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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 Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) 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, MMI’s very own education manager!
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 MMI 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!
Mileage: 108 milesRide 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.
Mileage: 289 milesRide 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.
Mileage: 81.9 milesRide 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.
Mileage: 69.8 milesRide 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.
Mileage: 68.8 milesRide 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.
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 MMI Phoenix. Train in less than a year7 at a location that is perfect for cruising when you’re not learning in a hands-on lab.
Courses can help prepare you with the experience and education you need for an entry-level career as a motorcycle technician.1 Request more information today to connect with an Admissions Representative.
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1) MMI 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.
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