Spring Devil's Highway Drive

U.S. Route 666 was first commissioned in 1926, with a northern terminus of Cortez, CO. The Signage arrived to Arizona in 1938, stretching to Douglas, of which 30 miles of it overlapped U.S. Route 66. 1985 marked the end of U.S. Route 66 designation, leaving U.S. Route 666 an orphan. Due to dislike of the reference to the Antichrist, street signs were stolen at a faster pace than they could be replaced. Rerouting and complaints from superstitious drivers were a few of the reasons that lead to the gradual cessation of Route 666. Eventually, Arizona changed the numbering to U.S. 191 in 1993. On May 31, 2003, U.S. Route 666 officially became extinct, leaving legends, scenic miles, and the nickname “The Devil’s Highway” for posterity. The “Loop” will start in Alpine and wind its way east into New Mexico (Hwy 180). We will make our way to the Heifer Basin scenic overlook and then to Glenwood, New Mexico for a brief stop. From there, we will hook down and around to Clifton, Arizona (Hwy 78) and then back up to Alpine, Arizona (Hwy 191). The total distance is about 210 miles of spectacular views, mountain vistas, high mountain meadows, and enough twists, curves, and long-fast sweepers through multiple elevation changes to make you and your BMW happy for many months to come! We will drive the loop once – on Saturday. Departure will be on Saturday morning, at about 9:30 am, from the Escudilla Mountain Cabins. Our stop to refuel at the Marathon station in Morenci will probably be before lunch. We will stop for lunch around 12:30 pm at Michelle’s in Morenci. Michelle always takes very good care of us. Once we are all fed and rested, we will get back to it and continue the route back up to Alpine on the deliciously twisty portion of Highway 191 – the Devil’s Highway! We will make one final stop at the Blue Vista Outlook. Once we return to Alpine, you will have the opportunity to recap your extraordinary adventure with other BMW enthusiasts, over a delicious meal, at the Foxfire at Alpine Restaurant at 7 pm.