If you’ve ever been to Arizona, you know that the state is filled with spectacular mountain and desert views that you can enjoy on your bike. One of the most scenic routes in the state is along Highway 89A from Flagstaff to Sedona.
Flagstaff and Sedona are two Arizona cities with beautiful scenery and plenty of tourist attractions. You can make this route into a weekend trip, allowing you to spend time in both cities and enjoy a beautiful ride between them.
Read on to learn more about taking an 89A Flagstaff to Sedona motorcycle ride.
Highway 89A From Flagstaff to Sedona
Highway 89A offers a scenic route through Arizona that spans from Flagstaff to Sedona. While you can take this route in either direction, we recommend beginning in Flagstaff and ending in Sedona, as the route is downhill in this direction.
The portion of Highway 89A between these two cities is about 30 miles long, making for a quick afternoon ride. However, if you want to spend more time soaking up the beautiful views in the area, you can easily turn this route into a weekend-long trip.
We recommend starting in Flagstaff and dedicating at least a few hours to exploring the city. Mountains and desert surround Flagstaff, and the town offers plenty of ways to enjoy these natural attractions. You can check out:
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Lowell Observatory
- Sunset Crater
- Coconino National Forest
Once you’re ready to start your ride, you can make your way to Highway 89A in Flagstaff, also known as Old Creek Canyon. Then, begin heading south on this road toward Sedona.
Along this route, you will see a wide range of stunning natural attractions. You’ll pass several cliff overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the sprawling canyons below. You’ll also see different colors of rock formations, numerous species of cacti and other desert plant life, and awe-inspiring mountain views.
Even though this route is only 30 miles, we invite you to take it slow and stop at all the scenic overlooks along the way. You’ll also come across picnic areas and hiking trails on the drive, allowing you to stop and experience the natural scenery up close. For example, Huckaby Trail descends 2.6 miles into the canyon along Oak Creek.
Along the ride, you’ll also see a few Native American vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and decor. These vendors offer the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your trip.
Once you reach Sedona, you can stop and enjoy the unique attractions in this artsy town. Sedona is known for its beautiful red-rock buttes, towering canyon walls, and mild climate. This desert town has a wide range of art galleries, shops, spas, restaurants, and other attractions.
From Sedona, you can head back the way you came or extend your trip by continuing another 50 miles to Prescott, nestled in the Prescott National Forest.
Riding Conditions Along Highway 89A
This route is filled with several switchbacks and steep descents that offer a thrilling, enjoyable motorcycle ride. While Highway 89A is mostly well-maintained, it does have a few rough spots that could prove hazardous for motorcyclists. This road can also become crowded during the fall, when people flock to the canyon for the gorgeous autumn views.
Experienced riders should have no problem riding 89A Flagstaff to Sedona. Just be sure to take curves slowly and watch out for rough patches.
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