This is our first ride of spring, motorcycle camping in the desert. Eva and I are off on a 3-day/3-night riding and camping motorcycle adventure in Southern Arizona.
Locations in this Video
Gear
![Two motorcycles on Apache Pass in Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-apache-honda-pov-1024x614.jpg)
I’m riding a BMW R1200 GS and Eva is riding a brand new Honda Africa Twin – a special bike build for Overland Expo.
Riding Over Apache Pass
![Two bikes on Apache Pass Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-apache-1200-honda-aerial-2-1024x614.jpg)
After leaving our home at The Jonquil Motel in Bisbee, Arizona we rode over Apache Pass.
Camping at Dos Cabezas
![Sterling Noren motorcycle camping in Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-dos-cabezas-sterling-camping-1024x614.jpg)
We spent the first night camping in the Dos Cabezas Wilderness Area. There are several dispersed camping sites located just past the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area.
Black Hills Backcountry Byway
![Two motorcycle on dirt road Black Hills Backcountry Scenic Byway in Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-1024x614.jpg)
The next morning we rode north through Clifton, Arizona and then headed down the Black Hills Backcountry Byway, a short scenic drive that crosses over the Gila River.
Gila River
![Gila River on Black Hills Backcountry Scenic Byway in Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-gila-landscape-aerial-1024x614.jpg)
This is a view of the Gila River from the Old Safford Bridge which crosses the river a few miles into the route from the north.
Motorcycle Camping Dinner
![Camping food meat oil and wine](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-food-1024x614.jpg)
Our motorcycle camping dinner this evening consists of fresh steak, instant potatoes and broccoli.
Sunset Over Mountains
![Sunset from Black Hills Backcountry Scenic Byway in Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-sunset-1024x614.jpg)
Meal preparation takes place under an amazing Arizona sunset on the Black Hills Backcountry Byway.
Cooking with Firebox Stove
![Sterling cooking on Firebox stove with mountains in background](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-cooking-firebox-1024x614.jpg)
My favorite method for motorcycle cooking is the Firebox Stove.
Kovea Lantern
![Kovea lantern for motorcycle camping BMW GS](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-gear-lantern-3-1024x614.jpg)
I also have a small Kovea lantern which runs off of a camping stove fuel cylinder.
Black Hills Backcountry Byway
![Two motorcycles on Black Hills Backcountry Scenic Byway in Arizona on the first ride of spring.](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-dirt-33-1024x614.jpg)
Back on the Black Hills Backcountry Byway the following morning, looking forward to another day of motorcycling in Arizona.
Mountains with Snow in the Desert
![Snow covered Arizona mountains on first ride of spring motorcycle trip](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-1200-honda-1024x614.jpg)
The Pinaleño Mountains and Mount Graham rising in front of us. It is possible to ride up to almost 9,000 feet on Mount Graham.
Hot Springs
![Eva in Essense of Tranquility Hot Springs Arizona](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-eva-hot-spring-1024x614.jpg)
We stopped at the Essence of Tranquility Hot Springs for a quick soak in the hot mineral water pools.
Asparagus and Couscous Dinner
![Asparagus dinner camping food in pan](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-cooking-1024x614.jpg)
Tonight’s motorcycle camp dinner is asparagus and couscous with peppers prepared over the campfire.
Motorcycle Camping in the Desert
![Sterling and Eva eating camp dinner](https://www.norenfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2021-arizona-black-hills-sterling-eva-eating-camping-1024x614.jpg)
Our first ride of spring motorcycle adventure was a success. We hope that you have enjoyed this trip report and the video the accompanies this article.