A motorcycle ride west of Montezuma Pass along the U.S./Mexico border is a rugged journey through the “Sky Island” landscapes of the Huachuca Mountains and the vast, rolling San Rafael Valley.
From Montezuma Pass, the route becomes Forest Road 61 (Montezuma Canyon Road). You descend the west side of the pass, where the technical mountain switchbacks give way to the immense, open grasslands of the San Rafael Valley.
Heading down to the actual border, provides clear views of the border fence and markers. The road here is characterized by sweeping vistas of the Patagonia and Baboquivari mountains in the distance. The road is graded gravel although there are some short sections of rockier terrain through washes and creek beds. You can ride relatively fast on these roads bit expect some steep hills and sharp corners without warning signs. Expect Border Patrol presence. Agents regularly patrol FR 61, and their presence helps maintain the road, but riders should remain respectful of their operations.
Details
- Location: US/Mexico border (west of Coronado National Memorial)
- Distance: 17 miles one way
- Gas: Sierra Vista
- Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
- Road Surface: pavement, dirt, sand, washes
- Time: one hour
- Connects to: Patagonia Loop, Patagonia-Amado Loop, Ruby Road-Arivaca Loop, Parker Canyon Lake Loop, AZBDR Section 1 Loop
