Morenci: Mining History and Scenic Byway

When searching for a hotel in Morenci, the focus of your trip is a useful first point of comparison: Are you mainly interested in mining history, scenery and historic routes along the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, or recreational activities in town? Morenci offers specific points of interest for each of these topics.

The Mine and the Town’s History

The Morenci Mine is now the largest open-pit copper mining operation in North America. Its continuous expansion swallowed up the original towns of Metcalf and Morenci. One trace of old Morenci is the Old Catholic Cemetery: it is the only thing that remains of the former town. Some graves in the cemetery date back to 1881.

The narrow-gauge locomotive No. 5 also tells the story of mining in the region. It was used in Metcalf in the early 1880s, transporting ore from the Matilda shaft on Coronado Mountain to the top of the Coronado Incline. On January 18, 1991, the locomotive was put on display at Morenci Plaza. Its history connects a specific transportation route with the named places and facilities of the mining operation.

Insights into Mining

At the Morenci Overlook, signs explain mining and production processes. Visitors can see a haul truck tire, bed, and engine up close. The overlook opened to the public in May 2021 as a place to learn more about Freeport-McMoRan and its activities in eastern Arizona. Check current access conditions before visiting.

Mine facilities can also be seen from US 191: as travelers enter Morenci Canyon on the road through and above Morenci, they can spot, among other things, an ore crusher directly beside the road. The overlook offers a different perspective on the subject than viewing the facilities along the road.

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway

The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway begins in Morenci at the intersection of U.S. Highway 191 and Burro Alley. The route passes through high-desert landscapes and forests. Along the byway, visitors can also see former Indigenous footpaths that were later used by conquistadors and prospectors as horseback trails. The route brings together scenery and a succession of different historical uses.

For trip planning, the themes are easy to distinguish: the locomotive and cemetery offer specific insights into the town’s and mining history; the byway represents a drive through varied landscapes and traces of historic routes. The mine itself is a feature both at the overlook and from US 191, but in different contexts.

Recreational Activities in Town

Those who want to include some exercise in their stay can use the Kiko Fitness Trail, which is suitable for hiking, jogging, running, walking, and cycling. Riverview Park offers a different kind of visit: its amenities include covered playgrounds, pavilions, a picnic area, a short walking path, fitness stations, and restrooms. This gives visitors a choice between activities on a trail and a variety of facilities in a park.

Morenci Lanes offers bowling and on-site dining. The Morenci Community Center is a hub for Parks and Recreation activities, as well as for clubs and other interest groups. Together with the trail and Riverview Park, these places complement the mining and route themes with opportunities for exercise, outdoor recreation, and community activities. When searching for a hotel in Morenci, you can first decide which of these interests is most important for your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Greenlee County.