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Highway 260: Camp Verde to Highway 87, Verde Valley and Mogollon Rim, Arizona
Photo: Chris English · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped

Drives Arizona The Mogollon Rim and White Mountains

Highway 260: Camp Verde to Highway 87

State Highway 87 · Camp Verde → Highway 260 at Highway 87

Leisurely31 mi35 min5,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,100 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 260 leaves Camp Verde in the Verde Valley and climbs east toward the Mogollon Rim. The road crosses the Verde River and follows its valley southeast. About nine miles out, it starts a long, steep climb, hugging canyon walls as the desert vegetation turns to conifer forest and the views widen. The road parallels the old General Crook Trail of the 1870s, which ran from Fort Verde to Fort Apache.

The drive ends where Highway 87 meets 260. From there the two highways run together south toward Payson, which this drive does not repeat. The curves are long and easy, so this is a leisurely drive, though the climb is steady, and the road passes through the Tonto National Forest just below the Rim.

Fort Verde State Historic Park, in Camp Verde, is a good stop before you start: it has furnished barracks and officers' quarters.

Along the way

  1. Camp Verde (Highway 260)
  2. Highway 260 at Highway 87
Elevation
5,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,100 ft
Camp VerdeHighway 260 at Highway 87
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Camp VerdeHighway 260 at Highway 87
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Highway 260 is still two lanes over much of its length, with narrow lanes.
  • Wildlife crosses the road, and holiday weekends can be congested.
  • The highway can close during winter storms.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Arizona 511 (ADOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 260 from Camp Verde to Highway 87 take?

Highway 260 from Camp Verde to Highway 87 is 31.1 miles and takes about 35 minutes.

Is Highway 260 from Camp Verde to the Mogollon Rim twisty?

No. It is a leisurely drive with mostly gentle curves, but the climb to the Rim is long and steep, so allow for slower trucks.

Does Highway 260 close in winter?

Highway 260 can close during winter storms. Check Arizona 511 before driving.

What is the General Crook Trail?

The General Crook Trail was a route of the 1870s from Fort Verde to Fort Apache. Highway 260 east of Camp Verde follows its old alignment.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 260: Camp Verde to Highway 87, from Camp Verde to Highway 260 at Highway 87