Compare: Dragon Tail / Devil's Highway

[beemerdons]

I'll have to do some research, but I think October can be kind of iffy on the weather. So I don't know about making a big plan to ride in October. If you can be reactive to what the weather is that is best. October can have ok weather too.

Remember, there are some portions that are at 9,000'.

That makes sense. Maybe late September? What's the weather like over there now.

https://weather.aol.com/forecast/todays/usa/arizona/alpine/id/85920 Today's weather at Alpine, Arizona; 23 miles from the North end of Highway '666'.

 

[WBill]

I've enjoyed 191 several times and have a couple of remarks to add to Beemerdons'.

First, if you have time, try to spend a night at the Hannigan's Meadow Lodge. It's about halfway between Clifton and Alpine. No TV, and only the front desk has a phone. You can get wireless internet, if you insist, but better to just enjoy the quiet. Good food in the restaurant. You'll probably need a reservation, but wife and I snagged a room about three o'clock one afternoon last July without one. It was the last one available. (Also, a guy from England couldn't get his credit card to work there, so better have cash on hand. Mine worked.)

Next, several times I have very intentionally reminded myself to keep it cool when entering the numerous twisties on that road, and several times I have had to cross over into the oncoming lane because I underestimated the curve. Embarrassing, but there it is. There are usually cinders in the center line of the road, making matters worse. Our cinders are like ice. If you skid on them, especially with a lean on, you are probably going down. Fortunately, nobody has yet been coming the other way.

All in all, a great route to ride, and one I'll keep riding again and again. Oh, and the ride on the NM side is no slouch, either.

Just Sayin', WBill

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

Ive ridden the Devil's Highway 6 times so far. Only met a total of less than 10 vehicles going the other way - most were motorcycles. So far, all the rides were in Oct, and in great weather. Once in the rain but it was a gentle shower that when combined with fallen leaves, made the tight turns just that more interesting. I've ridden both ways but now prefer south to north (uphill). I've had friends do the ride in mid-May and late May (Memorial day weekend). Both encountered snow. The Memorial day ride ran into 6 inches of snow, dropped the bike, and was rescued by a snow plow driver who escorted him back down the mountain. I suppose you could encounter snow in October, and maybe I have just been lucky, but September and October have worked for me so far. In fact, I am planning a ride this October - we'll see how it goes.

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.hannaganmeadow.com/ Thank You, WBill; Excellent Suggestion. Hannagan Meadow Lodge DOES make a great base camp for enjoying Devil's Highway.

Jim in Phoenix: I'm with you Brother, I've never ridden The Devil's Highway in May where I've not hit snow on the roadway. October is perfect! I prefer south to north, too!