TOUR DESCRIPTION (Passage Map)

This diverse and exciting three-day adventure features 60 miles of flowing singletrack through oak and juniper forests, across golden grasslands and finishing among stands of giant saguaro cacti. While technical challenges will be encountered each day, the majority of the route is ideal for beginner and intermediate riders who want to experience the Arizona Trail near Tucson.

The Santa Rita Mountains are incredibly biodiverse, and are one of the only places in America where you might share the trail with a jaguar or ocelot (both have been documented here in recent years). This is the only trip where you can spend time underground, and a walk through Colossal Cave will reveal the incredible world that exists underground. Ending in Saguaro National Park (one of only two National Parks in the country that allow mountain bikes on trails), this three-day itinerary is about as much fun as you can have on your mountain bike.

Arrival day

 

Our meeting point for this trip is Tucson, AZ at the Best Western. The day before the trip starts you can pick up a cooler (if needed) from us to do your shopping for the week.

 

Day One

 

The adventure begins in a canyon on the northern end of the Santa Rita Mountains near a permanent water source. Follow singletrack through dense forests of piñon pine, juniper, oak and manzanita toward Gardner Canyon. Climb a short, steep series of switchbacks before descending toward historic Kentucky Camp. Old adobe structures and rusting mining equipment help tell the story of when this area was bustling with hopes of riches in the dirt. The trail rises and falls through a series of canyons, testing your legs and lungs throughout the day. This area is a bird watcher’s paradise and you’re likely to see everything from tiny grassland sparrows to elegant trogons. Deer, javelina, mountain lions and coatimundi are also abundant. Camp is in a remote valley in the foothills of the Santa Ritas. Ride length is about 19 miles.

 

Day Two

 

Continuing north along the Arizona Trail, today’s route is mostly fast and flowing with a lot of elevation loss between the start and finish. The terrain makes the first few hours a challenge as you ride through the accordion-like ridges of the foothills. But soon you’ll feel like you’re flying as you coast through formidable terrain on recently-built trail. The Las Colinas and Las Cienegas passages of the Arizona Trail were built almost entirely by volunteers, and most of them were mountain bikers. The miles pass quickly as you descend toward Cienega Creek Nature Preserve, a perennial source of water in an otherwise dry desert. Soak your feet in the cold creek water before pedaling north toward Colossal Cave, where the trail gets slightly more technical. The final descent into Colossal Cave Mountain Park is exhilarating, and you’ll roll into camp with your cheeks sore from grinning. Camp is in a lush mesquite and cottonwood forest within La Selvilla Campground. Ride length is 29 miles.

 

Day Three

 

The day begins with a rocky, gentle climb north out of Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Limestone dominates the landscape, which makes for challenging riding, but soon disappears as you descend into lower elevations. The trail seems to get easier with each passing mile, rolling downhill toward Rincon Creek. Sometimes flowing like a creek and other times just a trickle, it’s a pleasant change from the prickly pear and ocotillo forests nearby. Climbing out of Rincon Creek the Arizona Trail enters Saguaro National Park, first on singletrack then on an old doubletrack road that allows you to soak up the inspiring views of the massive Rincon Mountains. Healthy forests of saguaros surround you and Gila monsters and rattlesnakes are commonly seen here. Where the Arizona Trail enters the Saguaro Wilderness area, you follow the Hope Camp Trail toward the Camino Loma Alta Trailhead. If you want more miles, pedal the paved loop through Saguaro National Park – one of the most scenic routes anywhere in Arizona. Along the way you’ll encounter the Cactus Forest Loop, a short segment of trail that is open to bicycles. It’s a great way to experience the biodiversity of the Park. Ride length is 12 miles.

What’s Included

 

  • Shuttle Van and driver
  • Luggage, gear and cooler/food relocation
  • Ready Camp kitchen and general gear

 

Not Included

 

  • Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
  • Lodging
  • Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
  • Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
  • Bikes

Q – Where do we get coolers from you guys to pack our food in?

 

A – The day before your trip starts you can call your driver/guide and set up a meeting time.

 

Q – How much gear can I pack?

 

A – Space is not infinite in our trailer. We ask that you pack smartly in one duffel, plus your tents and sleeping bag. Leave your bike stands, hibachi’s and bath tubs at home.

 

Q – What happens if I have a mechanical or injury and get stranded out there?

 

A – Our trips are truly self-guided and there is no AZT Expeditions extraction team! We suggest bringing a SPOT Messenger or satellite phone and know how to repair your own bike.

 

Q – What’s a good tire choice for this trip?

 

A – The Continental Mountain King II is a great choice for the tough Arizona Trail terrain. You might even consider the UST version for extra protection. For this trip you MUST HAVE sealant in your tires like Slime or latex.

 

Q – What do I bring?

 

A – We supply a full kitchen, water, firewood, chairs, tables, etc. You’ll need your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping gear, bike, clothing and personal items.

 

Q – What’s the shower situation?

 

A – Beginning in 2014 we will have a gravity/solar shower on the trip. This works great for a quick rinse off and refresh.

 

Q – Where do I shop for food for this trip?

 

A – In Tucson, AZ there are quite a few choices.

 

Q – Can I rent a bike for this trip?

 

A – Yes you can. Drop us an email for a few suggestions.

 

Q – How do I navigate the route?

 

A – Prior to the trip we will furnish you with a GPS track including camp locations.

 

Phoenix International Airport has plenty of flights each day and is less than an hour away from Apache Junction, AZ.

  • Tour Details
      • 3 days, 2 nights of self-guided riding
      • 90% singletrack and some double-track and dirt roads in southern Arizona
      • This tour is appropriate for intermediate and advanced riders
      • Includes daily gear transport, Ready Camp Kitchen gear and setup, water and firewood
      • Trip starts and ends in Tucson, AZ
      • Total group size limited to (12) per trip
      • Cost: $395 per person
  • 2022 Dates
      • March 17th – March 19th
      • October 20th – October 22nd