Weekend Scottsdale Javalina Ride

Looking for suggestions for a great AZ weekend ride from Scottsdale.

Something representative of this beautiful state. Coming from the east coast for family xmas have rented a GS for some mixed surface or...

Quick research shows Coronado Trail or Grand Canyon trips are high on the list. Would like to get off the beaten path if possible. Brought my Montana if anyone has gpx to share. Can comfortably put the miles down but will break for vistas and javalinas.

What can I see in two days?

Anybody else heading out for something epic?

Both the Grand Canyon and Coronado Trail are going to to be super cold this time of year.

Here is a nice loop you can do to get a really nice local feel for what this state is all about.

you could break that up into 2 days with a stop at Sedona. I always like staying there even though it's touristy. Sedona is quite beautiful.

Yes, both your choices would be cold now.
Apache Trail to 188. Then 288 (desert to pines scenic byway) into young then on to Payson and the Beeline home. Would fill a day.

Cyberdos
+1

Forgot to mention am from the east coast, we ride in the snow.
Double digits are balmy (may have also packed the heated vest and gloves...).
Bring it on!
Great suggestions keep em coming.

Thanks Cyberdos and Nomorbills. This is turning into a real ride.

pfft.

Weather in NYC right now = 45 f
in Alpine, AZ = 39 f with a low of 16.

Good luck.

From suggestions a couple loops so far.

Thanks for the heads up on weather, some online cams showing snow in higher elevations so keeping an eye out on the less trafficked areas.

Was that epic enough for you?

Very nice to meet you today. Now you know, next time just borrow one of our bikes.

Well, a lot of us east coasters are unfamiliar with the effects of altitude on temperature and snowfall. Arizona is not all low desert, the north can actually get a lot of snow this time of year. All depends on altitude.

For example, I left flagstaff (7500 ft?) last September; it was 59 degrees. Two hours latter, I'm in Phoenix (maybe 1000 ft) and it's 114!!!

Bottom of the Grand Canyon can be 10+ degrees warmer than the rim. Problem is, you have to start at the rim!


Then there's the microclimates along the coast, which can jump 20 degrees in a matter of a mile.

Oh, and it gets REALLY code at night no matter what elevation. Found that out the hard way

OP, details please.

That was a fun ride up Cherry Creek here are a few shots I took....remember its a rental you just gave it character

Marcus


My stop at the Sierra Ancha Cliff Dwellings marker


Teamtaz & ybracing


EricSrider


XB12R (I think)


fanatic291


Too fast Lil' Steve & cyberdos


ybracing on the 525


teamtaz

Nice pics Mike. Really glad I was able to get in on this ride.

Marcus, let us know next time you're out this way, you wont have to rent a bike. BTW, kudos for the way you handled that GS.

It was fun riding with you Marcus. Let us know the next time you are in town.

Still following along with you guys on the other threads and hoping to ride with you again soon.
Recently picked up something a little more appropriate than that last bike.
Keeping it on the wet coast for now.

Great find. I love that bike.

I'm cold just looking at those pics.

The Wings don't work as well as the stock KTM "handwarmers" but they sure sound nice.