RECOMMENDED RIDES the Mexico to Canada Hwy 191 and is known as one of the least traveled roads in the Federal Highway System . Though few pass this way , it offers beautiful mountain views , high mountain meadows , dense pine and aspen forests , steep grades , and approximately 460 curves , switchbacks , and hairpin turns . Throw in the fact that there are no guardrails and seldom a road shoulder , and you have all the elements of a memory-making ride !
A few words of caution are in order for the two-wheeled adventurer contemplating this route . The first thing to remember is that this is wild country , and wildlife abounds . So be wary , as you may encounter raccoon , whitetail deer , elk , black bear , mountain lions , grey wolves , javelina , wild turkey , or the occasional cattle drive .
The second thing is to respect the 10 mph warning signs . Motorcyclists often treat these signs as mere suggestions rather than recommendations . But several of these tight corners hide rocks , loose gravel , broken asphalt , and gouges in the road surface . Don ' t rush it ; plan on taking three to four hours to enjoy
the scenic views , pull-outs , and varied photo opportunities .
Twenty-five miles south of Springerville is the town of Alpine which offers a wide variety of outdoor activities . For motorcyclists , it is better known as the last stop for fuel along the route . If you didn ' t eat in Springerville , consider stopping at the Hannagan Meadow Lodge , just north of Alpine , for a fine meal with a high mountain meadow view . Fellow travelers have been enjoying this rustic destination since the 1930 ' s .
Another twenty miles along the route , and you will see the Rose Peak Watch Tower . It ' s just a halfmile hike up to this fire lookout , where I ' m told the view is phenomenal .
Nearing the journey ' s end , Highway 191 passes through the Morenci Copper Mine , traveling under haul roads and alongside mining operations that have been ongoing since 1872 . The convenient roadside overlook offers an excellent vantage point from which to view one of the largest open-pit mines in the world . A few miles further down the road brings you to the end of the Coronado Trail and the historic
and Tammy Heid oversee the Rocky Mountain Region as National Evangelist .
town of Clifton , Arizona , with its turn of the century charm and well-preserved buildings .
The Coronado Trail is off the beaten path but can easily be combined with a trip to a Roads and Trails Rally or a CMA State Rally in Arizona or New Mexico . So get out , explore , enjoy the ride , and take someone with you . CMA
13⎪AUGUST 2022⎪www . cmausa . org