For riders looking for a vertical escape from the desert heat, the ascent up Carr Canyon Road (Forest Road 368) into the Huachuca Mountains is a legendary “sky island” journey.
Starting just south of Sierra Vista, the first mile and a half is a paved meander that quickly gives way to a steep, rutted climb that will test your patience and your suspension. The road is characterized by tight, narrow switchbacks with no guardrails, offering “white-knuckle” views as you climb toward the towering quartzite cliffs of the Carr Reef.
While the road is technically passable for most motorcycles, high clearance is strongly recommended due to loose rocks and deep ruts that can shift with the seasons. As of January 2026, be aware that the road often closes seasonally (typically December to March) due to icy or treacherous conditions. At the end of this 8-mile climb, you are rewarded with two distinct high-altitude campgrounds nestled in a forest of ponderosa pines and junipers.
Details
- Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
- Distance: 16 miles out-and-back
- Gas: Sierra Vista
- Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
- Road Surface: paved, gravel, loose rocks, steep hills
- Time: 1 hour round trip
- Connects to: Cascabel-Reddington Loop, Parker Canyon Lake Loop
