Montezuma Pass

Approaches

From East. To start at the bottom we have to go to the middle of the Miracle Valley where the arrow that is Az92 crosses the San Pedro River. The ride on the frost heaved shoulder of this fast highway is less than pleasant, and the approach is better from the other side of Az92. But this side is included to maximize the elevation difference on this side, and besides it is still easily possible.

But things get more interesting after the turnoff onto Montezuma Canyon Road. The first miles are smooth refined pavement, past affluent retirement homes, that seem to congregate around every national park, monument, or in this case historical park.To the north the attraction is the Huachuca Mountains and the sweeping grass fans that lead up to them. To the south it's the border fence, and behind that rounded grassy hills in another world. The pavement lasts past the historical park visitor center and it stops before the first switchbacks begin. After a respectable gravel climb, there is quite a nice view of all the curves below and the mountains. Montezuma Pass now has a sign with elevation, as well as roofed picnic tables, toilets and more.

But the best part is the short .4mile walk from the pass to Montezuma Peak, a rounded hill that gives the view that the historical park promises. Along the way are not only cacti and interesting plants to serve as foreground for the endless procession of hills in 270 degrees, but now also various tablets that help you visualize Coronado's entrance into the valley below with more historically correct detail. How many were there ? What did they bring along ? Where did they go ? It is now a bit more of an educational experienced, where you feel like somebody is taking you by the hand and telling what to think of. During my first ride up here 22 years earlier it was a more intimate experience of privilege, that came from having found a rickety old bench on top of a rounded hill in a extraordinarily unique location. But both approaches have their advantages, and the more people there are, the more you have to take the educational approach.

Slideshow of the short walk between the pass and Cortez Peak Viewpoint

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From West. (described downwards) Gone are the switchbacks of the eastern side. On this side the road takes a relatively lazy traverse along the Huachaca Mountains. The rounded hills on the Mexican side of the Sonora Dessert are like different types of waves in an ocean of grass. Soon the road curves from one bridge over an arroyo to the next, linked together by more gentle bends through a scrubby forest. Progress on this road may be slower than planned. It is pretty rough and somewhat washboarded too.

In order to maximize the approach height on this side the route turns south towards the border onto R62 Lochiel Road and ends at the county line. For a very long dayloop you would continue straight at point 4, without loosing substantially more elevation.

Slideshow of the road approaches to the pass

cLiCk on image , arrows , or thumbnails to advance slideshow