This 77 mile loop, located near Seligman AZ, covers one of the most historically significant and sparsely populated areas in the state of Arizona. You’ll travel along sections of the Beale Wagon Trail, the National Old Trails Road, Route 66 and of course Transcon. All these roads, along with Transcon, followed the original Hopi trade routes originating out of the village of Orabai, the oldest continually inhabited settlement in the United States (founded 1000AD). The ancient Hopi trade route passed through northern Arizona following a series of waterholes (including Russel Tank, mile 21) on its way to the Pacific Coast in what today is the Los Angeles area. The first 27 miles follows a section of the Ride Across Arizona route, the 615 mile cross state off road bicycle route between Topock AZ and Blue AZ.You’ll also pass near the Big Boquillas Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch in Arizona and one of the top 25 largest working cattle ranches in the United States. It is comprised of approximately 750,000 acres of which about 500,000 acres are private land and 250,000 are Arizona State Trust land. If you want to eliminate Ash Fork and nearly all the pavement then at mile 56 go right instead of left. That will take you back to Russell Tank via Sevens Ranch Road and you can follow the outbound route back to Route 66.
Information: https://azgravelrides.com/arizonas-best-gravel-road-rides/
GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38473431
Warning: Back-road travel can be hazardous, be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don’t travel alone, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Consider carrying a Spot or Garmin Inreach tracking and com device.
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