Wildlife (and not so wild) Encounters

Wildlife encounters are common while mountain biking Tucson trails.

Snakes & Reptiles: DO NOT kill snakes, even rattlesnakes. This is their territory and most will move off given the chance. Being bitten is rare unless you get too close. Gila monsters are often seen along some of our trails. As with snakes, let them alone and they will go away on their own. Horned lizards are also common. Leave them along and do not pick them up as their defense system is often to spray blood at you from small vessels near their eyes.
Tortoises: Desert tortoises are often seen, especially after a rain. Do NOT pick them up to move them off the trail. They will often expel all their urine out of fear and this leaves them without any water reserves so they will die. Again, like with snakes, let them move off the trail on their own or go around them.
Predators: Coyotes, badgers, and others should be left alone. Do not harass them and let them alone. Give them room to escape. Mountain lion sightings can be common out on the trails. Do not run or bike away. Try to look large—hold up your bike. Wave arms, spread out a jacket if you are wearing one. Throw rocks or sticks. If attacked, fight back.
Birds: Raptors and scavengers are common on our trails. Owls can be seen on some trails (Enchanted Hills Tecolote Trail is named for the owls nesting in the cliffs). Again, leave them in peace. Take photos from a distance.
Deer, cattle, horses, and other grazers. Again, let them alone. Do not harass or chase them. Do not ride up on stock dams and say at least ¼ mile away from water sources. Leave gates as you find them unless you find an open gate that is posted with a sign that says to keep the gate closed. Then close it.

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Mt Graham Article about SDMB Volunteers

By Michael Dematties • July 29, 2026

Local News Volunteers Partner with Forest Service to Restore Mount Graham’s Cunningham Loop Trail July 26, 2026 - by News Director Share Share Pin It Share Forest Service Photo: A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. Gila Herald Staff Reports MOUNT GRAHAM — A dedicated group of community members and trail advocates spent early Saturday morning giving back to the Pinaleño Mountains, coming together to restore key portions of the western Cunningham Loop Trail #316 in the Safford Ranger District. The workday—organized by the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)—brought together 23 volunteers, group members, and U.S. Forest Service personnel, including Safford District Ranger Voelker. The team focused efforts on the southeastern section and connector trail of the western loop. Cunningham Loop Trail #316 is a popular destination for both mountain bikers and hikers, utilizing a blend of historic roadways and singletrack to form an approximately 4.5-mile loop. Forest Service Photo: Volunteers use a crosscut saw to enable moving a large log out of the way. To carry out the restoration without disturbing local wildlife or disrupting the natural surroundings, volunteers relied on traditional, non-motorized hand tools—including crosscut saws, McLeods, pickaxes, and pulaskis. The use of these purpose-built tools allows trail maintenance and construction to proceed quietly year-round. Organizers noted that the volunteer crew represented a wide variety of backgrounds, united by a shared goal to improve outdoor access and enhance the overall visitor experience in the Pinaleños. Collaborative efforts between local organizations like SDMB and the Forest Service remain vital for keeping trails open and well-maintained across the district. Forest Service Photo: The trail has been restored. How the Public Can Help Community members looking to support the trail don’t necessarily need a shovel to contribute. Trail organizers encourage local hikers and mountain bikers to get out and explore the newly restored path. Regular foot and bicycle traffic plays an important role in trail maintenance by helping compact the soil and prevent future erosion. To learn more about local trail stewardship initiatives or get involved with future workdays, visit the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists website or check out details on the Cunningham Loop Trail #316 .