Why is it called Crown King?
Usa, north-america
44.9 km
1,765 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you wanna visit Crown King, a cool little mining town way up in Arizona's Bradshaw Mountains? Nestled at almost 6,000 feet, getting there is half the adventure!
The road, known as Crown King Road (Forest 259 Road), kicks off from Interstate 17 and stretches nearly 28 miles. But hold on, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This winding dirt road follows an old railroad bed, offering glimpses of gold mines, forests, and remnants of recent wildfires and mudslides. Keep an eye out for abandoned mines, crumbling cabins, and even ghost towns along the way.
Now, here's the thing: you NEED a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this route. While most of it's manageable, there are some seriously challenging sections, especially in the final four miles where erosion has created rocky terrain and deep ruts. Be prepared to stack rocks or maybe even need a tow. Despite the challenges, the views are incredible, and the trip is definitely worth it if you're up for some off-road fun and a dose of history! Plus, this road usually stays open even when it snows!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 44.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,765 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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