Like the Watermans, The West Silverbells are situated in the Ironwood National Monument, and a ride through them tells you why this land was set aside. It’s Sonoran Desert scenery at its best, and if you aren’t moved by the views you should really clean the layer of dust off your sunglasses. The ride is not technically challenging, and it’s 100% Jeep road, but has a surprising effect on the legs by the time you are finished. It’s hillier than it looks. If you go and it’s warm, bring plenty of water. This is a hot ride in more ways than one, best enjoyed when temperatures are 80 or lower.

There is plenty of cow trail “singletrack” but be warned, riding it may NOT be legal in the monument. That being said, there are plenty of side roads to explore and enjoy the scenery!

Directions: Take Avra Valley Road west from I-10, and set your trip odometer to zero. You will pass the Marana Regional Airport (which has a nice coffee shop) and a last-chance market at Anway Road (which has great home-made chocolate chip cookies). At mile 19.9 turn left on the road to Red Rock, and If you miss it and go straight you will end up at the Silverbell Mine. This is a dirt road that has some nasty wash crossings, and they can be problematic for low clearance vehicles at times. The trailhead is at the cemetery.