Coronado Trail

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Arizona

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 18 visitors

State: Arizona
Date Submitted: April 1, 2003
Submitted by: Anonymous
Motorcycle Road Length: 130 Miles

Written Directions

The way the road is described is by starting at Clifton, AZ and ending in Eagar, AZ. Of course you can reverse the direction if you like. Just look for Clifton and Eagar on the New Mexico/Arizona border which are about 200 miles east of Phoenix, AZ and take AZ Road 191.

Scenery

This road brings you to a whole new world in Arizona. Its located in the central eastern part of Arizona and parallels the New Mexico border. To find it on the map, just look for the towns of Eagar (home of the largest stand of pine trees in the US) and Clifton along the Arizona/New Mexico border. The towns are connected by Arizona road 191. You'll start out in a desert environment and end up passing through an Alpine paradise. It is LOADED with twists and turns and even though its in a remote section of Arizona, its well worth the trip. The road starts out in a desert setting near Clifton, AZ ... an old copper mining town. From there heading north and up in elevation, you can stop at a scenic overlook that will give you a look at the world's largest open-pit copper mines. The road will then take you through a canyon as the road hugs some cliffs and continues to dramatically climb (BE CAREFUL). What makes this road so amazing is the big change in scenery you'll see between the start and the finish. The diversity of landscape is due to the change in elevation you'll cover - a 5,000 feet difference from start to finish. You'll start out seeing some nice desert landscapes and then move on into some interesting canyons. You'll see the world's largest open pit copper mine and pass by one of the highest peaks in AZ - Escudilla Mountain (10,800 ft). You'll also see huge pine and aspen forests and some tranquil little meadows as you pass next to the White Mountains and through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. "This was taken at Hannagan Meadow."

Road Quality

A true 5-star road for motorcycles. They say there are 427 curves on AZ Road 191 between Clifton and Alpine. The road also has some breathtaking ascents along the way that will keep your engine revving. The most dramatic elevation changes are near the town of Morenci, AZ. In fact, the speed of traffic will slow down to just 10 MPH at certain points!

"You all missed the point if you just did half. Try starting in Eager, then heading down 180 then cut across towards Clifton-Morenci on 78 then go back up 191. Round trip is 270 miles and will take about 12 hours to do it. Partly because you of the twisties and partly because you will be stopping at every wide spot to take pictures! Go to www.QuickThrottle.com and check out our Biker Gallery for the Rt 666 ride (this used to be hwy 666)"

Roadside Amenities

There is a lot of camping and hiking trails along the way. You can also take a half mile hike to the Rose Peak watch tower and get a great view of the surrounding landscape. There are many pullouts and look out points that you'll want to have a camera ready for. DON'T MISS the Mogollon Rim.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Anonymous

