I`m looking at going to Arizona the end of the month. I`m wondering if I have waited too long and it`s going to be too cold in the higher elevations. We are planning on riding Hwy 191, Show Low to Sedona, Going up to the Grand Canyon etc. What say you guys that live there or have done it?

 

Not sure where you are heading initially, but several years ago we were out in Phoenix in October and rented a bike at one of the HD dealers in Phoenix (on the north side) and rode to Sedona via Hwy 60 (through the cactus "forest"), stopped at Wickenburg for coffee (it was still a bit chilly) and then proceeded north to AZ 89 which goes northeast to Prescott. Great road and good forests. Continue into Sedona, and then treat yourself to lunch at the Sedona Airport / Mesa Grill. It sits on a mesa (obviously) and red rocks all around. If weather permits, sit outside. We didn't venture to the Grand Canyon as we had to head straight south to Phoenix for other obligations, but that was definitely worth the trip and experience. Yes, it was chilly and we did the full leathers. But layers is the key to riding that time of year with the changes in elevation. Enjoy!

 

Thanks, we are going on Hwy 60 from NM to Springervillle. Will definately try the Mesa Grill.

 

Nah, the weather is very nice here in late Sept/early Oct. Yes, night time temperatures will be pretty chilly in the higher elevations, like Flagstaff and Show Low, but daytime temps should still be nice. I don't think you'll have too much to worry about, we usually don't get snow that early. The lower elevations will be real nice, with warm days and pleasant nights. However, the north rim of the Grand Canyon is about 8300', and could see snow. South rim should be okay, though.

 

Used to live in Flagstaff...from my experience I thing you should be fine. The higher elevations (Flagtaff-South Rim etc) usually don't get cold till Nov...snow around the end of Nov. It will most likely be flannel shirt weather in those areas though.

 

When crossing New Mexico on 60, be sure to stop at Pie Town. They have a great green chile cheese burger, and the pie is good also.

 

I can 2nd the mesa grill. Cool place especially if you get the chance to chat up a pilot or two at the bar.

 

We had a great trip to AZ, the green chile burger at Pie town was awesome and the New Mexico apple pie was great too. Reeds Lodge in Springervile is a nice mom and pop motel and Booga Reds has good food. Hwy 191 to Clifton was a fun ride, lots of twisties. Sedona was beautiful and the Grand Canyon was breathtaking. Weather was good, temps were just right.