Arizona in the spring. How early?

[nwguy]

If you were to plan a trip through the curvy, mountainous roads through Arizona in the spring, how early could you go and expect high altitude roads to be free of snow so a motorcycle could ride through? Examples of roads include:

191 from Alpine to Safford
89A and 89 from Flagstaff to Wickenburg
The road to Mt. Lemmon

Would mid-May be pushing it? Late May? I know it depends on the year, but for the purposes of planning...

[Tom]

Take your leathers and zip out liners.  Cool to cold temps.  No snow for the most part. 

[Vagrant]

I have pulled off mid April some years. Most though mid May is totally safe. Electric gear is nice. In May most of the sand used on 191 is off the corners.

[Rebochi]

   191 will have large patches of ice January and February, same with 89 and 89A.

[Bisbee]

On 191 - The Devil’s Highway - try to stay a night at Hannigan Meadow Lodge. 100 year old lodge, good food, beer, wine. Listen to the elks bugle at night. Highly recommended. Make sure you fill up. No gas from Alpine to Clifton.

[JJ]

Overall, around mid-May is your safest bet.  

I also agree with all the other comments Guzzi forum enthusiasts have previously stated...    

[travelingbyguzzi]

I rode 191 in late April a couple years ago. A bit of snow beside the road, in the shade, on northern slopes. Mid May should not be a problem.

[Grabcon]

I use Accuweather and look at historical data to see the previous year or two of conditions based on month, week day, etc.

[Rebochi]

        When you are in the Alpine area head east to Reserve New Mexico for lunch at Ellas.  Outstanding New Mexico style food and the best Chili Rellenos that I have ever had