Basics
- Location:
- 12 miles south of Sierra Vista, AZ, high in the Huachuca Mountains
- Setting:
- Mountainous
- Surface:
- Maintained Dirt or Gravel
- Suitable Vehicle:
- Passenger Car
- Length:
- 14 miles out/back
- Time:
- 1 hour
- Season:
- Spring - Fall
Description
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 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 recreationalists 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 Reef Townsite. Here you'll find the Reef Townsite Loop Trail, Reef Townsite Campground and Ramsey Vista Campground. From the Reef, the Carr Peak Trail #107 and Comfort Spring Trail #109 connect to an extensive network of trails that lead throughout the Huachuca range.
The first mile or so of the drive is paved; the rest is dirt and suitable for 2-wheel drive vehicles. The switchbacks are narrow and steep with no guard rails. Vehicles with trailers over 12' are not permitted.
