ELEPHANT HEAD

Level: Intermediate (3-B)

Description: Not ridden often, this trail is a good one but many times overgrown. The trail offers scenic desert riding on jeep trails and singletrack. You'll get a good look at Elephant Head as you ride by its western face (although it won't look much like its namesake that close). You can adjust the length of the ride to your riding fitness and degree of insanity. Take plenty of water! The trail crosses open desert with little cover. The ride back down Chino Canyon is one of the best downhills around. Lots of curves, whoop-dee-doos, and places to crash unexpectedly.

This trail will occasionally challenge you technically but for the most part it offers excellent riding for all. It's a good ride for building endurance and enjoying a fast trail through the desert. If you turn around before you start to wear out you'll love it. If you push yourself and make the climb to the TV towers your love may take on a deeper meaning. The 6 mile and 4000-ft elevation climb to the towers should not be attempted without plenty of water, snacks, and aerobic fitness.

Directions: Take I-19 south to Green Valley, approximately 30 miles south of Tucson. Watch for Exit 63, Continental Road, on the south side of town. Turn left (east) on Continental Road when you get off the highway. Go 1.1 miles and turn right on Whitehouse Canyon Road to Madera Canyon. Google Map. Follow the pavement 11.2 miles to Proctor Road (dirt road on the right), just past the combination Proctor parking area and fee station. If there are no cones set up channeling you into the parking area, you'll get in free. If not, you'll be redirected past the fee station for a donation. Follow Proctor Road and stay left whenever the road splits. The road will deteriorate into a cobbled jeep trail (FR 781) that ends at the trailhead.

A special thanks to www.cherba.com fand Oscar Corona at xtremebicycling for the description and GPS.

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