A road in the desert with trees on both sides and mountains in the background.

The Perfect Stop Along the Devil’s Highway, AZ

Deep in the eastern reaches of Arizona, the Devil’s Highway—U.S. Route 191—offers one of the most breathtaking and demanding road trips in the American Southwest. Once known as U.S. Route 666, this stretch of highway winds through the White Mountains with over 400 curves, climbing from desert lowlands to alpine forests. It's a ride sought out by those who crave more than a casual cruise—adventurers looking for raw landscape, solitude, and a true test of focus behind the wheel.



While the route delivers unforgettable views and thrilling elevation changes, it also demands preparation. Among the few reliable stops along this remote road, Hannagan Meadow Lodge stands out as an essential point of rest and renewal. Situated over 9,000 feet above sea level, it’s the kind of place that makes a long, challenging drive worthwhile.

A view of a mountain valley with a road going through it

The Devil’s Highway: Rugged, Remote, and Revered

The Devil’s Highway carves through the eastern edge of Arizona, beginning near Clifton and climbing northward through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This isn’t a typical highway—there are no wide shoulders, few guardrails, and minimal development. It’s a ribbon of pavement bordered by pine trees, wildlife crossings, and steep cliffs.


What draws riders and drivers to this road is the unmatched sense of freedom. There’s very little traffic, and no cell service for long stretches. Elevation changes bring swift shifts in temperature and scenery, transitioning from rocky canyons to high-country forest. For motorcyclists, the route offers hundreds of curves—some so tight they demand low-speed control and constant attention.



This route is not meant to be rushed. And that’s exactly why stopping at the right point is so important.

Why You Need to Plan a Stop on This Route

At first glance, 120 miles might not seem especially demanding. But on the Devil’s Highway, distance is deceptive. The narrow road, frequent switchbacks, and altitude changes create mental and physical fatigue faster than a straight shot across the desert.


Fuel stations are few and far between. Restaurants and lodging options are even more limited. A well-placed stop is more than just a break—it’s a necessary strategy for safely navigating a road that’s secluded, intense, and unpredictable.

A road going through a forest with trees on both sides.

Hannagan Meadow Lodge: A Strategic Pause at 9,100 Feet

Located about halfway between Clifton and Springerville, Hannagan Meadow Lodge provides exactly what most riders and drivers need: rest, warmth, and a place to breathe deep. The lodge sits in a clearing surrounded by forest, offering relief from the heat below and a cool breeze even in mid-summer.


Its location isn’t just scenic—it’s practical. By the time you reach Hannagan Meadow heading north, you’ve likely already tackled dozens of hairpin turns and a couple hours of concentration. For southbound travelers, it’s an ideal place to recharge before facing the descent into the canyon below.

What You'll Find at Hannagan Meadow Lodge

Hannagan Meadow Lodge offers rustic lodging without pretense. Options include rooms in the main lodge as well as standalone cabins that bring you closer to the outdoors. The interiors are simple and smart—wood-paneled walls, sturdy furniture, and fireplaces or stoves to ward off the chill that lingers even in summer.


An on-site restaurant serves hot meals that hit the spot after hours of winding roads. It’s one of the only spots along the highway where you can sit down, refuel, and reflect on the road behind—or the one still ahead.


If you choose to stay longer, the area offers hiking trails, quiet walks, and a chance to spot elk, deer, and foxes in the surrounding forest. In winter, the meadow becomes a snow-covered escape, and activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are possible right from your door.

A Smart and Scenic Break in the Journey

Hannagan Meadow Lodge isn’t an afterthought, it’s a wise addition to any plan for tackling the Devil’s Highway. The terrain demands caution. Fatigue can set in quickly. And when you consider how few reliable stops exist along this stretch, choosing to pause at a high-elevation lodge with warm food and a soft bed becomes a decision that’s as smart as it is rewarding.


Besides its practical benefits, the lodge puts you close to some of the route’s best views. Just north lies Blue Vista, one of the highest overlooks on the route, offering a panoramic view of forested slopes stretching to the horizon. To the south, the road quickly becomes more technical, plunging into the Morenci canyon area—an awe-inspiring and taxing section best approached with full focus.

Ride Hard, Rest Well

The Devil’s Highway earns its reputation—not from danger, but from the sheer intensity of the ride. It’s remote, it’s high, and it rewards those who take it seriously. Hannagan Meadow Lodge offers a rare opportunity to rest in a place that respects both the road and those who travel it.


If you’re planning to experience U.S. Route 191, book your stay beforehand so you can arrive prepared. It’s a decision that will turn a tough ride into a memorable journey—one that leaves you refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.