Day 5 Route Map US 89 & 89-A
Today is day 5 of my 5000+ mile, 17 day motorcycle ride. I have looked forward to today for some time. We will be riding north on US 89-A just north of Prescott to Jerome. Janet and I drove this section several years ago and I knew I needed to ride it someday. Why; because there are 127 curves in 12 miles while climbing about 2000 feet in elevation. To fellow riders I need not say more…
Prescott – Jerome US 89-A 127 curves in 12 miles
Riding into Jerome, AZ
Jerome is an old mining town with a colorful history. Once a thriving mining camp between the late 1880s and early 1950s, it now caters to hordes of tourist and bikers like ourselves who have just rode up or are about to ride down the twisties of US 89-A. There are many restaurants, shops and historic interests for all. Jerome’s population includes artists, craftsmen, musicians, writers, museum caretakers and small business owners. The population rises and falls with the times. As of the 2010 census, its population was 444. I love old towns with history and Jerome is a good one with a lot of old buildings built on the steep slope of the mountain.
Artist selling Sundials in Jerome AZ Photo by Larry A.
Jerome AZ
Sedona, AZ Photo by Larry A.
From Jerome we rode down to Sedona for lunch. Larry A. bought a tee-shirt at the Harley store and a Sedona dirt shirt. I would have liked to have spent more time here, but… Again, it was starting to get hot today and there were miles to go before we sleep.
Traffic on Old Creek Canyon Rd, (US 89-A)
The ride from Sedona to Flagstaff is another very scenic ride down US 89-A as it winds through Old Creek Canyon. Old Oak Canyon gets its name from Oak Creek that runs through the canyon and parallels US 89-A. There was a lot of traffic from the many tourists who had come to tube down segments of the creek. At places traffic slowed to avoid people walking the roadside and drivers looking for a place to park in places where there was no parking. The traffic kept us from enjoying the scenery as much as we would have liked…
Leaving Flagstaff, AZ Heading to Cameron Trading Post
While riding through Flagstaff, my GPS lead us astray. It all started when we took a detour due to road construction. Long story short, it made for a frustrating leg of the trip. At one point we got separated and had to reconnect using our cell phones. Not fun in the heat…
Riding US 89-A in the heat (110 degrees) Flagstaff to Cameron Trading Post
From Flagstaff we continued riding north up US 89 to the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, AZ. Leaving Flagstaff the scenery was a pine tree-lined road way that eventually turned to flat desert views with mountains in the far distance. By now the temperature was getting really HOT. At one stretch, before getting to Cameron, it reached 110 degrees (F). We were three very tired and hot old bikers by the time we finally rode into the Cameron Trading Post. Cameron Trading Post will be our home away from home for the next couple of nights.
Tired hot bickers catching our breath in the cool AC…
Little Colorado River Canyon behind the Cameron Trading Post
The Cameron Trading Post is a great place to stay. Great accommodations, restaurant, store, service station and gift shop. The gift shop sells paintings, sculptures, baskets, pottery, rugs, jewelry, beadwork, flutes, dream catchers and toys. At the store you can also buy supplies for your journey.
Sunset at the Cameron Trading Post Photo by Larry A.
Cameron Trading Post room kitchen area
Our large Bedroom at Cameron Trading Post
After gassing up we checked in, cranked down the AC and relaxed. The Trading Post sits on the edge of a scenic canyon that has the Little Colorado River flowing through it. After eating at the restaurant we went out to take pictures of the canyon and the setting sun.
Old Swayback suspension bridge at Cameron Trading Post
A Swayback suspension bridge was built over the Little Colorado River in 1911. The bridge created the first easy access over the canyon. Later, two brothers, Hubert and C.D. Richardson established the Cameron Trading Post. Initially, only the Navajo & Hopi came to barter their wool, blankets, & live-stock for dry goods. Today, it services the many visitors who come to visit the Grand Canyon. If you come, I would suggest making reservation well in advance. If you stay in the area the rates at any of the motels will be $160 and more but here you get a large spacious room or I should say rooms. It includes a large living and kitchen area and a large bed room with 2 queen beds. The living area also has a sleeper sofa. It was nice to have room to spread out and just relax for a couple of days. The Trading Post has a Southwestern Motif that makes you feel as though you are living the western dream…
Tomorrow we ride to the Grand Canyon… Come follow along and enjoy the ride over the next 12… I hope we see you down the road somewhere. Ride safe…
If you liked this ride post, you may checkout the other post from this ride below…
- Introduction to our Motorcycle Ride (5000+ Miles In 17 Days)
- Day 1 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Georgetown, TX to Canyon, TX 458 Miles)
- Day 2 of 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Canyon, TX to Ft. Sumner, NM 173 Miles)
- Day 3 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ft. Sumner to Eagar, NM 343 Miles)
- Day 4 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Eagar to Payson 231 Miles)
- Day 6 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Grand Canyon to Cameron 130 Miles)
- Day 7 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Cameron to Panguitch 287 Miles)
- Day 8 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Panguitch to Ogden 287 Miles)
- Day 9 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Ogden to Jackson 235 Miles)
- Day 10 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Jackson to Gardiner 203 Miles)
- Day 11 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Gardiner to Great Falls 226 Miles)
- Day 12 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride
- Day 13 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Great Falls to Billings 402 miles)
- Day 14 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Billings to Spearfish 332 miles)
- Day 15 of My 5000+ Mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Spearfish to Alliance)
- Days 16 & 17 of My 5000+ mile, 17 Day Motorcycle Ride (Alliance to Home)
Hera are other rides you may like too…
- National Park Motorcycle Ride – 5542 Miles in 16 Days 2013
- Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Ride June 2014
- Big Bend & Carlsbad Caverns National Parks Motorcycle Trip September 09
- Our First Big Bend Motorcycle Ride
- Big Bend National Park Motorcycle Ride April 2007
I hope we see you down the road somewhere… Ride safe…