Got some information from fellow HDFORUMS member, Steve Boston, about where to go on a recent trip my wife and I made to Phoenix. That, in itself, was a nice benefit of membership to this site. Good friendly input about local points of interest as shared by other members.

Headed out of Phoenix/Scottsdale area after renting a Heritage from Hacienda Harley Davidson in Phoenix. Nice folks. Headed west on 74 (Carefree Hwy) to where it ends at 60 This took us through the desert and beautiful sights of cactus everywhere. Turned right (northwest) on 60 and took that into Wickenburg, a nice little town worth further exploring -- someday. Stopped at a little shop in town called "The Pony Espresso" for a cup of something warm and a cinnamon roll. That was a must-do on your next trip!!! Then we headed out of Wickenburg on 89, through Congress, up Weaver Mountain (nice steep run) and through Yarnell. Then on the approach to Prescott, the roads got really good -- nice twisties and up and down, and the scenery was great!!! This was all part of Prescott National Forest. We went through Prescott, then headed out 89A which took us over Mingus Mountain and into Jerome. Again, some really great roads there too! Nice hairpin turns, steep drops, great scenery, etc.... From there we went through Clarkdale and Cottonwood into Sedona. The approach to Sedona is beyond description -- other than beautiful red mesas suddenly jutting up out of the horizon, and awesome peaks and bluffs as far as the eye can see.

When we got to Sedona, we asked of a local for a good place to see some scenery (like that was hard to come by!) and also get something good to eat. He told us to follow him (in his Porsche Boxster) to the Sedona Airport -- and we were not disappointed! Nice place, good food at a reasonable price, and the road up and back was cool too.

Since the day was getting on, we just opted for the quick route back to Scottsdale -- but that was awesome as well, heading back to Cottonwood, then cutting south on 260, and picking up 17 back south. Great roads, and some nice winding highways.

I believe that this trip is around 300 miles. It might make a better two-day trip, with an overnight in Sedona, and venturing out some back roads for photo opp's, but we just didn't have time.

It will be something worth repeating in the near future, though. Enjoy it if you get the chance!

Tod

 

Sounds like you had a great ride! Next time you get up that way, be sure to add the ride from Sedona to Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon to your list. You will not be disappointed!

 

Steve:

Thanks for the information. Three things kept us from adding that to this trip: Weather (a little cool for what we had with us), ride (rented Heritage with stock seat -- missed our Ultra), and time. But we enjoyed what we saw, and are looking forward to a return opportunity.

Tod

 

When you have the time, take the road through Cornville and Page Springs between Cottonwood and Sedona. It's a nice detour from the normal route.

 

Tripper:

Thanks for the additional suggestion. We are considering some vacation property in the Scottsdale area, so information on day trips is going to be added to an ongoing folder for future reference.

Tod

 

Ted,
It is a nice summertime trip. It can be a little cool this time of year though.