# Coronado Trail (US 191)

> US 191 climbs from the desert at Clifton through the White Mountains to Springerville with about 460 curves. Services are scarce, so plan fuel and supplies be

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/coronado-trail-us-191/

US 191 climbs from the desert at Clifton through the White Mountains to Springerville with about 460 curves. Services are scarce, so plan fuel and supplies before you start.

- **State:** Arizona
- **Length:** About 120 mi
- **Top elevation:** About 9,260 ft
- **Best season:** Late spring to fall
- **Start / end:** Clifton – Springerville

No toll roads expected for a car.

## What should you know before visiting Coronado Trail (US 191)?

- The route is about 120 miles and takes roughly three hours without long stops.
- There are no services between Morenci and Alpine, roughly 90 miles. Hannagan Meadow has a small seasonal lodge and is the only business on the way.
- A restriction for trucks over 40 ft is reported after Morenci because of sharp curves. Some stretches are signed 25 mph, and many have no guardrails.
- In winter the road is reportedly not plowed at night or on weekends. Check ADOT road conditions before driving in snow season.

## The drive

The trail starts at Clifton, a high-desert town beside the Morenci open-pit copper mine, and ends at Springerville, with Alpine and Eagar near the northern end. The road gains height steadily through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and reaches roughly 9,260 ft near KP Creek. Blue Vista, a picnic area at about 9,210 ft, is a natural stop. Expect tight bends, short straights and long stretches with no guardrail.

## Planning

Fill the tank and water in Clifton, Morenci or Alpine. A road guide says the restriction for trucks over 40 feet applies past the Morenci mine entrance and is lifted at the Strayhorse Divide turnoff. Large motorhomes should ask ADOT or the Forest Service beforehand. Use low gear on descents. Cell coverage is often poor, so carry an offline map.

## Camping

Camping and picnicking are possible along US 191 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, for example at Strayhorse Campground at about 7,780 ft. Forest campgrounds are often seasonal, so check opening and reservation rules with the Forest Service. Dispersed camping on national forest land is generally allowed under local rules, but fire restrictions can apply in dry months, so ask the ranger district. Nights at altitude can be cold even in summer.

## FAQs

**How long does the Coronado Trail take?**
About three hours of driving for roughly 120 miles, based on ADOT. With photo stops, a picnic or a hike, plan half a day. Motorhomes are slower because of the 25 mph curves.

**Where can I buy fuel on the Coronado Trail?**
Fill up in Clifton or Morenci before starting and in Alpine afterwards. There are reportedly no services in between, a gap of roughly 90 miles. Hannagan Meadow has a seasonal lodge only.

**Is the Coronado Trail open in winter?**
It stays a public highway, but snow can close it. It is reportedly not plowed at night or on weekends. Check ADOT conditions and carry chains and supplies in snow season.

## Places to see

- [City of Rocks State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-city-of-rocks/)
- [Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-gila-cliff/)
- [Very Large Array](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-vla/)
- [The Catwalk](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-catwalk/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in New Mexico](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/new-mexico/)