Chiricahua Byway

Total Miles 21.2
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

The Chiricahua Byway is an easy forest trail that takes you across the highest "Sky Island" district in Arizona. This trail provides incredible views of the Sonoran Desert, Mexico, New Mexico, and southern Arizona. There are ample camping spots all along this route from paid sites with toilets to primitive ones. At the top is Rustlers Park, a beautiful campground with cabins available to rent in the summer months. You can travel either direction, but the trail is best driven from south to north as it ends at the National Monument where you can spend the day hiking and exploring the Chiricahua National Monument. It's really a gem of a place! Small travel trailers can navigate the trail, but be cautious with larger RV types towards the top of the trail. Portal, Arizona, has some incredible camping as well. This place is really all about camping and enjoying the slower pace. The trail is an easy dirt road but use caution in rain and snow.

Photos of Chiricahua Byway

Difficulty

Most anyone can make it up the trail. Use caution if you have a Sprinter-type vehicle, as the road does get narrower towards the top. Small travel trailers are doable, but RVs or travel trailers longer than 16 feet are not recommended.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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Andy Hunt
Dec 25, 2024
Open
good, easy ride. be sure to go to the National Monument at the east end, very scenic. any 4x4 can easily do this trail. air down for comfort
Paul Flores
Jul 20, 2024
Open
Dale Miller
May 25, 2024
Open
Amazing. You would never know this place existed. Desert getting there and leaving. Forests in the mountain areas. Lots of camping if desired. Few people on trail. Hiking if you want. Wine country when you leave towards Wilcox.
Tony Stephens
Apr 08, 2024
Open
Path was wet in spots with some water crossings up to 6” deep. Was a very easy drive just bumpy on the washboards.
Rob Osborne
Mar 29, 2024
Open
Smooth and dry, in good shape, easy to ride on my big adventure bike. a couple of easy shallow water crossings. No mudholes or ruts to deal with. Spectacular scenery and mountain views!

Chiricahua Byway Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Chiricahua Byway Map

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