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922 S. Country Club Dr, 85210 MesaView map
Mesa opens up the east of the Phoenix valley, on the mountain side. A few kilometres to the north-east, Route 88 heads into the Superstition Mountains, runs alongside reservoir lakes and crosses canyons that rental cars often avoid. At EagleRider, the motorcycles range from the Yamaha roadster to the BMW adventure bike, by way of Harley-Davidsons and Indians.
The branch is at 922 S. Country Club Dr, about 2 km from the centre of Mesa and some fifteen kilometres from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport as the crow flies. From there, you reach Apache Junction in twenty minutes and the first mountain bends come right away.
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Where to pick up your vehicle in Mesa?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Mesa
1 The Apache Trail, Roosevelt Lake and the Beeline
- Mesa
- Apache Junction
- Tortilla Flat
- Roosevelt Dam
- Payson
- Beeline Highway
- Mesa
Go through Apache Junction and follow Route 88 beneath the cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. The village of Tortilla Flat marks the end of the tarmac: beyond it, the track becomes dusty and twisting, with Fish Creek Hill and views over Apache Lake. Find out about the condition of the track before leaving, as it is closed at times.
After Roosevelt Dam, Route 188 leads to Payson. The return is on the Beeline Highway, which drops back to the valley across the Fort McDowell desert.
- Distance
- about 330 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Pan America or Yamaha Ténéré 700 adventure bike if taking the track, light touring bike otherwise
2 Usery Pass, Saguaro Lake and the Bush Highway
- Mesa
- Usery Pass
- Saguaro Lake
- Bush Highway
- Fountain Hills
- Mesa
A short outing for late afternoon. Climb Usery Pass, then follow Saguaro Lake and the Salt River canyon, where you pass wild horses by the water. The Bush Highway winds between cacti and rocks, with several overlooks above the river.
You come back to Mesa via Power Road. This loop combines easily with lunch in Fountain Hills before heading back to the branch.
- Distance
- about 120 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster, Heritage Softail or Indian Scout for an easy pace
3 Superior, Globe and the Salt River Canyon
- Mesa
- Apache Junction
- Superior
- Globe
- Salt River Canyon
- Globe
- Mesa
Take Route 60 east, via Apache Junction and the mining town of Superior. The road goes through the Queen Creek tunnel, then Miami and Globe, former copper towns, before plunging into Salt River Canyon, which cuts the plateau several hundred metres deep.
Turn back at the canyon bridge: the round trip already offers continuous bends and glimpses of the river. It is best to leave early, because in summer the desert in full sun and the overheated asphalt are punishing.
- Distance
- about 420 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike (Street Glide) or BMW R 1250 RT for Route 60
Weather and seasons
When to go in Mesa?
Best time
March, April, October and November
March to April, October to November
highs 24.5 to 31.8 °C, lows 10.7 to 18 °C
The eastern mountains ride well at these dates: 25 °C in November, 24.5 °C in March, 30.3 °C in April, then 31.8 °C at the warmest of October. April brings only 4 mm of rain, with 12.4 hours of sun a day. The lakes of the Apache Trail are then at their most beautiful colour.
High season
May to September
May to September
highs 34.2 to 41.1 °C, lows 19.7 to 28.9 °C
The heat is heavy: 40.4 °C in June, 41.1 °C in July, with nights at 28.9 °C. July and August add storms, 40 mm of rain in July and 5.2 rainy days in August. Ride from first light and avoid the Apache Trail track in case of storms, when ravines fill quickly.
Winter
December to February
December to February
highs 18.5 to 21.1 °C, lows 6.3 to 8 °C
Winter is mild in the valley, with 18.5 °C in January, but it is also the wettest season, 38 mm of rain in January over 4.8 days. Mornings stay cool in the canyons, hence the value of warm gloves. It is a good period for the Salt River loops.
