A Ride On (and Off) the Arizona Trail
A hike and bicycle ride in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson sounded like a perfect endeavor for a muggy August weekend. Escaping the desert heat was the main goal; it was easily achieved by visiting the verdant trails and back roads leading up to the eastern flanks of Mount Wrightson.
We had planned a loop that combined sections of the beautiful Arizona Trail and several jeep trails and forest roads. Exiting AZ Highway 83 just north of Sonoita, we started up Gardner Canyon Road before exiting near Kentucky Camp on a spur road. The monsoon rain had made the usually dry hills a moist green – easy on the eyes and the feet. Wildflowers were everywhere, and the grass had moisture on it from the night before.
The ladies and the boys split at the trailhead: Kelly, Lance, Aaron, and Tim set off on two wheels and Erin, Elaine, and Jenny left on foot. Each group headed out for several hours of exploration and fun in the Santa Ritas. Sara, Tim’s dog, also joined the hiking group as they traced much of the same route as the bike riders. Tim showed us our route for the day on The Map, and we agreed on a time for a rendezvous.
The twenty-mile loop ride started out on the forest road—easy riding with nice views all around. As we warmed up, we looked ahead to Mount Wrightson (the highest peak in Santa Rita Mountains), which dominated the horizon. Hills and canyons stretched on each side of us. After dropping quickly through the Kentucky Camp historic site our way became classic single track as we joined the Arizona Trail. We followed the trail through knee-high grass for a mile or two, opening and closing several gates and also stopping for pictures.
We climbed out of the draw we were in, and left the AZ Trail at another forest road. This road-trail dance lasted all the way up to the end of the Gardner Canyon Road, where we took a link trail to get us back around to what Tim called the “money” part of the ride. Before embarking upon this stunning stretch we had a long downhill run including multiple muddy and clean stream crossings. It was getting warm, so we stopped at some pools to cool off and rest. The “money” stretch was another classic single track section of the AZ Trail, lots of views that distracted us from our bike handling. It didn’t last nearly long enough, and I was ready to turn around and do it again, but we still had lots of riding (and walking) ahead of us.
After several more canyons, roads, and segments of the AZ Trail, we were preparing for a very steep, exposed section of trail when AJ had a serious blowout that cost him a tire and two tubes. Following repairs, we were on our way again when Tim led us on a road that had several large logs across it. I thought: “Hmmm… the logs must be there for a reason.” We went that way and it turned into a gnarly bike-hike-portage-bushwhack that made us a few hours late back to the trailhead! It was fun, though, as it added an “epic adventure” taste to the day as well as a few more dents and scratches.
Carrying our bikes down and up two sets of canyons and ridges we finally saw the road, and rejoiced in the feeling of riding again. We were back to Kentucky Camp in a few minutes, which meant one long last climb—then we were home free. My legs quit on the last hill, so I walked the bike and got back on at the top for the last fast dash to the cars. Thankfully, it was all downhill on a nice wide forest road.
We met the ladies back at Singing Valley Ranch, where Kelly and Elaine live. We shared had a wonderful meal and enjoyed showing off our injuries (especially AJ with a huge gash on his knee and a bum ankle). Sitting on their verandah in our Crocs we watched, smelled, and listened to the afternoon storm pick up steam in the south. The clouds built up and by the time we were cruising home the sweet summer rain had covered the land.
I will definitely be back to the Santa Rita section of the AZ Trail. The area is laced with hiking and riding trails, and it’s not too far for a day trip or quick weekend getaway. If you would like an adventure on two wheels head to the Santa Rita foothills and don’t forget to read the map from time to time.
