Arizona in February.

[limey]

Need some advice from you southern folks. The wife and I are looking to get away from the snow and cold in February of 2017, going to trailer the bikes down from Toronto Canada and looking at renting a place in Cave Creek Arizona. Wondering what the weather is going to be like and what the riding is like in that area.
Thanks Paul.

 

[patrickg450]

no snow where I am at.........

 

[AVGeek]

Arizona is Tenere country, and February is a great time to head down there. Some of the more mountainous areas will still be snow bound, but there is plenty of riding to do around the valley. From Cave Creek, you have Seven Springs and Bloody Basin roads (all dirt loop). You can also ride out through Mesa to Tortilla Flats, where the road turns completely to dirt and takes you out to Roosevelt lake. and the dam that created it.

 

[jmcgilroy]

Mid to Southern Arizona is great in February, probably the best time of year. As reported above, some snow would be possible in the Flagstaff area and the south Grand Canyon Rim area. I've also seen some snow in the Prescott and Jerome areas.

Down south, Tombstone and Bisbee are good destination rides and any of the roads through the desert areas promise wide open views and relaxing rides.

Jim

 

[RicoChet]

Hey Paul. I've actually been riding all around Arizona with the wife on our last trip there! But unfortuntaley we did it all on *barf* Harley Davidsons. We really enjoyed riding around Sedona, Jerome, Monument Valley, Meteor Crater, the Grand Canyon... This is where I Actually saw my first Super Tenere in real life and what has inspired me to get one after seeing a couple of guys on GS's and S10's riding around there!

 

[limey]

no snow where I am at.........

I would hope not at this time of the year.

 

[limey]

Thanks guys, have to decide soon before this house is gone and have to start looking for a enclosed trailer.

 

[tomatocity]

https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USAZ0031

Scroll over to Feb 2017... 66F-70F looks very good to me.

 

[limey]

https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USAZ0031

Scroll over to Feb 2017... 66F-70F looks very good to me.

That's awesome thanks. Up our way it's 32f-22f for February average.

 

[Velvet]

You should be good to go in the Phoenix area during that time frame. Sometimes the weather can be a little cool and crappy but it will be brief and nothing like being in Toronto. There's a lot of good riding in southern AZ, but the mountains to the north and east can be iffy due to snow.

I go there a lot throughout the winter, and sometimes I think I'm in Canada with all of the Canadian license plates that I see.

 

[Chuck B]

I live in Flagstaff and keep a home in Phoenix. Arizona is not all desert and elevation is all over the place. My Flagstaff home is at 7000ft and ride uphill from there. We also get about 12ft of snowfall annually...still ride year round but weather dependent at these higher elevations. Phoenix is around 1500ft... Much better weather in February, though, even down there you can be in snow in an hour out of the valley. Further south you go the temps actually get colder. Most of southern Arizona is 5000ft. Most southern ski resort in the US is in Tucson.

 

[Tony99]

Bring some warm clothing. I was there two years ago camped and it got down to the 20's at night; however, by 11 or so the weather was great. Did have a small hail storm one morning. Take care of that leg.

 

[limey]

I live in Flagstaff and keep a home in Phoenix. Arizona is not all desert and elevation is all over the place. My Flagstaff home is at 7000ft and ride uphill from there. We also get about 12ft of snowfall annually...still ride year round but weather dependent at these higher elevations. Phoenix is around 1500ft... Much better weather in February, though, even down there you can be in snow in an hour out of the valley. Further south you go the temps actually get colder. Most of southern Arizona is 5000ft. Most southern ski resort in the US is in Tucson.

Thanks Chuck. The wife just found a place in Tonto Basin wondering if you know this Town ?

 

[Chuck B]

If you are referring to the area north of Roosevelt lake near Punkin Center.... Not much there but you do have gas, general store, bar and small restaurant at the center. You're below the Mogollon rim so Feb temps will be great. Town of payson is up the hill for anything you need. I like a lot of the dirt riding out of Young nearby. A good portion is a bit rough rocky for a Tenere but still lots to explore in the whole area. Dirt roads are mostly graded and good in most any weather.

 

[limey]

If you are referring to the area north of Roosevelt lake near Punkin Center.... Not much there but you do have gas, general store, bar and small restaurant at the center. You're below the Mogollon rim so Feb temps will be great. Town of payson is up the hill for anything you need. I like a lot of the dirt riding out of Young nearby. A good portion is a bit rough rocky for a Tenere but still lots to explore in the whole area. Dirt roads are mostly graded and good in most any weather.

Thanks a bunch Chuck we just book the house from February 1st -March 3rd. Now to start looking for a trailer.

 

[AZ Dean]

Be sure to post up when you're up for some rides and I'd love to join ya!

 

[limey]

Be sure to post up when you're up for some rides and I'd love to join ya!

Would love to as the wife has invited 3 friends down for a week so I'd like to take off and do some camping. Is it possible to ride to Death Vally from Tonto Basin in February?

 

[Chuck B]

Sure it's possible. I ride year round here Flagstaff...just short windows of time to do so. ;D I'd suggest heading to the valley and take 93 to kingman then on to las Vegas/DV. You'll still need to keep an eye on kingman weather. If you want no issues with weather from the valley continue westward and take 95 north....

 

[tomatocity]

https://goo.gl/maps/AgQycpFxtiE2 this should keep you off the freeways.

Shoshone is a good stop for food and drink plus Chevron gasoline.

SR-178 from Badwater to Shoshone is a favorite ride. If Jubilee Pass SR-178 is still closed you will need to use SR-190 through the NP.

Father Crowleys is a favorite stop if for nothing more than the possibility of seeing the Navy F18's passing through the ravine.

http://vitalvegas.com/seven-magic-mountains-sculpture-adds-splash-of-color-to-desert-near-las-vegas/ should be a good stop to break up riding freeways.

 

[limey]

Thanks guys, is there any way to bypass Las Vegas?