Enjoy the wonderfully smooth gravel road surface on a steady but mild gradual climb up to the scenic town of Cherry, between Camp Verde and Cottonwood. This is a local’s secret ride, at risk of becoming a new classic.

Take in the great views of the Verde Valley down below as you navigate the gradual switchbacks up and through the little town of Cherry. This ride is not about the destination, but the journey.

This ride can easily be broken into 2 or more groups: those that want to ride all the way over to Hwy 169 (and back), and those that want a shorter ride by turning around at the top of the mountain above the town of Cherry by the Powell Springs Campground.

Additional groups will likely form depending on your riding speed given the nature of the climb.

This is a true gravel ride, and a gravel bike would work best, however a cyclocross or mountain bike would also work just fine. A road bike is not recommended, despite some paved sections. Traffic is usually very low. Elevation peaks at 5,500 feet so wear appropriate clothing.

Park at the large dirt parking lot 2.1 miles west of the roundabout on Hwy 260 (same “exit” as Out Of Africa Wildlife Park and Yavapai County Superior Court). This is maybe 1 mile west (guess) of the point where the paved road turns to gravel. GPS coordinates for the parking lot in Google Maps 34.59782, -111.9468

Here’s the ride map with more details
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46032108