Coronado Trail is in east-central Arizona, northeast of Safford. The southern access is in Morenci. The byway parallels the Arizona-New Mexico border as it travels north to Springerville.
The 123-mile route follows US 180 and US 191, which are two-lane paved roads. Sharp curves and steep drop-offs exist along several sections of narrow road with no guardrails. The byway is not recommended for vehicles towing a trailer or RVs over 20 feet long. Temporary closure is possible during winter, otherwise the route is open year-round.
Coronado Trail travels through steep canyons and across high rolling mountains with beautiful views of lakes and meadows. The byway crosses the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, which have the largest stand of ponderosa pine in the nation. Two wilderness areas are adjacent to the byway: 5,200-acre Escudilla Wilderness and 11,080-acre Bear Wallow Wilderness. Numerous trails along the byway provide access to these pristine wilderness areas.
Several Forest Sevice campgrounds are located along the byway. Luna Lake Campground, located east of Alpine off US 180, has 50 RV and tent campsites. Other campgrounds along the byway are smaller, offering a more secluded setting. A three-mile hiking trail at K.P. Cienege Campground leads to a scenic waterfall on K.P. Creek.