The Best Motorcycle Routes in Arizona

Arizona is a premier destination for motorcyclists because few places on earth offer this much geographic and technical variety in a single day of riding. TEAM Arizona has helped more than 170,000 motorcyclists prepare for these roads, and we know the state’s dramatic elevation changes and diverse landscapes are hard to beat.

Why Arizona Is One of the Best States for Motorcycle Riding

The appeal of riding in Arizona lies in its radical environmental shifts and the sheer quality of its asphalt. You can start your morning in the desert heat and find yourself shivering under alpine boughs by lunchtime.

Answer First: Few Places Offer This Much Variety in One Ride

Arizona delivers dramatic elevation changes, diverse landscapes, and technical curves that make it a top destination for riders. This variety means you are never bored; the road feel changes constantly as you move from low-lying valleys to rugged mountain passes.

From Desert Heat to Mountain Pines

• Sonoran Desert: Start among the iconic saguaros and vast open basins where the horizon feels endless.
• Cooler Alpine Forests: Ascend to higher elevations where temperatures drop significantly, and the scent of ponderosa pines fills your helmet.
• Scenic Overlooks: Stop at numerous turnouts offering panoramic views of winding canyon roads carved directly into colorful rock faces.

The Most Iconic Motorcycle Routes in Arizona

If you are searching for the best motorcycle rides, there are three legendary paths that every enthusiast should experience. These routes are famous for their beauty and the focus they require.

Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive

Often called the mini-Grand Canyon, this stretch of US 60 offers sweeping curves and heart-pounding elevation drops. The road dives deep into the canyon floor before climbing back out through a series of rhythmic twists that allow you to feel the true lean of your bike.

Coronado Trail (Highway 191)

This is one of the most technical best motorcycle routes in the entire country. Formerly known as Route 666, it features hundreds of curves and very little traffic. It is a remote, challenging ride that demands your full attention as you navigate tight corners through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

The Ride to Jerome

The climb up Mingus Mountain to the historic mining town of Jerome is a classic. You will encounter tight switchbacks and steep grades that lead to a town literally perched on the side of a mountain, providing panoramic views of the Verde Valley below.

What Makes These Routes Unforgettable (and Challenging)

The same features that make these roads beautiful also make them demanding. These roads are rewarding but demand a high level of skill and constant environmental awareness.

Technical Riding and Skill Requirements

Many of Arizona’s scenic byways feature blind corners and decreasing-radius turns. You must be comfortable with being able to place your bike where you want it, when you want it to be there, to navigate these routes safely. Additionally, road conditions can vary; you might find sand on desert roads or patches of ice in mountain shadows during the shoulder seasons, so planning is a must.

Safety Tips for Arizona Riders

• Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for sudden weather changes and wildlife, especially elk and deer in the high country.
• Plan Your Fuel: Some of the best routes are incredibly remote; always know where your next gas stop is.
• Ride Within Your Limits: It is easy to get caught up in the scenery, but keeping your eyes on the road and riding at a pace comfortable for your skill level is vital.

Ride Arizona with Confidence: Start with TEAM Arizona

The bridge between being a fan of the scenery and being a confident rider is proper education. We are dedicated to providing motorcycle rider education as a life-saving public service, and we want you to enjoy every mile of our state safely.

Build Skills with the Basic RiderCourse

The Basic RiderCourse is the perfect place to start if you want to tackle these scenic routes. We focus on the foundational skills of stopping, swerving, and cornering in a safe, fun environment. Mastering these basics on our range makes those mountain switchbacks much less intimidating.

Enhance Skills with the Basic RiderCourse

The Confident RiderCourse is a great place to build on the motor skills you already developed if you want to navigate these routes with conviction. We focus on the foundational skills of braking, low-speed maneuvering, and cornering in a safe, fun environment. Mastering these fundamentals on our range makes those decreasing radius turns on the Coronado Trail much less intimidating.

Learn from Experienced RiderCoaches

Our RiderCoaches are passionate about your success. They provide expert instruction and a supportive atmosphere, helping you understand the why behind every maneuver. They are there to ensure you have a consistent and high-quality learning experience.

Join the Community of More Than 170,000 Motorcyclists

By training with us, you join a massive community of more than 170,000 motorcyclists who have trusted us with their safety. We have the experience and the knowledge to help you move from the classroom to the Coronado Trail with confidence.

Contact TEAM Arizona for more information, or sign up for a RiderCourse today to begin your journey.

 

Featured Image Credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock