Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is the road with 460 turns in Arizona

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is the road with 460 turns in Arizona

Usa, north-america

Length

207 km

Elevation

2,860 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! I've just conquered the legendary Coronado Trail Scenic Byway in Arizona, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure carved into the southeastern Arizona landscape, near the New Mexico border, right on the edge of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Think of it as your gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with a hefty dose of adrenaline thrown in!

They call it the Coronado Trail, named after that Spanish explorer who was chasing the Seven Cities of Cíbola way back when. This route used to be known as "The Devil's Highway," which should give you a hint about what's in store!

Stretching for 129 miles from Springerville down to the old copper mining town of Clifton, this fully paved road is all about the twists and turns – a mind-boggling 460 of them! Seriously, it's a rollercoaster for cars! The scenery is epic, and you’ll likely have the road practically to yourself. But fair warning: this mountain road is narrow, winding, and clings to steep cliffs with little to no shoulder in many spots. Newbies might want to sit this one out.

You'll climb to a breathtaking 9,383 feet above sea level, just south of Hannagan Meadow in the heavily wooded White Mountains. The views? Unforgettable!

Generally, the road's open year-round, but winter, spring and fall can bring ice and snow. Pro-tip: snow isn't plowed on weekends or at night during winter, just weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm.

Plan for a solid 4-5 hours of driving, but that's *without* stopping. And trust me, you'll want to stop. Snowy mountains, grassy valleys, wildlife galore, heart-pumping driving, and views that will blow your mind – this road has it all. Just remember to fill up your gas tank in Alpine. There aren't any stations along the way!

Where is it?

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is the road with 460 turns in Arizona is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.2337, -97.2592

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
207 km
Max Elevation
2,860 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
41.2337, -97.2592

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