Next Start

August 4

The Best Motorcycle Rides in Arizona: Top Scenic Routes to Explore 

Updated 6/24/2025

A New Career Path Starts Here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.
Next Start Date: August 4, 2025

Table of Contents


  • Why Arizona Is Perfect for Motorcycle Adventures  
  • 5 Top Arizona Motorcycle Rides 

There are many benefits to living in Arizona, including more than 300 days of sunshine a year that make it a great place to hit the open road on a motorcycle. Riders can enjoy diverse landscapes and explore some cool tourist attractions along the way. 

Motorcycle enthusiasts training to work as technicians also have the benefit of being able to attend Universal Technical Institute's Motorcycle Technician Training program in Phoenix. They have the opportunity to enjoy scenic motorcycle rides when outside of the classroom. 

Keep reading to check out some amazing Arizona rides, along with pictures provided by Gary Stiles, UTI’s very own education manager! 

Why Arizona Is Perfect for Motorcycle Adventures  

With wide-open roads, stunning scenery, and sunny weather almost year-round, it’s easy to see why Arizona is a top destination for riders. Whether you prefer winding mountain roads or smooth desert highways, the state offers some of the best motorcycle rides in Arizona for every kind of enthusiast. 

The state’s natural diversity means you can start your morning in the cactus-lined desert and end your ride surrounded by pine forests or red rock cliffs. From iconic routes like the Apache Trail to peaceful stretches near Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona motorcycle rides deliver breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. 

Thanks to minimal rainfall and over 300 days of sunshine annually, motorcycle rides in Arizona are rarely delayed by weather. Plus, there are plenty of rider-friendly stops—national parks, quirky roadside attractions and historic towns—perfect for exploring between destinations. 

Whether you're a weekend rider or in training to become a motorcycle technician at UTI Phoenix, Arizona is an unbeatable place to enjoy the ride. 

5 Top Arizona Motorcycle Rides 

There is something for almost everyone to enjoy when exploring Arizona by motorcycle. Whether you’re cruising into the pines or exploring a ghost town, there are many popular motorcycle routes to explore. 

We’ve included the approximate one-way distances and times for these rides starting at the UTI campus in Phoenix, which is a great jumping-off point. 

Be sure to check out the Arizona Department of Transportation’s website before starting out so you can stay up to date on road and weather conditions. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water with you — it’s always a good thing to be prepared before taking a motorcycle cruise! 

Wickenburg to Prescott 

Mileage: 108 miles 
 
Ride time: 2 hours, 8 minutes 

Beginning northwest of Phoenix in Wickenburg, this scenic road ride climbs up twisty State Route 89. It winds through the mountains with switchbacks that offer great views of the desert before leading you to the town of Yarnell. You can stop at the Ranch House Restaurant for breakfast before continuing to climb through the Prescott National Forest. When you’re surrounded by ponderosas, you know you’re close to your destination of Prescott. You can explore Courthouse Square, where you’ll find a great selection of places to shop and large cottonwoods to relax under. Visit the Prescott Brewing Company for pizza and a local brew, and choose to either stay the night at the historic 1927 Hassayampa Inn or head back home. 

Route 66 

Mileage: 289 miles 
 
Ride time: 4 hours, 30 minutes 

No other ride seems quite as iconic just from its name as Route 66. Also known as the Mother Road, Route 66 passes through eight different states, and you can experience a good chunk of it in Arizona. Heading north, you can pass through Flagstaff and check out Meteor Crater Natural Landmark on the way to Winslow. Be sure to stop in Winslow, where you can check out the famous Standin’ on the Corner exhibit. Driving east allows you to check out beautiful views of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. Your journey can wrap up in Lupton on Arizona’s eastern border. 

Verde River Sheep Bridge 

Mileage: 81.9 miles 
 
Ride time: 2 hours, 56 minutes 

A day at the beach? Pack lots of water and food as you head out! Starting just north of Carefree, the ride out to the Verde River Sheep Bridge is perfect for ATVs, side-by-sides, dual-sport bikes, or even a big adventure bike. Seven Springs Road turns to dirt just a few miles north of Carefree and climbs out of the desert to intersect with Bloody Basin Road in the heart of the Tonto National Forest. Heading east down Bloody Basin Road, you’ll find cottonwood-lined creek crossings before a final descent to the Verde River. Here you can enjoy sandy beaches just below Sheep Bridge, with plenty of riverside picnic spots. 

