This ride took us back up into the mountains by Mayer and towards Prescott, AZ. This is all unpaved and since we didn’t know what to expect we rode mountain bikes instead of gravel bikes. I’m happy with that choice because some of the hills were really steep and I like to be able to fly on the downhills. That said, you could ride a gravel bike and be fine…probably. The ride was 24 miles with 3520′ of climbing.
We started on the dirt road down the hill past the cemetery in Mayer, AZ. The route was pretty simple in that we rode the gravel road out forever, turned right on FR 52 and rode that all the way to Palace Station. Along the way the views go from high desert hillsides of scrub, cacti, and juniper to mountains of pine trees and cool desert air. The highpoint was 6237′!
Palace Station is really just a cabin. The cabin, built in 1874 by the Spence Family, served as a stage station on the Senator Trail from Prescott to Phoenix until 1910. It was nice to get to something on the ride, but if you don’t make it all the way, it’s no big deal. After we turned onto FR 52 the vegetation changed again and reminded me of some Southern California rides we used to take up into the mountains.
Do keep in mind that it isn’t all downhill on the way back. Heading back to the start we still had to climb 1200′ but it was generally more downhill. If you ride this on a weekend you will not be alone. It is a popular destination for side by sides and motorcycles.
Tomorrow is a day off!
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