Forum Discussion

Curly2001's avatar
Curly2001
Explorer II
Aug 02, 2021

Highway 191 north of Morenci towing trailers

I would like to know how unsuitable for trailers is highway 191 from Morenci,Arizona to Alpine, Arizona. I have a fifth wheel that is about 29' long and my friend has a 28' tow behind trailer. Just want the best way from Tucson to Alpine for safe towing. Yes, I have lived here for years and have never gone that way.
Thanks in advance,
Curly
  • I did it years ago North bound in a 25' Class C. Slow but great scenic drive. I would not do it South bound in an RV or either direction towing. An alternative I have used is AZ/NM-78(Three Way, AZ) to US-180. Still lots of twists and turns but I don't think the grades are as steep.
  • Yes the OP is describing "The Devils Highway" which is widely regarded as the greatest motorcycle road in North America. I've ridden it on my bike half a dozen times and though I never counted it is reported to have 1,100 curves in just 95 miles and at least a quarter of those curves are first gear events... on a motorcycle. :S

    The views are spectacular and most of the road is at 7 to 9,000'. One of the biggest challenges aside from all of the tight {and I mean very tight curves} is the relatively short weather window to safely ride the DH. Obviously winter is off the table but during summer the Monsoon thunderstorms {and this year is setting records almost daily} cause lots of rockslides rendering the road dangerous to impassable. Given the light traffic it gets keeping it clear is a pretty low priority for ADOT.

    My bride and I first rode the DH in late May which was fine and early fall can be doable as well but whenever you go watch the weather and don't try it if there has been recent storm activity.
    It would be fine in any car our truck but towing, especially a large rig, is not for the feint of heart or sound of mind. :B

    Here isa shot taken about halfway between Morenci and Alpine looking west:

  • Thanks so much for the advice. Will make an alternate route.
    Thanks--Curly
  • I researched that route a few years ago when we were touring Moab and then heading south into Az. Apparently there are lots of switchbacks and a tunnel with a height of 12’ 7”. Since our fifth wheel is 13’ 2” tall, we did a different road.
  • One of the twistiest roads in the US. Try it without the trailer first. It used to be the Devil's Hwy, Rt 666. I've been on it, one and done.

    If you just want to go to Alpine go through Globe and Show Low.
  • Subscribing so I can see the replies. I've also lived in AZ for years and years. Been to Alpine, but not south to Morenci. I just told friends not to drive that portion in their motorhome because I thought I remembered that advice here on these forums.