Tortilla Flat 

Mileage: 69.8 miles 
 
Ride time: 1 hour, 25 minutes 

Hit the road to Tortilla Flat to experience an out-and-back day trip that helped put Arizona on the map for motorcycle riding. The road along State Route 88 covers scenic desert landscapes, with stunning vistas through the Superstition Mountains, and also takes you past Canyon Lake. It’s also known for quickly putting riders onto twisting roads that both experienced and new motorcyclists can appreciate. Once you reach Tortilla Flat, you can explore the remnants of a ghost town. Take time to refuel at the Superstition Restaurant & Saloon, which features “world-famous” chili and lots of antique decor. 

Crown King 

Mileage: 68.8 miles 
 
Ride time: 1 hour, 53 minutes 

The ride to Crown King makes for the perfect afternoon for your street legal dual-sport or big adventure motorcycle. Your first stop is Rock Springs Cafe, a historic landmark established in 1918 known for its homemade pies. After having a slice and some coffee, you’ll ride north to Maggie Mine Road. This old Jeep road will challenge your skills and bring you to Bumblebee Road. Cruising down this graded dirt road, you’ll pass the ghost town of Bumblebee as you make your way to Crown King. You’ll begin to climb to the pines and pass the Cleator Bar & Yacht Club as you see the terrain change from the Sonoran Desert to ponderosa forest. Once you arrive in Crown King, be sure to stop at the Crown King General Store for some of the best fudge in Arizona. There are also several restaurants you can refuel at before heading home, including the Crown King Saloon & Cafe

Pro Tips for Arizona Motorcycle Rides  

Before hitting the road, it’s important to plan ahead, especially when you're exploring some of the best motorcycle rides in Arizona. Arizona's unique climate and terrain offer amazing experiences, but preparation is key to staying safe and comfortable along the way. Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind for your next adventure: 

  • Gear up for the sun: With over 300 sunny days a year, bring a high-quality helmet with a tinted visor or sunglasses, along with lightweight, UV-protective riding gear. 
  • Stay hydrated: The dry climate can dehydrate riders quickly. Always carry extra water, especially on longer Arizona motorcycle rides through remote areas. 
  • Layer up: Even if it’s hot during the day, desert temperatures can drop sharply at night or at higher elevations like Flagstaff. Pack layers so you're prepared for changing conditions. 
  • Watch the weather: While rain is rare, Arizona can have sudden monsoon storms in the summer. Always check the forecast before heading out on any motorcycle rides in Arizona. 
  • Inspect your bike: Before each ride, check tire pressure, fluids and lights—especially if you’ll be on winding or high-elevation roads. 
  • Know your route: Cell service may be limited in rural areas. Download maps ahead of time or carry a physical backup when riding less-traveled routes. 
  • Respect wildlife and the road: Arizona is home to open desert, mountain passes and wildlife crossings. Stay alert and ride responsibly. 

Whether you're cruising through the Superstition Mountains or exploring scenic backroads near Sedona, these tips can help you make the most of your Arizona ride. 

Train to Turn Your Passion for Motorcycles into a Career at UTI Phoenix 

If you’re looking for a new career and already have a passion for motorcycles, you could enroll in the Motorcycle Technician Training program offered at UTI Phoenix.1 Train in less than a year at a location that is perfect for cruising when you’re not learning in a hands-on lab.7 

Courses can help prepare you with the training and education you need for an entry-level career as a motorcycle technician.1 Request more information to connect with an Admissions Representative, or fill out an application today!  

START PREPARING TO PURSUE AN EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN.
With classes starting frequently, there’s no need to wait to start your career path.
Hands-on training.*Get hands-on education with some of the industry's leading brands.
No Pressure to commit.Get answers to your questions without any obligations.
Or Call Now 800.834.7308
*UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.

1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.