-
15656 N Hayden Rd, 85260 ScottsdaleView map
Scottsdale is the northern gateway to the Phoenix valley: past the last avenue, the city gives way to granite hills covered in saguaros. Cave Creek and Carefree are half an hour away in the saddle, with their saloons, galleries and weekend riders. The motorcycles are offered by EagleRider, whose fleet runs from Harley-Davidsons to BMWs, Indians, Triumphs and Yamahas.
The branch is at 15656 N Hayden Rd, in the north of the city, about 3.5 km from the centre of Scottsdale and less than 3 km from its small airport, as the crow flies. You head straight out onto the desert roads without crossing the whole centre.
Our partners
Where to pick up your vehicle in Scottsdale?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Scottsdale
1 Carefree, Cave Creek and Bartlett Lake
- Scottsdale
- Carefree
- Cave Creek
- Bartlett Lake
- Rio Verde
- Scottsdale
Ride up Pima Road to Carefree, a village whose streets are lined with cactus gardens, then on to Cave Creek, where Harold's Cave Creek Corral and other bars are stops for riders. A forest road then leads to Bartlett Lake, in Tonto National Forest, for a picnic by the water.
You return via Rio Verde Drive, between low hills and ranches. Half a day is enough, and the loop easily stretches to the evening.
- Distance
- about 150 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Cruiser or roadster (Street Bob, Indian Scout) for a relaxed pace
2 Lake Pleasant and Wickenburg
- Scottsdale
- Carefree Highway
- Lake Pleasant
- Morristown
- Wickenburg
- Loop 101
- Scottsdale
Head west on the Carefree Highway, which crosses the desert to Lake Pleasant, a large reservoir popular with boaters. Continue to Morristown then Wickenburg, a ranch town with western facades and craft stalls, known for its pioneer history.
On the way back, the farm roads of the west of the valley let you avoid the freeway. The loop is flat and easier than those to the east, with few bends.
- Distance
- about 260 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Easygoing touring bike (Heritage Softail, Road Glide) or BMW R 18
3 Black Canyon City and Crown King
- Scottsdale
- Black Canyon City
- Bumble Bee
- Crown King
- Black Canyon City
- Scottsdale
Join Interstate 17 north to Black Canyon City, then head toward Crown King in the Bradshaw Mountains. The road climbs in switchbacks, and its last stretch is dirt: find out about its condition and keep it for adventure bikes.
Crown King is a former mining village whose saloon, clinging to the slope, attracts riders. Then take the same road back down into the heat of the desert.
- Distance
- about 260 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Adventure bike (Pan America, BMW GS or Yamaha Super Ténéré) for the dirt section
Weather and seasons
When to go in Scottsdale?
Best time
March, April, October and November
March to April, October to November
highs 23.6 to 31 °C, lows 10.8 to 18 °C
The northern hills are at their best in spring and autumn: 23.6 °C in March, 29.5 °C in April, 31 °C in October and 24.5 °C in November. April offers 12.4 hours of sun for only 6 mm of rain. Cacti often bloom at this time.
High season
May to September
May to September
highs 33.4 to 40.4 °C, lows 19.6 to 28.7 °C
Summer crushes the valley: 39.6 °C in June and 40.4 °C in July, with lows of 28.7 °C. July storms bring 40 mm of rain, sometimes suddenly on the Cave Creek hills. If you ride in summer, set off at dawn and be back before noon.
Winter
December to February
December to February
highs 17.9 to 20.3 °C, lows 6.8 to 8.3 °C
January, with 17.9 °C in the afternoon, is the coolest period, and also the wettest with 40 mm of rain over 5.1 days. Mornings are cold at Cave Creek: dress warmly. Outings to the north are pleasant there as soon as the sun rises.
