Coronado Trail Scenic Byway Overview

Coronado in the Spring (AZ) [1]

Seeking the riches of the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola, Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's 1540 route ran close to this scenic byway. Today's riches along this byway are of a different nature -- vistas stretching for miles on end and an abundance of varied recreational opportunities and wildlife. Travel on the only road that had its name changed by the Bible. Formerly known as US 666 and nicknamed "The Devil's Highway", the route was renamed US 191 in 1992. But don't let that deter you from a trip on the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway.

Switchbacks above Chase Creek (AZ) [2]

If you are into history and graveyards, stop by the remnant of the Stargo Cemetery, with burials dating back to the 19th century, and make charcoal rubbings of the dates and names. History is prominent along this highway, and the remnants of an ancient rock house can be seen before entering the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. You'll encounter switchbacks that contributed to the Coronado Trail being the least traveled federal highway. When the road was first proposed in 1916, an old cowboy said "There ain't even a good horse trail." Now hundreds of visitors travel the road every year.

Along the way you'll see the "Arrow Tree," where hundreds of archers fired arrows into the old wood. If you just happen to have a bow and arrow on you, try to find an empty space to make your own mark. Park your car at Hannagan Lodge and put on your walking shoes to traverse one of the many trails crisscrossing the area. Or try trail riding or mountain biking for a change of pace. Several trailheads lead to the 174,000-acre Blue Range Primitive Area, the last remaining USFS primitive area at Hannagan's Meadow.

Summer Lake (AZ) [3]

Near the community of Alpine are numerous streams for fishing and lakes for swimming. Rest your feet in the cool waters or make a day of it by bringing your fishing pole to catch your meal for dinner. If you didn't get enough hiking along Hannagan Meadow, this area offers prime high-country hiking. As you enter Round Valley, you'll see the northern gateway towns of Springerville and Eagar. Here you'll find several pioneer-era museums, two pre-Columbian Indian pueblos, and complete visitor services.

A favorite of motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts, the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is an adventure of switchbacks, steep grades, and hairpin turns and is known as one of the best driving roads in the nation.