The Lake Pleasant/Castle Hot Springs ride is the fifth of the five best motorcycle rides from the Phoenix area.
Lake Pleasant, Castle Hot Springs
This 210-mile loop requests a little sacrifice at the beginning but the rest is well worth it. You’ll leave the city on Interstate 10 which is not the ride you are dreaming about, however it is good for getting used to the bike if you rent one that you are not familiar with.The moment you turn off the Interstate at exit 103 you’ll find surprisingly little traffic on a gently winding road amidst the finest Arizona country landscapes. The curves get tighter as the road gradually climbs on the Vulture Mountains. As you’ll learn, everything in this area revolves around the vulture. You can find out why, if you stop at the Vulture Mine, which is certainly located on the Vulture Mine Road, fourteen miles southeast from Wickenburg. Not entirely surprising that the ghost town you’ll see here is the remnant of the once upon a time city named: Vulture City. Rub the ore in the mine and you’ll see glow of gold on your palm.
Wickenburg is a good stop for an early lunch or for some refreshments before you venture beyond the pavement. It’s also a good idea to refuel your motorcycle. Don’t miss stopping at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. If you want to stretch your legs, pick up a self-guided ‘Historical Walking Tour’ brochure at the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, right behind the old railway station and take a walk.
It is another ten miles on the pavement to reach the Castle Hot Springs road, the core of this day’s adventure. This ride is only for well-experienced riders as the graded gravel road intermittently crosses and follows sandy creek bottoms. One stretch of road follows Castle Creek for 3 miles. The road is generally in good condition except after heavy rains and flash floods. As the name suggests this road leads to Castle Hot Springs, which is now only the ruins of the first (and one of the most beloved) spa resorts in Arizona. The compelling scenery of the Sonoran Desert is framed by the nearby low mountain foothills. An unexpected green oasis with abundant palm trees marks the place of the one-time luxury resort, which had achieved some fame at the turn of the century as a spa featuring the "magic waters of the Apaches." In its heyday it hosted members of the Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Ford, Theodore Roosevelt, and Astor families.
After 28 miles of scenic dirt road riding, you’ll see the tarmac near Lake Pleasant Regional Park. You can access the north entrance from the Castle Hot Springs road. The park offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing activities. At the Lake Pleasant Visitor Center, you can learn about the history of the area and desert wildlife. Step out onto the balcony surrounding the Visitor Center to get a beautiful view of Lake Pleasant and an up-close look at Waddell Dam.
Note: Before you plan a ride on unpaved roads, make sure that your bike is equipped for such a ride and the bikers are prepared with the appropriate riding skills.
Return to the valley via Carefree Highway and take a little detour through Cave Creek and Carefree. Going into one of the community’s inviting western style restaurants will make your day complete.
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #1: Fountain Hills, Bartlett Lake
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #2: Wickenburg, Prescott
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #3: Payson, Mogollon Rim
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #4: Tortilla Flat, Apache Trail
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #5: Lake Pleasant, Castle Hot Springs
