Overall Route Rating
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4.75 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.75
65 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Mar 31, 2003

Rider Reviews

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Guest
March 11, 2010
While attending the 100 year HD Anniversary in…
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Guest
October 6, 2009
Actually the road begins in Safford and has nice…
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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." Update from 1rock1 on 6/13/12: The ride starts at 7500 feet elevation and drops to the 2500 foot level. The drive is full of wildlife, hairpin turns, shear cliffs, dramatic views and finishes with a drive through an open pit copper mine. There is so much metal in the earth the mountains are alive with rust colors making the scenic views some of the best blending White clouds, Blue skies, and the green pines. There are no services between the two cities so fill up in Alpine. Traveling south gives the best views as you are looking out over the Valley. Expect to be traveling for nearly 4 hours without stops as there are nearly 1200 hairpin turns of no more the 15 MPH on this incredible drive.

Drive Enjoyment

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)". Update from 1rock1 on 6/13/12: 1200 Hairpin turns, no shoulders and occasional dirt washed across roads from any recent storms that may have passed through.

Tourism Opportunities

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. Update from 1rock1 on 6/13/12: Pine is a small town with a view small restaurants and you will pass through Hannigan Meadows that is a great picnic spot. The town of Morenci has a strong Hispanic flavor and has many wonderful restaurants from this ethnicity. It is also Copper mining town and arrangements can be made for a tour of the mine. There is not much along the way except tremendous views of BIG COUNTRY.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Update from 1rock1 on 6/13/12: This is not a ride for a beginner and do not allow the scenery to take your eyes off the road. Make many stops along the way to take pictures and to take in the sights. - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
January 19, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
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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3 BMWs
June 11, 2020
33 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
After making it to AZ, I had to ride the Coronado Trail and did so in May of 2020. First, let me clear up some previous comments on this route. There ARE NOT 1200 hairpin turns. (180 degree turns that are shaped like the end of a bobby pin used in women's hair) Maybe 20 but lots of sweepers. The northern route is cool and was devastated by a forest fire in 2010. Temps were in the 70s in the north and we saw 103 in Morenci. I rode a BMW K1600GTL with a passenger (both of us 200 pounds). We rode the primary route down and then rode to Three Way then took 78 north to 180 and back to Eager. We spent the night in Eager, rode the trail and returned to our same hotel at the end of the day. Most things were closed due to Covid. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The contrast in temps, elevations, landscape, wildlife, the copper mine in Morenci was extraordinary. Traffic was near nothing, meaning some stretches we would go for miles without seeing another vehicle. Gas was not a problem if you start full in Eager and top off in Morenci. Saw eagles, elk, coyote, two dead snakes on the road, wonderful cactus flowers in the south. The copper mine looks like something from star wars with trucks the size of houses and the mine fills your vision from horizon to horizon with beautiful reds/browns. I would absolutely do this route again. It was a full day of riding, but it is the kind of ride you wake up to the next day and ask yourself if it was a dream.
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uribarak
January 27, 2022
5 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
I was riding in late November. It was cold, but not too cold. The best thing about riding at the end of November, is that it is too cold for campers and other travelers. I was the only vehicle on the road! I would definitely do it again
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