AZ Navajo Apache Motorcycle Roads

Leaving the San Juan Trading Post, after a Navajo Breakfast and as much coffe as I could drink, we headed N on the UT163, passing the eponymous "Mexican Hat" on our Right.
Just by way of signage, the UT163, and later the UT191 for part of "The Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway"
Taking the first real Left we headed NW on the UT261, taking a further left on the UT316 to the Goosenecks overlook - its a few km.
Photographs taken, we headed back to the UT261, and turning left carried on NW. Careful here as there may be some cattle on the road. As the sign says, "Open Range".
My Intention was to head up the Moki Dugway, carrying on to Natural Bridges Nat. Mon.. Having arrived there the road surface was really loose and badly rutted, with a lot axle tramp ruts everywhere, and I decided it was not suitable for my 750kg fully laden, two-up Electra glide which is definitely not dual sport, so instead we headed to the East, clearly signposted "Valley of The Gods".
[If you run out of tarmac on the UT261 after the first hairpin on the Dugway, you've missed the turn by about 800 yards]

The surface is mostly graded gravel, although there are washes where the sand can be loose and a more than a few inches deep. Take care and everything will be fine.
The road takes you through some magnificent rock formations, drifts, hoodoos, spires and if you stop, and listen. You will hear absolutely begger all, apart from the tinkling of your bike as it cools. Eerie Silence.
Hoped to see a road-runner, or even a coyote, maybe riding an Acme Rocket, but no such luck. Saw one car on the whole journey!
On the Harley we had a bit of a struggle through some of the deeper sand in the washes, but it was ok, and didn't need to dab or paddle to keep going. Should be a fantastic ride on a more dirt-capable motorcycle.
Upon reaching the UT 163 we took a Left heading NE and stopping for Coffee at the Sinclair Services at Bluff, before heading N on UT191 for Blanding, Monticello and eventually Moab for the night.

Hazard Notes:
Hazard: Valley of the Gods road is loose gravel and sand. If you're on a big heavy roadster its going to be hard work: be prepared.
Hazard: Its a free Range: there may be cattle on the road.
Hazard: There may be deep sand in the washes.
Hazard: There is no water between Mexican Hat and either Bluff or the Ranger station at Natural Bridges if you stay on the Dugway.
Hazard: In summer its V hot.
Hazard: if you walk from the road in VotG, there may be wriggly and/or crawly animals.
Hazard: Road may become impassable very quickly following heavy rains on the nearby mountains.

• bobjohnbrown
• Triumph Tiger TR7
• score: 69

Some nice curves and an enjoyable road (more so on the Utah side)

• rabbit
• RC36 SR43a 4XV SC28 999s
• score: 6456

enough gas stations, restaurants, great ride through mountains, lots of camping spots and best of all, no traffic, just you and the road

This long, straight stretch is a really nice two-lane hwy that is easily the most beautiful way to get to Tucson from the Phoenix area. Lots of beautiful cactus, desert vegetation, and Mt Lemmon looming in the distance. There is something very therapeutic about this stretch.

• paulcassell
• score: 22

Empty two-lane hwy with spectacular views of undeveloped Arizona Desert. Wild horses, wild donkeys, mesas and overlooks. Gas up in Casa Grande - there is nothing til you get to SR 96 towards Ajo.

• paulcassell
• score: 22

Very twisty

• wcookston
• BMW F800GS
• score: 10

Deep deserted desert scenes, therapeutic riding into Arizona.

• Android_Andy
• BMW R1200GS
• score: 570

Fast, sweeping turns. Beautiful Arizona desert scenery. Landscape changes as you drive north and reach higher altitudes. Lots of police on Sunday mornings.

• TZ250
• score: 33

Watch for gravel in the corners. Many blind curves, you are riding in the mountains. Watch for deer and police.

• TZ250
• score: 33

This is a fun dual sport route which takes you from Florence, AZ east to Superior AZ via the Florence-Kelvin Highway and Rt177. Note that 3/4 of the Florence-Kelvin highway is graded dirt road. Please plan accordingly.

This is a fun run with some great sonoran desert scenery which passes the Ray open pit copper mine. Rt 177 is paved and offers some great views and fun 2 lane twisty highway ending in Superior AZ.

• sonoran
• KTM 950 Adventure
• score: 5

A very nice road with interesting scenery, long straight sections and many twisting and sweeping corners, very good fun and quite picturesque

• sheepskin_sliders
• BMW Boxer
• score: 1522

Hot hot hot when its hot. Very enjoyable red desert and picturesque surroundings, fast straights and sweepers are the order of the day.

• sheepskin_sliders
• BMW Boxer
• score: 1522

Very nice scenery and some very good corners.

• sheepskin_sliders
• BMW Boxer
• score: 1522

Really nice road for a sport bike, lots of fun curves.

• sheepskin_sliders
• BMW Boxer
• score: 1522

A really nice road for all types of rider and bike and a beautiful environment by the lakes

• sheepskin_sliders
• BMW Boxer
• score: 1522