Black River Drive

White Mountains Online wishes to express our appreciation to the USDA Forest Service, Alpine Ranger District for providing this information!

For more information, please feel free to contact the USDA Forest Service, Alpine Ranger District at 520.339.4384 or you may write us at P.O. Box 469 Alpine, Arizona 85920

Route:

Drive 1.5 miles northwest of Alpine on U.S. Highway 191 (formerly U.S. 666) to FR 249. Turn west and follow this wide, graveled forest road 5 miles to FR 276. Turn south and follow FR 276 about 6 miles to the East Fork of the Black River. The road parallels the river for 7 miles from Diamond Creek Campground to Buffalo Crossing. At Buffalo Crossing turn left (south) 5 miles on FR 24 to FR 26. Turn right (east) 9 miles on FR 26 then left (north) on U.S. 191 back to Alpine. Total mileage is 48. Driving time is about 2 to 3 hours.

Features: Scenic mountain stream Tall trees, shady pools Facilities: Nearest facilities in Alpine 4 forest campgrounds

Notes:

Roads along this route are graveled and suitable for passenger cars in all but the worst weather. This road is closed in winter.

Best season:

Spring and fall are the best times to take this ride. Summers are great too, if you don't mind traffic.

Attractions:

Seven miles of road beside one of Arizona’s most scenic mountain streams provides the highlight for this drive. The river is stocked with trout too, so bring your fishing pole.