GREEN MOUNTAIN
Level: Intermediate to Advanced (3C to 3D)
Description: Green Mountain is a fun and technical ride up in the cool forest of Mt. Lemmon. Recent trail work has made this trail much more rideable than in previous years, but be aware, it still is quite tricky in places and most riders will have to walk a few sections. Some exposure, tight switchbacks, lots of rocks, roots and a good number of bone-jarring waterbars are better handled with longer-travel bikes, though it is certainly possible for hardtails.
Be aware of hikers who may be climbing up from the campground at the base. The trail disappears at the bottom creek as you enter the campground. Exiting through the campground will put you right back out on Catalina Highway. Unless you leave a vehicle at the trail exit, it's a long ride back up Catalina Highway to the trailhead.
One popular option is to park vehicles at the Molino View parking lot just south of the Fee Station, and shuttle up to Green Mountain. From there, you can easily ride Green Mountain, Bug Springs, and Prison Camp, which ends just a mile or so uphill from your parked cars. One of our great sponsors, Southwest Trekking, offers a shuttle service for those interested. You need to have at least six riders, and the cost is usually around $15/person. Contact John at SWTrekking and tell him you found this on the SDMB site.
Another popular option is to park your cars at the Agua Caliente Park, and shuttle up the mountain. Shuttling, you can do Aspen Draw, Green Mountain, Bug Springs, Prison Camp, AZTrail-Molino Basin trail and La Milagrosa for a technical-lovers dream day-ride. Be aware this combo ride is brutal and not for the faint-of-heart.
Directions: Take Mt. Lemmon Highway to the Upper Green Mountain parking area. At the southern side of the parking lot, the trail begins with a steep hike-a-bike, but after that, it's (almost) all downhill. Google Map.
A trail shot from Green Mountain.
The start of many waterbars.
A few tricky, steep switchbacks.