TRAILS
As the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike Association we care for and maintain many trails in the greater Tucson region. These include lands primarily managed by Pima County, including Sweetwater Preserve, Tucson Mountain Park, McKenzie Ranch. We also work to maintain trail systems such as Fantasy Island and Honeybee Canyon, primarily through advocacy efforts.
We believe that Trailforks currently has the best trail mapping platform out there, and we recommend all local riders to refer to Trailforks.com or to the Trailforks Mobile App.
Greater Tucson:
Tucson Area Riding Area Descriptions
Find your favorite style of riding, whether that be smooth flow or techy chunk, the best areas to ride after rain, and more.
Riding areas near Marana and Oro Valley.
Catalina State Park / 50-Year Trail
Trails on the northwest side of the Catalina Mountains. Lower trails in Catalina State Park and the 50-year trail are relatively smooth, while upper 50-year trails (Middlegate, Upper 50-year, and Gem) are more technical, with many rock slabs and drops. Riding in the 50-year trail system requires a current AZ State Lands recreation permit. Please DO NOT ride here immediately after rain!
Honeybee Canyon / Rail X Ranch
Trails north of Oro Valley. These trails are mainly smooth and pedally, with a few optional technical features, a great beginner / intermediate riding area. Please access the Honeybee Canyon trail network via the Big Wash Trial off of Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Riding in the Honeybee Canyon trail system requires a current AZ State Lands recreation permit.
Tortolita Mountain Park is jointly managed by Pima County and the City of Marana. The main access points are from the Dove Mountain Resort area on the west and from Honeybee Canyon on the east. Western trails extremely rocky and technical whereas eastern trails are a bit smoother with occasional rocks. The Ridgeline Trail ridden from east to west is one of the best trails in the greater Tucson area!
The Tucson Mountains, west of Metro Tucson.
Originally established in 1929 by Pima County for open space preservation and recreation, Tucson Mountain Park now has ~75 miles of prime singletrack. From slow-speed chunk in the Starr Pass Valley, to smooth but sandy west of Kinney Rd, to all of the above in Robles Pass, Tucson Mountain Park has everything. This is the best place in Tucson to ride immediately after rain!
Sweetwater Preserve is managed by Pima County. With 11 miles of prime beginner and intermediate trails, Sweetwater Preserve is a great place to get used to riding in Tucson. Short trail segments allow for loops and rides of all lengths. Sweetwater Preserve can be very busy on weekends in the fall / winter / spring, please be courteous to other users.
The areas around Rincon Valley and Vail.
Fantasy Island is a user-built trail network on the east side of Tucson. Trails here are characterized by flat, mellow riding through desert punctuated by occasional steep gullies. There are fun decorations on many of the trails which creates a unique riding experience. Riding in the Fantasy Island trail system requires a current AZ State Lands recreation permit.
McKenzie Ranch is the newest trail network in the area and contains Tucson's only mtb-specific XC race course. Riders of all skills levels can enjoy these trails, whether training or on a casual ride. Please be respectful of local landowners and DRIVE SLOWLY on Red Hill Ranch Rd. Also, please DO NOT ride here immediately after rain!
The Rincon Valley includes the Arizona National Scenic Trail running from Saguaro National Park down to the Santa Rita Mountains. These trails represent great beginner and intermediate singletrack, and lend themselves to out-and-back or long point-to-point rides. Many rides start or end at Pima County's Gabe Zimmerman trailhead.
SDMB Featured Rides
SDMB has picked out the best rides within the riding areas that we manage. Click below to be directed to featured rides specific to your ability level.
Easy SDMB Featured Rides
These rides represent a great introduction to riding in Tucson, with generally smooth terrain throughout.
Intermediate SDMB Featured Rides
These rides are 10-20 miles with 1-2,000 ft of elevation gain. There may also be some more sustained technical sections.
Expert SDMB Featured Rides
These rides are 30 - 40 miles with 3-4,000 ft of elevation gain. Include both technical climbing and descending.
OR Looking for featured rides in your area of the valley?
