The Coronado Trail scenic byway, has over 460 curves, AZ
One of the things I love most about living in Arizona is all of the driving opportunities. Perhaps a little less so on Phoenix freeways between 3 pm and 6 pm, but driving for hours on our open highways with the windows rolled down and the golden sunlight filtering through is an exhilarating experience, to say the least. Here’s a scenic drive in Arizona you don’t want to skip:
Did you know Arizona is home to one of the curviest roads in the country?
That’s right! We haven’t taken the time to count the number of curves ourselves—we lose track after curve number 47—but most estimates put it at more than 460!
The road is U.S. Highway 191, also known as the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. The scenic portion of the road extends from Clifton and Morenci up to Alpine and Springerville.
If you want to check out another fantastic scenic drive in Arizona, we recommend trying Swift Trail, also known as State Route 366, located near Mount Graham. You can read more in our previous article: The Highest Road In Arizona Will Lead You On An Unforgettable Journey.
Did you know this was also previously known as Highway 666, which resulted in the nickname "The Devil’s Highway?" If you’re not used to curvy, narrow roads, you might agree with that name!
And, oh, is it curvy! Here’s a peek at one small section and you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re paying attention when driving this road!
The twists and turns on this road will take you from an arid, hilly environment...
...deep into the woods of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and the Blue Range Primitive Wilderness.
A couple of tips before you head out for a drive: First, make sure you gas up before starting the trek, as most of the highway is completely devoid of towns or services, so if you run out of gas, you're out of luck for many miles.
Second, take advantage of the pull-offs and overlooks! Not only will you enjoy some beautiful views, it's also an opportunity for the driver to take a short break from all the curves.