Coronado Trail

Considered among the top scenic highways in the nation, the Coronado Trail snakes through eastern Arizona’s Blue Mountains offering spectacular views. Expect curves and mountain grades, and watch for deer, elk, or wild turkey as you navigate the 90 miles between Alpine and the mining towns of Clifton and Morenci. One guest commented “Some joker at the Department of Transportation posted a speed limit of 25mph for part of the highway. It’s a joke–you can’t go that fast!” Some visitors prefer to make a day of the leisurely drive, taking advantage of the many rest areas and pullouts along the road. This highway is lightly traveled, and is considered a challenge to cyclists.

Watch the forest change from Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir to Alligator Juniper, scrub oak, and mesquite. The Trail climbs to over 9,000 feet elevation 22 miles south of Alpine, so keep an eye on the weather; wind and storms can develop a might quickly in the mountains. It’s possible to encounter snow anytime between Halloween and Mother’s Day. Note: vehicles longer than 40 feet should not consider traveling through, but RV turnarounds exist up to 38 miles south of Alpine.

Nature at Her Best

Enthusiasts of wildlife, birds, mountain vistas, and geology will thrill to the variety of opportunities presented to the traveler along the Trail. Half a dozen locations offer tables and bathrooms, and there are numerous pullouts for photo ops. Sadly, you will also see evidence of the recovery from Arizona’s largest wildfire: the Wallow Fire of 2011.

Motorcycling

Individual motorcyclists and groups enjoy riding the Trail because of its changing nature and sparse traffic. This road has rhythm, but watch for curves with a decreasing radius. Adjust your shocks for more cornering clearance, and allow at least 2 – 4 hours riding time to/from Clifton or Morenci to Alpine.

Bicycling

While the drop from Alpine’s elevation to that of Clifton is about 5,000ft, bicyclists count the climbing feet only. Due to the nature of mountain roads being up and down, it’s surprising to learn that bicyclists climb over 9,000 feet while descending to Clifton!

History

Named for the Spanish explorer who sought the “Seven Cities of Cibola” in 1540, the Trail was formalized by teamsters carrying supplies and goods from Springerville to Clifton. Originally numbered US Hwy 666, the Devil’s Highway was renumbered US 191 some 30 years ago.