Riding in the Grand Canyon

[carraway]

Hi everyone,

I am considering a ride through the Grand  Canyon in May.  The route would be Vegas to Flagstaff, Flagstaff to Page, Page to Springdale and Springdale back to Vegas.  I have not ridden in this part of the world and hope to get some info.  What are the roads like (lots of twisties or more straight highway riding)?  I assume that the temperature in May would be fairly toasty and rain free.  I also assume this would be a fairly scenic ride.

Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks

[triangleforge]

Might want to cross-post in the AZDRA forum as well, and definitely check out the "Ducatis in Arizona" picture thread there to whet your appetite. I'd expect your proposed route would be spectacular; if you can spare an extra couple days (or even one long day), I would suggest extending your plan to the south from Flag a bit. Places (and roads) you simply must not miss while you're in AZ on a bike include:

Oak Creek Canyon/89A south from Flagstaff -- Oak Creek Canyon is sometimes described as "the Grand Canyon with a road" and though it doesn't have the sheer volume and grandeur of the GC, it's just about what I expect motorcycle heaven will look like, miles and miles of twisty roads flanked by Dr. Seuss sandstone formations & a burbling creek. Bring a swimsuit & stop off at Slide Rock State Park, swan dive off some of those sandstone formations from 5 to 45 feet high into a cool, deep creek.

Sedona (on 89A) -- simply stunning town tucked in among sandstone monoliths (and the kind of traffic you'd expect in Hades itself... or at least Manhattan)

Jerome (still on 89A) -- More miles of twisty canyon roads up the shoulder of Mingus mountain, into the once-booming copper town/now artist have of Jerome that clings to the cliffside, keep heading up Mingus over the pass and then down into Prescott Valley and the town of Prescott (my new hometown).

Prescott (yes, still 89...) -- admire some pretty cool iron along Whiskey Row (which attracts every thing from 1098s and blinged out custom Harleys to some splendid rat bikes & bobbers and some of the hardest working adventure bikes in show biddness) and then continue down the hill on 89 where it turns into White Spar road for another fifteen miles of epic twisty riding. A little bit of straight & big sweepers into Yarnell (stop at the Bakery for a home made cinnamon roll the size of a big dinner plate) and then down the famous Yarnell Hill... then stop at the bottom, hang a U-Turn, and go back up, because its at least twice as much fun that direction.

For a video taste, YouTube is full of bike cam videos -- search for Yarnell Hill, White Spar (or for some reason White Spars), or Jerome linked with the world Motorcycle and you'll turn up a dozen or more hero vids like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeTIMce1pOU

Have a great trip, and drop me a note if you're thinking of heading south of Flag! 

[DCXCV]

Should be a nice ride.  I second all the suggestions above. 

Not sure just where springdale is or how the ride is after Page, but before Page there is a turn-off to stay on 89 and hit the north end of the canyon -  that's a pretty nice trip.  89 north from the south rim road (64) to Page is a pretty desolate piece of real estate, though.  Small price to pay.

[carraway]

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.  If you get up to Vancouver send an email and I will return the favour.

[IZ]

"through" the Grand Canyon?  Are you riding a Mtn bike? 

Not much canyon carving around the GC.  When you get down to Flagstaff though (75 miles SE)..there is a great ride down to Sedona (via Oak Creek Canyon) and then on to Jerome and Prescott.

I lived in AZ for several years.  3 of which were in Flagstaff.  If you have any questions. 

As suggested, check with AZDRA.  Deitrich and PennyRobber know some good rides out of Phoenix up to the northland! 

You'll have some nice scenry around Page.  Def. check out Lake Powell on a boat!!  BEAUTIFUL!!

[Louv]

a taste of what you might see:

[zedsaid]

a taste of what you might see:

that looks like a hell of a canyon to carve.

[ScottRNelson]

Be aware that the north rim of the Grand Canyon is not open all year.  Last time I went to the Grand Canyon, I showed up on May 10 and the north rim didn't open until May 15.  I went to the south rim, but felt that I had missed half of it.  Better to check with the National Park service to see if they're open where you want to go.

Highway 167 along the shores of Lake Mead would be wonderful on a motorcycle.  I drove along there in a sports car and was very tempted to turn around and run it back and forth several times.