Sunset Crater, Wupatki Ruins, and Walnut Canyon...AZ History and Scenery Overnight Ride

Come join Tom Clements, host, for an exploration of some Arizona history and scenery on an overnight ride to the Flagstaff.  We will visit Sunset Crater, Wupatki Ruins, and Walnut Canyon…some unique Arizona Geology and History.

Come join Tom Clements, the host of this adventure, on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and

17. We will depart at 8:00 a.m. from the Shell Station on the Southwest corner of Dynamite and

Alma School Roads. Please arrive with a full gas tank no later than 7:30 and the briefing will be

at 7:45. If it is more convenient for you, you may join the group at the Fort McDowell Chevron

at 8:45. The group(s) will swing in there and collect the additional riders. Please be certain to let

us know where you will be starting from so that group sizes and Leads/Sweeps may be properly

planned.

We will ride the scenic path to Flagstaff via Payson and Lake Mary Road. Lunch will be at the

Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Flag. Then, after topping our tanks, we will continue the short

distance north on Highway 89 to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. We will take 45

minutes or so to tour the visitor center and learn about the youngest of Arizona’s many volcano-

formed mountains.

Next, we remain in the park and follow its scenic road to Wupatki Ruins, where many

indigenous people of the Sinagua heritage lived centuries ago. Bring your cameras…it is

amazingly large and scenic. Then it’s a return to Flagstaff and check-in at The Econo Lodge on

historic Route 66. Unfortunately, this motel no longer has a pool or jacuzzi but the room rate is

much more reasonable than the cost of so many other Flagstaff locations and there is first floor

parking at the rooms. They do have an outdoor patio area where we can meet for a cocktail or

two. Plus, it’s only one building away from Agave Mexican Restaurant where we are booked

for dinner.

We have arranged for a rate of $112 plus tax, which is quite low for cool Flagstaff. You can

book via this link:  Or, if you prefer, https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/IG95M3 

call 951-500-5518, and mention the “BMMC” group. Make your reservations right away and then

RSVP through the RSVP link on the BMMC website or email ride annoucement. 

On Sunday, after the free breakfast at the motel, instead of returning to Phoenix on your own,

you are invited to join Tom for a short (less than ten miles) ride east on I-40 for a visit at Walnut

Canyon National Monument. This completes the tour of the three related National Park

facilities close to Flagstaff. After that scenic and historic stop, we will head south on I-17 and

stop for lunch at Babe’s Round Up, the fine BBQ spot in Camp Verde that many of us have

enjoyed.

We are hoping you will join us for a fun and educational weekend!

Tom Clements