Carr Canyon Road in Arizona: narrow and steep with no guard rails

Carr Canyon Road in Arizona: narrow and steep with no guard rails

Usa, north-america

Length

12.55 km

Elevation

2,256 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Carr Canyon Road #368 in Cochise County, Arizona. This isn't just any road, it's a historic mining route revamped by the CCC back in the day.

Picture this: you're in the southeast corner of Arizona, deep in the Coronado National Forest, ready to tackle 7.8 miles of winding road up the Huachuca Mountains. You'll start on some pavement, but soon you'll be kicking up dust on a dirt road that's mostly good for regular cars.

Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. Get ready for narrow sections, hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel, and steep climbs that'll make your engine work. Oh, and did I mention no guardrails? Adds to the thrill, right? If you're rolling in something massive (over 20 feet long) or towing a big trailer (over 12 feet), you'll have to stop at the Carr Canyon Picnic Area.

Give yourself about 40 minutes to cruise this road, but trust me, you'll want to stop. This is the only way to get to the top of the Huachuca Range. Pull over at the overlooks, because the views of Sierra Vista, the San Pedro Valley, and all those surrounding mountains are unreal. Up top, you'll find a basic campground and tons of hiking trails.

Heads up: this road usually closes for the winter (mid-December to mid-March).

The climb is no joke, hitting a max grade of 12% in spots! You'll gain over 2,500 feet from the start, averaging around a 6% grade. Get ready for an epic climb and unforgettable views!

Where is it?

Carr Canyon Road in Arizona: narrow and steep with no guard rails is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.7228, -96.8118

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
12.55 km
Max Elevation
2,256 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
38.7228, -96.8118

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