Carr Canyon Road is located within the Coronado National Forest. There are quite a few places for dispersed motorcycle camping along the way, and a couple of developed campgrounds near the end of the road. One of my favorite campsites ever is on this route, a hidden gem in the forest overlooking the town of Sierra Vista below.
Carr Canyon | Arizona
Details
- Distance: 8 miles
- Location: Arizona
- Start: AZ-92
- End: Ramsey Vista Campground
- Roads: Carr Canyon Road
- Conditions: dirt road, graded, can also be loose, rocky depending on season
- Cities: Sierra Vista, Arizona
- Camping: Coronado National Forest
I leave Bisbee and the Mule Mountains on Highway 82 and begin heading west across the open landscape toward the Huachuca Mountains in the distance. These mountain ranges are just two of the many “sky islands” in this part of the country. Covering four states and extending south into Mexico, the Madrean Archipelago ecoregion is known for its biological diversity. If I was hungry or thirsty I would stop for lunch at the Bright Spot Restaurant near Palominas, AZ. Instead, I opt for an espresso at Urbano Coffee on the outskirts of Sierra Vista before riding up into the canyons I can see in the distance.
Carr Canyon Road
Carr Canyon Road was built in 1881 by James Carr. Originally it was used to open the area up for gold and silver mining. The road was reconstructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. After the road turns to dirt, one of the first places to stop is the Carr House, a historic cabin that is now a Visitor Information Center.
The ride up to the end of the road is only about 8 miles in length and I have seen the condition of the road vary throughout the year. It can be bumpy, with scattered loose rocks and several fairly tight switchbacks. I shouldn’t have any problems getting up their on my adventure motorcycle and I have driven my 4×4 van up there on several occasions (without needing to use the four wheel drive).
Sky Island Scenery
As the road winds its way up the side of the mountain there are several pullouts available to stop and enjoy views of the landscape below. A big part of the enjoyment of this ride comes from the many scenic views of the town of Sierra Vista below, and the Mule Mountains on the horizon. Because I am ascending more than 2,000 feet in elevation during this ride, I will experience the transition to a completely different environment along the way – a signature occurrence in the sky islands.
Cool Forest Camping Location
Whether I stop at one of the many scenic pullouts or ride all the way to Ramsey Vista Campground at the end of the road, I make sure to stop and take a moment to enjoy the color temperatures in the pine forests at the higher elevation. This would make an ideal ride for an afternoon picnic in the cool ponderosa pine forests. Because of the eastern facing orientation of this canyon, I would suggest riding up there early in the day during the winter and later in the day during in the summer as much of the route will be in the shadows in the later part of the day. No matter what time of year you go, this ride makes for some easy cool forest camping in the desert.
