Scenic Drives
Carr Canyon Road (Forest Road 368)
If you look up at the Huachuca Mountains from the town of Sierra Vista,
a band of sheer cliffs bends and curves across the face of the mountain
range. The relatively flat area above is called the Carr Reef. In
this case, however, the word “reef” doesn’t refer to coral
and oceans. It harks back to an earlier time when it also meant a thick
layer of exposed rock. While you’re looking at the Reef, you
may also notice a tree-covered break in that impressive barrier,
just south of a deep canyon. Look even closer and you should see
a barely
visible set of switchbacks climbing that slope. That is the Carr
Canyon Road, the only road into the upper reaches of the Huachuca
Range.
This narrow, winding road was built at the turn of the century to open
up the Carr Reef to gold and silver mining. It was reconstructed
in the late 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The mines
have come and
gone, but the road persists with little change. The people who travel
it, however, have changed considerably. Where hardy prospectors once
searched for their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, outdoor
recreationists and history buffs now travel the Carr Canyon Road
to enjoy splendid scenery
and seek the flavor of the past.
For them, the Carr Canyon Road provides the reward of extraordinary
views of Sierra Vista, the San Pedro Valley, and a number of surrounding
mountain
ranges as it winds its way up the mountain. Since the road is so
narrow, we recommend for safety that you use one of the pullouts
along the
road if you want to stop and enjoy the view. A forest recreation
area stands
in an area once occupied by the mining outpost of Reef. Here, you’ll
find the Reef Townsite Loop Trail and two scenic forest campgrounds.
From the Reef, the Carr Peak Trail #107 and Comfort Springs Trail #109
connect to an extensive network of trails that lead throughout the
Huachuca Range.
Attractions:
Panoramic views
Historic mining district
Camping and picnicking
Self-guided interpretive trail
Hiking and horseback trails
Location: Twelve miles south of Sierra Vista, AZ, high in the Huachuca
Mountains among the ponderosa pines. Elevation is 7,200'.
Access: From Tucson, travel east on I-10 to State Highway 90
(exit 302). Turn south and drive 33 miles on AZ 90 through
Sierra Vista
to the Carr
Canyon Road. Turn right and drive 7 miles up the mountain.
The last 5 miles are dirt.
Mileage/Driving Time: Carr Canyon Road is about 7 miles long.
Allow 1 hour driving time plus some extra for sightseeing.
Season: Year long, but the road may occasionally be closed
due to snow.
Road Conditions: The first mile or so is paved; the rest
is dirt and suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. The
switchbacks are
narrow and
steep with no guard rails. No motor homes on this one.
For further information contact: Sierra Vista Ranger
District
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