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White Spar and Yarnell Hill: AZ-89, Weaver Mountains, Arizona
Photo: Alan Stark · CC BY-SA 2.0 · cropped

Drives Arizona Sedona, Prescott and Flagstaff

White Spar and Yarnell Hill: AZ-89

Weaver Mountains, Arizona · Prescott → Congress

Twisty42 mi1 hr2,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,000 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 89 leaves Prescott on the White Spar Highway and winds south through pine and granite boulders to Peeples Valley and Yarnell. Then it drops down the long, curving Yarnell Hill grade to the desert at Congress, with wide views over the plain.

Driven south, Yarnell Hill is a descent with the view ahead. On the hill the two directions run on separate roadways. The twistiest part is just south of Prescott.

Along the way

  1. Prescott
  2. Yarnell
  3. Congress (AZ-71)
Elevation
2,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,000 ft
PrescottCongress
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
PrescottCongress
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Yarnell Hill grade is long and steep; use a low gear instead of riding the brakes.
  • The drive ends at Congress, at AZ 71.
  • The drive passes through Peeples Valley and Yarnell between Prescott and Congress.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Arizona 511 (ADOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 89 from Prescott to Congress take?

Highway 89 from Prescott to Congress is 42.1 miles and takes about 1 hour.

How twisty is Highway 89 south of Prescott?

Twisty in two stretches: about 12 miles just south of Prescott on the White Spar Highway, and a shorter run on Yarnell Hill.

Where does Yarnell Hill start?

The Yarnell Hill grade starts south of Yarnell and drops to the desert at Congress.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of White Spar and Yarnell Hill: AZ-89, from Prescott to Congress