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Reviewed by browne on October 20, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Eric Polzin
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Buell Ulysses
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Imagine The Dragon but 10 times the length. This road will wear yourself out so stay alert. I would love to ride this road more if it were not so far away. One of my favorites.
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Reviewed by MCR Contributor on August 18, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: gohogwildrentals
Comment: South to North, starting on Morenci, you get to experience 525 twisty turns and breathtaking panoramic views-all within 70 miles! We had 14 people and 11 bikes in all, ranging from semi-experienced to riders that were almost born on bikes... We stopped along the way at Hannagan Meadow Lodge, where the lodge rooms were decorated in different themes, there's even a honeymoon suite. The next day, we continued on to Alpine, but the road from Morenci to the lodge is so AMAZING! I even got a picture of a deer that we stopped and had a conversation with (almost) before she ran away. This has to be one of the most wonderful rides I've ever been on! And nuts to those that don't want to call it the Devil's highway... just because it used to be called Highway 666. I got my pin that says I rode the Devil's Highway, you can too! There are no 'amenities' like a roadside table, leave those to the 'Interstaters'... There are, however places to pull over and look out over mountains, stretch, grab your picnic, talk to deer, but there is a lodge along the way, Hannagan Meadows Lodge. Google it... Oh yah, gas up before you leave Morenci, and take it easy, because there are no gas stations until you get to Alpine! Make sure you call for road conditions before you head out on this trek! And make sure you get your "I rode the Devil's Highway" pin or key-chain.
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Reviewed by Guest on March 21, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Josh
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: This was a great ride! We started in Tucson and went up through Safford then up to Coronado Trail, then we went over to Show Low, down to Globe and back home, about 540 mile ride all in one day!! Coronado Trail was the best part, overall the road was great, going south to north it has a lot of gravel on the first 1/4 of the Trail. Going through Morenci was really cool and really tricky, those turns are really tight, really not for beginners. It was really fun and we had a great time. This is one road you have to do at least once if you have a bike, it will challenge you and be a blast, I was scrapping floorboards all over the place!! Hands down the best ride I have done!
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Reviewed by Guest on January 4, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: ndflamenco
motorcycle_year: 2007
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Eagerly awaited this ride, after first attempt was aborted by snow at Easter 2008. Took north to south route in September 2009 and was not dissappointed. Beautiful scenery, twisties go on forever, huge elevation change. Take extreme care on the bends though, especially on a cruiser. Harley rider 5mins ahead of me misjudged the bend and flew into abyss. Rider was okay, bike probably took a while to retrieve. Highly recommended, but be careful, plan for time, gas and weather. Next time will take northbound route.
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Reviewed by Guest on October 22, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Derek Post
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: BMW
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: The toughest road I've ridden for twisties. Just a great ride, take the time to enjoy the scenery. Can't miss!
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Reviewed by Guest on October 11, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Pete
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Triumph
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: What an amazing drive from Clifton To Eagar, AZ. This road will test your technical driving abilities on each and every curve. The first 25 - 30 miles is straight up with neck wrenching twists and turns and while a person could go faster, DON'T. The rest of 80 or so miles remains twisty with a few sweepers and a short straight of way not far from Hannagan Meadows. The last 20 miles into Eagar is at highway speeds, but watch out for farm equipment. Reasons not do drive fast. First, rocks fall and there were many corners where you needed to avoid large rocks and gravel in the middle of the travel lane. Secondly, as many others alluded to, traffic can slow to a crawl and you won't know that until you are well into your curve. Additionally, when I went (mid-Oct), the traffic consisted mostly of large pickups with travel trailers that could not avoid drifting over the lines. Next are critters. Squirrels, skunks, deer, elk, and the fifteen cows that decided to take a break in the middle of the road. Watchout for the one with crooked horns (1 up/ 1 down), she was irritable. Didn't see any elk, but I know they are out there. Finally, the scenery is breath taking. Go too fast and you will miss it. All total, my drive from Clifton to Eagar took nearly 4 hours with plenty of kodak moments and breaks.
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Reviewed by Guest on May 11, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Guy Fowl
motorcycle_year: 1994
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: I am very fortunate to keep my 94 VFR750 at a relative's house in Phoenix, and rode "666" last August. I was "geared up" for warm weather, but riding in the ealy AM from Phoenix to Alpine, even in August..let me tell you, I wished for a jacket. There were GIANT pines at alpine (go figure) and you expected to meet the "Marborogh Man" around every bend while riding the high meadows. The distant views were breath-taking, and the road never dissapointed. You need to watch your gas tank and milage, because skipping a town, may put you at a very low fuel state. The descent into the desert requires strict attenntion, and the caution, "watch out for sand or gravel where the mountain washes over the road" is a good caution. The descent into Morenci and the copper mine is awesome (watch for big horn sheep near the mine)....as is driving back through Globe. Be sure to hydrate often...The dry desert will suck it out of you. I'm doing it again this summer...Great ride.
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Reviewed by Guest on May 9, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Jim Reiman
motorcycle_year: 2010
motorcycle_make: BMW
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: My good friend who had done the Coronado Trail this time last year suggested we do this spectacular ride again this year. In '09 it was a sunny warm day. This year, in fact just one week ago today, we encountered a blizzard at 8500 ft. Within a period of 20 minutes it went from flurries to a total whiteout. We took refuge at a camp called Strayhorse Work Camp. We had camping gear but it was 30 degrees and the snow was piling up fast. Fortunately one of the cabins was open and gave us a refuge for the night. By 10 am the next morning the road was clear and we finished the ride. Motorcycle memories come in many forms. This one was more adventure than pleasure...but makes for a good story