Climate in Mesa, month by month
Most pleasant months: October to April.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 °C | 6 °C | 38 mm | 9 h/day |
| Feb | 21 °C | 8 °C | 31 mm | 10 h/day |
| Mar | 25 °C | 11 °C | 30 mm | 11 h/day |
| Apr | 30 °C | 15 °C | 4 mm | 12 h/day |
| May | 34 °C | 20 °C | 2 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jun | 40 °C | 26 °C | 6 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jul | 41 °C | 29 °C | 40 mm | 12 h/day |
| Aug | 40 °C | 28 °C | 34 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 38 °C | 25 °C | 28 mm | 11 h/day |
| Oct | 32 °C | 18 °C | 25 mm | 11 h/day |
| Nov | 25 °C | 12 °C | 27 mm | 9 h/day |
| Dec | 20 °C | 8 °C | 34 mm | 8 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmets optional for adults
Adults are free to ride without a helmet in Arizona. The dust of the Apache Trail and the insects by the lakes nonetheless make a full-face helmet a serious ally. Check with EagleRider which equipment is available.
The Apache Trail track
The unpaved section after Tortilla Flat is narrow, sometimes rutted and without a guardrail at the edge of the drop. A big touring bike is not at ease there; an adventure bike is more reassuring. Carry water, as there is no gas station or shop on this stretch.
Wild horses and wildlife
Near the Salt River, herds of wild horses cross the Bush Highway. At dusk, deer and coyotes also come out onto the mountain roads. Slow down in blind bends.
Fill up before the mountains
Between Apache Junction and Roosevelt, gas stations are rare. Fill the tank before Tortilla Flat and note the distances between Globe and Salt River Canyon. A roadster with a small tank needs more attention.
Storms and flash floods
Summer storms can turn a dry riverbed into a torrent within minutes. Do not cross a submerged ford and wait for the water to drop. Check the local weather before climbing into the Superstition Mountains.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Mesa
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Mesa?
At the EagleRider branch at 922 S. Country Club Dr, about 2 km from the centre of Mesa. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is some fifteen kilometres away as the crow flies. Handover arrangements are on your confirmation.
Which motorcycle for the Apache Trail?
A versatile adventure bike such as the Harley-Davidson Pan America, the BMW GS or the Yamaha Super Ténéré, in the EagleRider fleet depending on the branch's availability. On tarmac alone, a touring bike is enough.
How many days for the east of the valley?
One day is enough for the Bush Highway or the Usery Pass tour. Two days allow the Apache Trail to Roosevelt and the Beeline Highway without rushing.
Can I pick up the motorcycle in Mesa and return it elsewhere?
It all depends on the offer at the time of your booking. Phoenix and Scottsdale, neighbours less than 25 km away as the crow flies, have their own EagleRider branch: your search shows whether a return at one of them is offered.
Is Salt River Canyon accessible by motorcycle?
Yes, Route 60 is paved there and very rideable. Allow about 130 km to reach Globe and another hour to the canyon bridge. Carry water and a full tank.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Mesa
What licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Mesa?
You need a valid motorcycle licence, category A for Europeans. A translation or an international permit may be required depending on the country. Minimum age and seniority required vary by rental company and model.
Can we travel two-up?
Yes, most touring and adventure bikes accept a passenger. On the Apache Trail track, prefer a light motorcycle if there are two of you. A minor passenger must wear a helmet in Arizona.
Can I filter between cars in Arizona?
Only when stationary and under conditions: filtering is tolerated in Arizona, not lane splitting in moving traffic. Find out about the rules before riding. In Mesa, the avenues are wide, but traffic stays dense at rush hour.
Do I need a pass for Tonto National Forest?
Some recreation sites in Tonto National Forest require a parking or access fee. Check the signs at developed areas on site before parking the motorcycle.
When should I book my motorcycle in Mesa?
It is better to book a few weeks ahead, especially for spring and October. A search on the chosen dates shows the free motorcycles.
About us
Why ride out of Mesa by motorcycle
Mesa is on the side of the valley where the desert meets the mountains. In thirty minutes, you leave the housing developments for cacti, volcanic rock cliffs and the Apache Trail road. The other cities in the valley look rather to the north and Sedona; Mesa leads east, toward Globe, the Salt River and the Rim country.
With a branch on the south side of the city and a fleet that includes adventure bikes as well as touring bikes, you can choose a two-hour outing or a week in the mountains. Spring and autumn days are when the sun is gentle and the lakes are blue.
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