Coronado Trail

Clifton to Alpine

Eastern Arizona · Arizona · United States

Key measurements

Distance

94.4 miles

Elevation gain

12,784 ft

Elevation loss

8,236 ft

High point

9,373 ft

Low point

3,447 ft

Net change

4,557 ft (3,447 ft to 8,004 ft)

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

US Highway 191 between Clifton and Alpine—historically designated as US-666 and widely known as the Coronado Trail—is one of the most remote and dense sequences of highway curves in the American Southwest. Over a total distance of 94.4 miles, the route climbs from the arid San Francisco River valley at 3,447 feet to a high point of 9,373 feet near mile 67.8, accumulating more than 12,700 feet of total elevation gain along the way.

The route begins in the deep canyon cut of Clifton, scales the industrial precipices of the Morenci open-pit copper mine, and enters the dense high-altitude forests of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The trip transitions from high-desert scrub and exposed rock cliffs to ponderosa pine, aspen, and subalpine fir, culminating on the high meadow plateau of Alpine.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

San Francisco River Exit — Miles 0.0–0.7

Leaving Clifton, the route starts at its lowest elevation along the narrow floodplain of the San Francisco River. The road is tightly hemmed in by canyon walls and early historic structures before making a abrupt northward transition into the industrial access corridors surrounding the mining district.

Morenci Mine Precipice Climb — Miles 0.8–10.2

The highway gains elevation rapidly across a series of steep shelf roads and switchbacks built directly into the perimeter of the giant Morenci copper mine. Terraced benches, industrial overlook points, and heavy equipment crossings mark this climb. The visual landscape is stark and open, with sheer drops off the pavement edge down toward the pit floors below.

Coronado Trail High-Forest Spine — Miles 13.9–94.1

Entering the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, the road begins a continuous 80-mile traverse along the edge of the Mogollon Rim and the Blue Range Wilderness. The terrain is defined by endless ridge-following curves and constant working gradients. The forest thickens into dense pine, Douglas fir, and alpine meadows, reaching the route’s crest of 9,373 feet just past Hannagan Meadow before making a brief, gentle descent into the Alpine valley.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

The nearly 6,000-foot vertical change produces drastically different weather conditions between the start and end points. Temperature drops of 20°F to 30°F from Clifton to the upper forest pass are common.

During summer months (July through August), afternoon monsoon storms regularly build over the White Mountains, bringing sudden heavy rain, localized hail, and rapid drops in track temperature. In spring and late autumn, cold morning temperatures can leave frost or black ice in shaded timber turns above 7,000 feet, even when Clifton is dry and warm. High-elevation winter snow pack often lingers into late spring along north-facing canyon cuts.

Logistics & Services

Fuel planning requires strict attention before leaving Clifton or Morenci. There are no reliable, full-service fuel options along the ~80-mile stretch between Morenci and Alpine. While a small lodge exists at Hannagan Meadow, intermediate fuel availability there is seasonal and erratic; riders should assume no intermediate fuel is available.

Cellular service cuts off completely shortly after ascending out of Morenci and does not recover until approaching the town limits of Alpine. Emergency assistance is distant throughout the forest section, with extended response times due to the mountain geography.

Important Considerations

Wildlife Dynamics: Large game is heavily present above 6,000 feet. Elk, mule deer, and free-ranging cattle frequently cross or stand on the road, particularly in shaded timber sections, near water draws, and during dawn/dusk hours. * Surface Debris: Rockfall is common on the cut banks through the lower mining climb. Higher up, summer rain washouts routinely deposit sand, fine gravel, and pine needles across curves in low-drainage dips. * Physical Fatigue: The constant curve density and high operational elevation make this 94-mile ride take considerably longer than standard highway distances.