Motorcycle Route Author
By Guest (0 McR Points)
on Jul 31, 2004
Overall Route Rating
4.56 out of 5 Rider Rating
22 Reviews
Cottonwood Canyon Run
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GJRonK
November 30, 2017
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Considering that most bikers are interested in the riding aspect, then they will enjoy three sections most. One is the curvy road just southwest of Prescott, second is the 12 mile section west of Jerome, and last is Oak Creek Canyon to the north of Sedona (although this is not part of the mapped route). As you are just south of Yarnell, there are a couple of good curves and a good view looking southwest (best seen when coming down from Yarnell, the location of the tragic brush fire several years ago).
The variety is going from semi-arid upland desert (elevation 2-4,000') with brush and pinyon/juniper trees to conifer forest (at 5-6,000') with mostly ponderosa pine. Most of the time you are in broad valleys with mountains all around.
There are several types of towns, all crowded with tourists. The worst two are Sedona and Jerome. Sedona is more spread out and level, so the tourists have more room and there is always lots of traffic. The backdrop to Sedona consists of colorful rock ridges. Jerome is on a narrow street with shops all along. Jerome has the history of the abandoned copper mines nearby, and is more rustic. There is also a mining museum in Jerome. Parking is more problematic for bikes as the level spots are few.
Prescott is the biggest city and most traffic along the way as it includes more residents. There really isn't a lot to see in that area other than Watson Lake just north of town on Hwy. 89. The Cottonwood area is just a spread out suburb, no tourists.
So generally, the fun is in the change of scenery, a few challenging road curve sections, and most of the time not a lot of traffic on the highways. Mostly skip visiting in the towns unless you need souvenirs or to eat.
The variety is going from semi-arid upland desert (elevation 2-4,000') with brush and pinyon/juniper trees to conifer forest (at 5-6,000') with mostly ponderosa pine. Most of the time you are in broad valleys with mountains all around.
There are several types of towns, all crowded with tourists. The worst two are Sedona and Jerome. Sedona is more spread out and level, so the tourists have more room and there is always lots of traffic. The backdrop to Sedona consists of colorful rock ridges. Jerome is on a narrow street with shops all along. Jerome has the history of the abandoned copper mines nearby, and is more rustic. There is also a mining museum in Jerome. Parking is more problematic for bikes as the level spots are few.
Prescott is the biggest city and most traffic along the way as it includes more residents. There really isn't a lot to see in that area other than Watson Lake just north of town on Hwy. 89. The Cottonwood area is just a spread out suburb, no tourists.
So generally, the fun is in the change of scenery, a few challenging road curve sections, and most of the time not a lot of traffic on the highways. Mostly skip visiting in the towns unless you need souvenirs or to eat.
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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.
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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2 riders found this road review useful
