The Lukachukai Loop is a fun ride that is off the beaten path in Northeast Arizona and Northwest New Mexico.  Starting in Lukachukai, Arizona, this route begins with a short ride across the desert before climbing up into the Chuska Mountains.  The Chuska Mountains provide both curvy road fun and amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
 
Descending down the back side of the Chuska Mountains takes riders across more desert and the town of Red Valley before crossing into New Mexico.  Once into New Mexico, some larger rock formations soon come into view, first Mitten Rock then Ship Rock.  As riders approach Ship Rock they will start to see Shiprock Dike which is an ancient lava flow from the Ship Rock Volcano.
 
Turning South, riders will soon see the rock formation called Cathedral Cliff.  A closer view will reveal many columns and spires that resemble a gothic cathedral or perhaps a massive pipe organ.  This formation is near some other unnamed mesas and rock formations that break up the desert landscape nicely.
 
At Sheep Springs, this route angles Southwest for another trip through the Chuska Mountains before turning North again.  This last leg of the trip follows the Arizona New Mexico border through deserts and pine forests and past Wheatfields Lake.  Eventually the pine forests give way to desert again as riders approach the route’s end in Lukachukai.
 
Location:  Northeast Arizona, Northwest New Mexico
Approximate Mileage:  140 miles
Estimated Riding Time:  3.25 Hours 
Surface:  Paved.
 
Attractions:
Shiprock, NM - Shiprock Dike Rock Formation, Cathedral Cliff
 
Motorcycle Rides, Arizona, New Mexico, Lukachukai, Shiprock, Newcomb, Sheep Springs