Overall Route Rating
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3.93 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.93
14 Reviews

Wickenburg Road

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By GJRonK (2629 McR Points) on Apr 18, 2013

Rider Reviews

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Rick M
May 20, 2015
Excellent ride either way up the 60 and around…
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Awesimon
6 McR Points
December 4, 2016
Sunday afternoon stroll through the desert…
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Written Directions

Start at the truck stop at I-10 (exit 103) and 339 Avenue. Head north over the freeway 2 miles to stop sign. Left 2 miles to 355 Avenue, turn right (north). About 19 miles (mm28) is a 4 way stop. Turn right (northeast) on Wickenburg Road (also called Vulture Mine Road). End is the stoplight at Hwy. 60, west side of Wickenburg.

Scenery

The first half of the trip is open desert with views of nearby, low mountains. They always look great late in the day when the sun has mellowed them out. There are typical plants in the area, such as creosote, acacia and occasional ocotillo. On my last trip, I saw two coyotes crossing the road and buzzards flying overhead. As you proceed further north, the vegetation becomes more lush (which is a relative term as this is desert!). At mm 14 (on the Vulture Mine Road), is the old mining town display of buildings. It's interesting to stop at although while open daily in the winter, is only open half a day on Saturday from April on through the summer. (Pictures of this will follow next winter.) From mm14 for 7 miles to the top of the low pass, is the most beautiful part of the trip. The cacti are plentiful with many giant saguaro and teddy bear cholla. There are many gullies and low hills all along the road giving reason for the many curves as you do an easy climb up to the pass. I often drive back and forth just on this stretch. Beyond the pass and into town is past some upscale homes and a golf course. Traffic along here gets more plentiful. If time, the large western museum in Wickenburg should not be missed.

Drive Enjoyment

While not many turns for the first part of the trip, other than easy open desert areas, the last part makes up for it with some 30 mph turns on good pavement along the most scenic part. You can drag pegs on several turns if you are lulled into coming in hot.

Tourism Opportunities

While the truck stop has only food and gas, the city of Wickenburg has full services.
 

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GJRonK
November 14, 2019
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
-- Update: Agree with the poster that noted too many cattle guards, but that's what we have although I've never seen any cattle. Plus, the Vulture Mine changes how often and when it's open, so if you're planning a visit, call them first. --
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Oren Sieff
December 19, 2019
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This was a great ride. Total solitude while riding the Vulture Mine Road from Tonopah to Wickenburg. Unique view of the White Tank Mountains from the west on your right before riding easy turns through Vulture Mountains on the way to Wickenburg. Only one on the road for miles!
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Homie-san
January 13, 2021
135 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Part of a loop I ride frequently. Outside of Wickenburg there a few turns as you head south, opening up to straight legs where you can open it up. Just mind the occasional cow free ranging.
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