Overall Route Rating
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4.56 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.56
22 Reviews

Cottonwood Canyon Run

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jul 31, 2004

Rider Reviews

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White Wolf
30 McR Points
May 7, 2016
I took this road in late April 2016. I traveled…
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stomp944
6 McR Points
September 11, 2011
A three-season, all-time favorite of mine.…
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Written Directions

From Phoenix follow US-60 to Wickenburg where I suggest you start your drive. At first Wickenburg light turn north onto state route 93. Drive 7 miles until the junction for 89 and travel north. Follow into Prescott and turn onto E. Gurley and follow 89 five miles out of Prescott, then turn east on 89A. You'll pass through Jerome. Once you have entered Cottonwood you may either continue your trip through Sedona or follow the signs to I-17 via state route 260.

Scenery

Starting just north of Wickenburg, the drive starts in a desert setting and quickly climbs the side of a mountain to enter pine country. Goes through Prescott and ends in Cottonwood with the option to continue to Flagstaff on another of the states great scenic roads. Bring water and a camera ... the views from Jerome are SPECTACULAR! In April of 2014 "Bad Bob" contributed: "The scenery on the mountain of the red rocks is phenomenal. Every turn presents a breath taking view. If you rode no other road in Arizona, this should be the one!!!"

Drive Enjoyment

Road can become steep at certain times and very twisty ... you may have to take breaks to allow your brakes to cool (depending on your speed). The road is very smooth overall. I suggest motorcycles use headlights accordingly as people speeding and "racing" through the canyons can become dangerous.

Tourism Opportunities

On certain days you can find an arts festival in Prescott which can be interesting if that's your thing. Gas stations are plentiful and can be found in Wickenburg, Prescott or Cottonwood. You'll drive through the Prescott National Forest where you can find about 10 campgrounds, numerous pic-nic areas, and places to fish and hike.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - What's happening in Prescott, AZ? -
 

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Guest
July 5, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
The farther north you go, the better the roads get. After passing through Wilhoit, on the way to Prescott, take the speed advisory signs seriously. While the roads are in good shape and will hold a lot more speed, there's little to no runoff. Crashes are easily fatal. Besides, if you are completely focused on the road, you'll miss a lot of terrific scenery. Be prepared for a lot of traffic in Sedona. The roads in the town are not nearly adequate for the amount of traffic. Particularly on weekends, and weekday afternoons, you might move through town at no more than 5 mph. The road into, and out of Jerome, was made for motorcycling!
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Rick M
May 28, 2015
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Did this ride from Surprise up the 60 to 89 across to Prescott through to Jerome back down through Skull Valley. Excellent ride great roads and scenery. If your going through skull valley stop in prescott for gas as the next gas is peeples valley. Also small mom and pop knick knack snack shop opening in skull valley be sure to stop there for a drink. Very friendly and worth the support.
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Graybush
January 13, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I did this ride from just south of Prescott up to Sedona in April 2011. Fantastic. Five stars for scenery, four for road condition, four for amenities. I'm an East Coast guy so seeing deserts and mountains like this is a blast for me. You go through the Prescott National Forest, across some wide open areas, to the top of Mingus Mountain (my favorite), then down into Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Sedona, all within a few hours. This is a trip I plan to make again with my wife at some point in the future. I highly recommend stopping in Jerome if you have time.
The road was mostly in good condition but be careful through the mountains you may find some rocks and things along road edges.
There are plenty of towns, big and small, along the route to get what you need.
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