Let’s enjoy a driving loop through Wickenburg and Bagdad and then back to Wickenburg for lunch. This drive will be on a Thursday, helping us to avoid weekend traffic congestion and to better enjoy the views along the way. This will be a very fun drive, as the Wickenburg – Bagdad loop has three very nice roads with lots of curves.
Our meeting point will be at Tramonto Marketplace near I-17 and Carefree Highway in North Phoenix. From there we will travel west on AZ-74 to US-93 for our first break, just north of Wickenburg at the US-93 & Vulture Mine Rd roundabout Mobil station.
After our break is where the fun begins, continuing on US-93 to AZ-89, which takes us on a thrilling drive along the edges of Granite Mountain to Yarnell. A turn to Kirkland then toward Bagdad is the second leg of the loop. After a break in Bagdad we will return on AZ-96 to AZ-97, dubbed by many as “Roller Coaster” for its numerous dips, inclines, and tight turns. At the end of the roller coaster, we will head on US-93 to Wickenburg for lunch at Anita’s Cocina. “Everything made fresh daily, with fresh ingredients, using the same authentic Mexican recipes for the last 24 years.” You will order off the menu and pay your own bill at the restaurant. After lunch everyone will be on their own for a leisurely drive back home.