSH HWY, APACHE TRAIL
DISTANCE: 44 miles
TIME: 1 hour

One of the best motorcycle rides in Arizona is the “Bee-Line Hwy” RT87. Take Usery Pass Road leading to the famous Arizona 88 also known as Apache Trail which you will take towards the Superstition Mountains. This route covers scenic desert landscapes with mountains and even Canyon Lake scenery. Taking Route 88 will lead you to Tortilla Flat. The road was repaved in recent years, which makes for a huge improvement. 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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ROUTE: OATMAN ROAD
DISTANCE: 48 miles
TIME: 1.5 hour

If you’re looking for one of the most challenging Arizona motorcycle rides, the Oatman Hwy the road for you! Oatman Highway is an incredible AZ motorcycle road, nestled in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona. It’s also a very demanding and remote ride, and puts you directly on the old Route 66. As you approach Sitgreaves Pass rising to an elevation of 3,550 feet, the road becomes narrow and steep with a number of hairpin turns hugging the mountainside, with no shoulders and few guardrails. It’s said that vehicles over 40ft should not attempt to travel on this road because of the number of tight turns. (That’s when you know it’s a great motorcycle road!) As you ride through the Black Mountain region, you’ll get some excellent views of these mountains and their rock formations. Ride cautiously and watch out for the donkeys!


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ROUTE: US-191
DISTANCE: 130 miles
TIME: 3.5 hour

This north–south United States highway is an absolutely terrific Arizona motorcycle road, especially in the designated Coronado Trail Scenic Road portion. Known to some as the Devil’s Highway (old Arizona 666 Hwy), it is not recommended for beginner riders. Forests, desert, canyons, reservoirs and mountain vistas can all be seen on this route while twisting and curving through the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests of eastern Arizona. Heading north, the road increases in elevation, and you’ll be able to stop to check out the awesome scenic overlooks. In fact, there’s an elevation difference of some 5,000ft from start to finish on this route, giving it an incredible diversity of landscapes. Some riders 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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ROUTE: MT LEMMON HWY
DISTANCE: 26 miles
TIME: 45 mins

For awesome views with a great ride, check out this AZ motorcycle road just 20 miles from Tuscon. Pick up Mt Lemmon Hwy from Tanque Verde and climb in elevation from 2500 to 8000 feet in just a few short, action packed miles. The Mt Lemmon Hwy is an Arizona motorcycle ride that will feature elevations which allow for the motorcyclists to experience the change in foliage and temperature as you climb the road. The pavement quality is generally well maintained with great curves, straightaways, and twisties. You’ll ride with amazing views of the valley floor as well as of the breathtaking rock formations. This route can get heavy with traffic on weekends, so it’s best to ride this in the earlier hours.


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ROUTE: US-60
DISTANCE: 87 miles
TIME: 2 hours

This is one of the best, lesser-known motorcycle rides in Arizona. The motorcycle route from Globe to Show Low along Arizona Route 60 (US-60/AZ-77) will take you all the way down and through the Salt River Canyon. The route features a nice, varied collection of turns and scenery, with noticeable temperature increase by the time you make it to Globe. The hairpin turns near the Salt River will be especially exciting, as you navigate the curves with amazing views. Just be prepared – there is not much by way of towns or gas stations, so pack well and fuel up when you can. US-60 from Globe to Show Low is a stunningly beautiful Arizona motorcycle ride, and the road offers nice pull-offs that give you great views of the changing scenery.


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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!