Back in February we rode from Arizona City to Coolidge Dam via Globe, Peridot. We turned around at the dam and returned on the same route. What I'm wondering about is the road that continues on east from the dam? I think it's Indian Rt 3 or Collidge Dam Rd and connects with US Hwy 70 near Bylas. Is it paved?

From there we'll ride up 191 to Eagar. I'm also wondering about the different roads to US 60? Should we stay on the main road to Show Low or take 260? How about 261, 273 and 73? Are any of them paved?

I've been north of Globe as far as Salt River Canyon and know it's not a heavy traffic road but we like to take back roads as long as they're paved.

Can anyone recommend a good motel along our route?

Thanks for any help.

 

The road going east from Coolidge Dam Appears to be IR-3. It does look to be paved.
I have never ridden 261 or 273, which are paved but closed during winter. Those would be very scenic roads through a very remote area.
AZ-73 is a good road, desolate with not a lot of traffic as it traverses the Apache-San Carlos Reservation.

 

The road is dirt from the dam to Bylas. It has been about 35 years since I have been across that road, so I asked my son-in-law, he goes to the lake from Safford area. He has a Roadking and said he wouldn't ride it, so I would go with no. I would ride from Safford to Alpine on 191, very scenic. hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the helpful information. The Coolidge Dam has to be one of the most unusual things to see in Arizona. We're hoping the weather is warm enough to make the trip up 191.

 

IR-3 is paved, you can see it with Google maps, but it looks to be in very poor shape. I don't think I'd ride my bike on it.

 

I know the stretch of IR-3 from Peridot to the dam is paved but in very poor condition. It's barely rideable. Stands to reason the rest of IR-3 from the dam to Bylas would be the same.

 

 

The trip would be sometime in February. Weather permitting of course. That's what I enjoy about Arizona. If the weather is cold and/or snowy at the higher elevations just ride in the lower desert.