Have ridden it from Flag to Prescott via Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona) and through Jerome up-and- over Mingus Mountain on a tandem. A tough ride. In May it was already 85 degrees at 10 a.m. in Cottonwood area.
A tough ride. Would NOT suggest riding from Sedona up to Flag via Oak Creek Canyon; way too many tourists and way too many steep curves and switchbacks on a very narrow 2-lane road and no shoulder.