Between Salome and Wickenburg, the route runs almost entirely through open desert country. After the start, it stays on US 60 and first crosses the McMullen Valley. Wenden is the first small settlement; after that come long stretches with little development, dry scrub, cacti, gravel flats and mountain ranges to the north and south of the road. The route climbs gradually toward Aguila, but the gradient never feels like the main issue. Sun, wind and the long gaps between stops matter more here. Beyond Aguila, the line stays straight for many kilometres before the terrain becomes slightly more rolling. Toward Wickenburg, access roads, scattered properties and the hills around the Hassayampa area move closer. The final kilometres enter the built-up part of Wickenburg, with wider roads, fuel stations, motels and restaurants after a long desert section.
