Scenic Drive

Coronado Trail
We’ve been down this road before. Of course we have. We’ve been covering the scenic wonders of Arizona for more than 80 years, so it only stands to reason that Arizona’s version of “the long and winding road” would have found its way into the magazine on many occasions. That said, it’s always worth another look. Like the Beatles’ swan song, this road trip is a classic.

Designated a scenic road in 1989, the Coronado Trail winds for more than a hundred miles from the twin cities of Eagar and Springerville in the north to the twin cities of Clifton and Morenci in the south. In between, the four-hour route follows the trail used in 1540 by Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado as he searched for the fabled “Seven Cities of Cibola.” He wasn’t joy-riding in an Escalade, but he surely marveled at the views, which begin among the rolling grasslands of Springerville.
 

From there, the southbound route climbs into the spruce-fir forests near Alpine, a Swiss-like village settled in the late-1870s. Just south of Alpine is Hannagan Meadow, which is named for Robert Hannagan, a Nevada miner who did some cattle ranching in the area. Take note: This is the only spot along the way to gas up and grab a Diet Coke. In addition to food and fuel, Hannagan Meadow and the nearby Blue Range Primitive Area offer some of the most incredible scenery in the state — it’s no coincidence that several of the hikes in this month’s cover story are located in this neck of the woods. Among the highlights are three beautiful rivers
— the Black, the Blue and the San Francisco — and the surrounding mountains, which reach heights of more than 11,000 feet.

As you cruise along, keep your eyes peeled. Within a stone’s throw of the road are more than 100 species of fish and wildlife, including elk, deer, antelope, black bears, squirrels, bald eagles and 160 other kinds of birds. The fishing is great, and the stands of aspen, oak, maple, mountain ash, fir, spruce and juniper will make wherever you came from seem like a million miles away.
 

Like many roads in Arizona, the Coronado Trail is a four-season wonderland. Fall colors are incredible. Spring wildflowers are spectacular. Winter snows make the area the state’s cross-country skiing mecca. And this time of year, the cool temperatures speak for themselves.

The next stop is the Blue Vista rest stop at the edge of the Mogollon Rim, which allows you to see forever on a clear day. From there, the road works its way south to Clifton and Morenci, and tests your nerve with some hair-raising curves. Although the twin cities at the end of the road aren’t as scenic as their sisters in the north — strip mining has a way of doing that — they do have gas stations, which will come in handy if you decide to turn around, and you probably will. As you’ll see, the long and winding road is always worth another look.

ADDITIONAL READING: For more hikes, pick up a copy of Arizona Highways Hiking Guide, which features 52 of the state's best trails — one for each weekend of the year, sorted by seasons. To order a copy, visit www.shoparizonahighways.com/hikingguide.
 

Tour Guide
Note: Mileages are approximate.

Directions: From Payson, go east on State Route 260 to Eagar. The Coronado Trail follows U.S. Route 191 for 123 miles from Eagar to Clifton, through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. There are several sharp curves and steep drop-offs along this narrow road — in some cases, there are no guardrails, and in some areas, speeds may slow to 10 mph.

Vehicle Requirements: Accessible to all vehicles.

Information: Alpine Ranger District, 928-339-5000 or www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

LEAVE-NO-TRACE PRINCIPLES:
• Plan ahead and be prepared.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly and pack out all of your trash.
• Leave what you find.
• Respect wildlife.
• Minimize campfire impact.
• Be considerate of others.