Another Shortcut, Long Cut and Way Around
Coming into Arizona from her most north eastern corner can be a bit boring. Hwy 160 and Hwy 191 aren’t the most scenic rides. With plenty of open space you can rip right along, still…not the best route around.
An alternative is to take Indian Route 13 that comes into Arizona south of Shiprock, New Mexico. Taking Hwy 491 south out of Shiprock you can see the Shiprock monument off to the west. As the road goes from four lanes to two lanes, you’ll find Indian Route 13 heading west. It will take you through Red Rock and Lukachukai, Arizona. You wind through some nice mountain roads.
IR 13 meets IR 12 just past Lukachukai. From here take IR 12 south to Tsaile where you can pick up Indian Route 64 and ride along the north rim of Canyon de Chelley. Nice ride with a couple of scenic views of the canyon.
If Chinle isn’t your destination, IR12 is paved all the way down to Window Rock and I-40. A narrow Indian road, do pay attention as there can be cattle, horses, drunks and who knows what else is on the road.
Read about all the Great Roads & Short Cuts