Climate in Scottsdale, month by month
Most pleasant months: October to April.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 °C | 7 °C | 40 mm | 9 h/day |
| Feb | 20 °C | 8 °C | 37 mm | 10 h/day |
| Mar | 24 °C | 11 °C | 37 mm | 11 h/day |
| Apr | 30 °C | 15 °C | 6 mm | 12 h/day |
| May | 33 °C | 20 °C | 3 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jun | 40 °C | 26 °C | 7 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jul | 40 °C | 29 °C | 40 mm | 12 h/day |
| Aug | 39 °C | 28 °C | 32 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 37 °C | 25 °C | 30 mm | 11 h/day |
| Oct | 31 °C | 18 °C | 27 mm | 11 h/day |
| Nov | 25 °C | 12 °C | 29 mm | 9 h/day |
| Dec | 19 °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 in Arizona
Only under-18s must wear a helmet in Arizona. An adult can therefore go without, but the gravel and insects on the northern roads argue for a helmet. Ask what is provided at motorcycle handover.
Weekends at Cave Creek
On Saturday and Sunday, the streets of Cave Creek and Carefree fill with riders, cyclists and tourists. Bar parking lots are quickly full. Arrive early or come on a weekday for quieter roads.
Cacti and roadsides
In the hills, the bends are lined with cacti and rocks. A wrong line costs dearly. Keep a margin, especially on descents, and do not ride too fast on the gravel that builds up at junctions.
Dirt tracks
Around Bartlett Lake and on the Crown King road, tarmac gives way to dirt or gravel. A heavy touring bike is uncomfortable there. Check the condition of the surface and the rain conditions before choosing the road.
Water and shade
From April, the sun is strong north of the city. Carry water, a neck gaiter for the dust and sunglasses. Hydration matters as much as fuel: gas stations become scarce in the hills.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Scottsdale
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Scottsdale?
At the EagleRider branch at 15656 N Hayden Rd, in the north of the city, less than 3 km from Scottsdale's small airport as the crow flies. Your confirmation gives the handover procedure.
Which motorcycle for Cave Creek and Carefree?
A cruiser or a roadster suits these roads: the EagleRider fleet includes the Harley-Davidson Street Bob, the Heritage Softail and the Indian Scout Sixty. For Crown King, an adventure bike is better. It all depends on the models free at the branch.
Is one day enough from Scottsdale?
Yes, for Cave Creek, Carefree and Bartlett Lake, or for Wickenburg. Two days allow you to add Crown King without rushing.
Can I end the rental in another city?
A return elsewhere is not automatic. EagleRider also has branches in Phoenix, Mesa and Sedona: your search shows whether a return at one of them is offered.
Can I rent a Slingshot there?
The EagleRider fleet includes a Polaris Slingshot and a Tri Glide, subject to the branch's stock on the requested dates. As these are three-wheeled vehicles, ask the rental company which licence is required.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Scottsdale
What licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Scottsdale?
A valid motorcycle licence is required, category A for Europeans. The rental company may ask for a translation or an international permit. It also sets the minimum age and seniority according to the motorcycle.
Can we ride two-up?
Yes, almost all the roadsters and touring bikes in the fleet have a passenger seat. A backrest and side cases make the trip more comfortable on the large models.
Can I ride between lines of cars?
No, classic lane splitting remains prohibited in Arizona. Only filtering when stationary is tolerated, under conditions. On Loop 101 and in the streets of Scottsdale, stay in your lane.
Where do I store my luggage?
On a touring bike, use the side cases and the top case. On a cruiser, a saddle bag is enough for a day. For a loop of a few days, travel light.
When should I book my motorcycle in Scottsdale?
As soon as your dates are fixed, especially for the March to April period, which is in high demand. The search shows the motorcycles available for your stay.
About us
Why ride out of Scottsdale by motorcycle
Scottsdale suits those who want the desert without the sea of housing developments. The northern roads are short, rolling and dotted with western-looking villages, perfect for a one-day loop with lunch by the roadside. Longer trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon start just as easily from here, but the north of the valley is what sets Scottsdale apart.
The branch in the north of the city shortens journeys and lets you set off before the heat. With a fleet running from cruisers to big touring bikes, you choose your motorcycle according to the road: smooth asphalt to Wickenburg, dirt toward Crown King.
Other departure cities
Rent elsewhere in the United States
Route 66 · Chicago → Los Angeles
Return to another city