There is unfortunately no magic fix to the problem and my recent trip in March 2020 was specifically aimed at finding a solution to the problem. A solution wasn’t found, but a compromise was reached.
This might not seem like perfect weather for every rider but if you have the ability to wrap up warm, you’ll have the opportunity to see some amazing areas and with virtually no other people around.
The loop, the way I plotted it is ridden in a counterclockwise direction. A large portion of the early riding is in a NE direction so you won’t be riding into the sun but have it on your back and as the sun lowers it will be lighting up the red rocks for some spectacular views.
Offroading the North alone or with an inexperienced group
The North West in particular, remains a remote, challenging part of the country to ride.
Leaving Phoenix by the northern desert on Route 74 and quickly passing through the small cowboy town of Wickenburg where cattle roping events are almost a weekly occurrence.
You’ll get off the main Highway 93 and head onto the more scenic and a lot quieter Route 89, one of Americas most iconic roads that traverses the country all the way to its northern border with Canada.
It’s time to ride back into Arizona to see one of the least visited National Monuments. Talking to local Native Indians they think it’s because the road is dead a lot of visitors simply don’t think it’s worth the trip up and back…let me tell you it is, IT REALLY IS!!!
Rent a guide or do a guided motorbike tour
- Lake Tegernsee sparkles in the sun
- Traditionally served in extra-large mugs
- Equipment dries on the neighboring pasture fence
If you do assemble a team willing to tackle this with you, then good luck, and please do rent from us and enjoy these fantastic trails! In the below map, the blue line is a route done by Tigit Jon and some friends, an intermediate group of riders who struggled with the terrain. In purple, we have the latest route done by the in-house Hanoi Tigit guide.
This is one of the highest points of the ride, best to visit in the early afternoon to allow you time to get further east and slight lower in elevation.
Get to Route 160 and in Kayenta fill up with fuel and follow the Route 163 towards Monument Valley. Opinions differ in this area if entering the park or looking from a distance offers the best view of this iconic area. Personally, I prefer the long distance iconic view 20km past the AZ/ UT Stateline