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Reviewed by Guest on March 20, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: The GMan
motorcycle_year: 2002
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: This stretch of road is truly phenomenal. It lives up to all of the hype that has been written about it. Riding the Highway to Hell will keep your attention riveted to the roadway most of the time. Be sure to have your raingear handy. We ran into a massive downpour with good-sized hail and had to pull over at the first place we found. Highly recommended stretch of road! I'm doing it again this year but this time I'm taking a group of 25 riders to experience just how awesome it truly is.
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Reviewed by Guest on March 11, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: steben53
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: While attending the 100 year HD Anniversary in Milwaukee in 2003, I ran into these two biker-guys from Germany. They'd come for the birthday bash but as soon as it was over they were headed to Arizona for the sole purpose of riding the Coronado Trail. I immediately put the CT on my "to-do" list, and did it for the first time the following year. Sweepers to the north, undulating pine-lined straights in the middle and technical twisties to the south. Be advised - while I highly recommend this road for experienced riders, it needs to be said that the southern section is not recommended for beginners especially riding it from north to south - it's very steep and very twisty once it begins dropping off the rim and heading for the desert below. My recommendation, no matter your riding level, is that you try to arrange your route to do Hwy 191 from south to north. Doing so will allow you to stay off your brakes and enjoy the scenery more, and there is plenty of that! I
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Reviewed by Guest on January 19, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Wind Rider
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: I actually rode the Coronado Trail back in 2007, but it will be in my great rides memory bank forever. What a great road this is, it definitely lives up to its 5 star billing. Unfortunately I took this road late in the day and had to hurry to make it up to Springerville before dark (didn't make it). All I can say for now is that I can't wait to ride it again and give myself a whole day to do it, maybe even ride it, turn around and ride it again, it is that good. That is assuming I am not worn out from it, lots of tight hair turns on the south end and to much scenery throughout to take in all at one time. It is open range so watch out for cattle and every other 4 legged critter in the area, in fact I had a close encounter with a herd of elk just after dark just south of Alpine. If you are into camping this would be a great ride to find a campground, pitch a tent and enjoy nature at its best. If not, at least take a break at Hannagan Meadows along the way, grab a snack or possibly stay the night and visit with other fellow riders. Ride safe and enjoy.
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Reviewed by Guest on October 6, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Dave E
motorcycle_year: 2004
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Actually the road begins in Safford and has nice sweeping curves into Clifton and then actually terminates in Springerville, AZ.. So in reality it is 165 miles and over 450 curves and switchbacks. It offers the experienced technical rider everything needed in a good ride, Haripins, Long Sweepers and directionals. Gas up in Clifton or your next chance is in Alpine. Stop for trhe World famous Pie at the Bear Wallow Cafe in Alpine. Most Importantly BE CAREFEULL, this road will bite back and is not for the faint of heart. So please respect it!. those of us Natives will always call it the "Devil's Highway since the US Route designator changed from 666 to 191 some years ago. it makes Deals Gap ( Tail of the Dragon) and the Pigs Trail in Arkansas, although fun not even in the same ballpark. Some c'mon out to AZ and Dance on the Devil's Highway with us!
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Reviewed by Guest on July 26, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Cross
motorcycle_year: 2002
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Great ride. Little traffic during the week. Gas up as not too many pumps around!
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Reviewed by Guest on November 18, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Amir
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Great route! Pretty much "the road" motorcycle builders have in mind when designing bikes! Just watch for gravel and rocks in some of the tight corners. Also, if you're riding at dawn or dusk watch for Elk! Those suckers are huge, and I've seen them standing in the middle of that road.
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Reviewed by Guest on October 13, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: duke mccauley
motorcycle_year: 2001
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: this was one great ride, goes on forever, when you think your done, you'll see another 10 mph next 6 miles,
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Reviewed by Guest on June 25, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Keith Collins
motorcycle_year: 2001
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Standard
Comment: This is the best 100 mile section of motorcycle road I've been on in the US. It is a technically fun and challenging road and the scenery is phoenominal. If you want a fun motorcycle ride this is a must see road!
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Reviewed by Guest on June 8, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Chris R
motorcycle_year: 2007
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: Truly a wonderful road. Very challenging tho, so do not go alone. No guardrails and steep drop offs for the unwary. Road surface is variable in places with some very slippy patches of fine gravel (May 08), but you can usually see these in time: black asphalt with suspicious surface! heading North after Hannagan Meadow, you can really let it rip, but watch for elk. Wear safety gear, this is a road for the more experienced rider.
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Reviewed by Guest on March 27, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Gary Savage
motorcycle_year: 2001
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: This is truly one of the premier motorcycle roads in US! We have ridden it twice with little to no traffic, good roads great views, great smells and lots of hills and turns to keep it interesting. If you are in Springerville at the North end, stay at the Rode Inn. Very biker friendly, nice rooms, good breakfast and good rates.
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