Story & photos by TIM KESSEL

Left: A mid-point highlight of this loop ride is a stop in the historic mountain-side mining town of Jerome. Below: The second half of the route crosses the Verde River and Clear Creek near Camp Verde.

However, there is a day- ride emanating from the Valley of the Sun that can have a rider rising from the fire and flying to new heights like the mythological creature that is this city’ s namesake. This ride is a 6- hour loop that boasts three of the best stretches of winding mountain tarmac and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southwest.

Like most rides with a city center as the starting point, my ride began as an exercise in clutch, throttle, and brake. Downtown Phoenix is the home of a couple of pro sports teams, the state capital, big corporations, and some of the more congested traffic in the urban area. However, after some stop- and- go navigation, I made it to the I- 10 and the Loop 303 before starting my northeastern jaunt on U. S. 60. The 60 is a straight, scenic warm- up for a ride that would ultimately have me testing the side- tread of the Metzlers on my BMW GS.

After a northern exit at the old western town of Wickenburg, I made my way through the tiny town of Congress and started my ride on State Route 89, where the real fun began. As I climbed out of the high- desert town, I knew what was coming and the anticipation built. Yarnell Hill is one of the most winding and scenic roads in the region and one of the most historically significant. Most of the mountain climb is made on a divided road, so the threat of oncoming traffic

Quaint hamlets dot the Arizona rim country. This photogenic inn is a centerpiece of the small town of Strawberry.

54 / OCTOBER 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM