Visit Tucson for your next mountain biking trip

Tucson

Arizona

Desert landscapes and mountain rides! Explore 310 miles under the Arizona sun in this desert gem.

Tucson is a city located in southern Arizona, known for its desert landscapes, rich history, and unique blend of cultures. The city offers a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. The area is surrounded by mountains and is popular for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring Saguaro National Park. Tucson's culinary scene features Sonoran Mexican cuisine.

The area has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time for mountain biking is generally spring and fall, when the weather is more pleasant. Summer can be extremely hot, so it's important to ride early in the morning or late in the evening and carry plenty of water. Be prepared for dry, dusty conditions and check trail conditions before heading out.

Featured MTB Trails

The Tucson area offers 310 miles of a variety of mountain biking trails that showcase the desert terrain. The trails provide a mix of flowy singletrack, technical challenges, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes.

  • IMBA Ride Center: Tucson is recognized as an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center, celebrating its rugged Sonoran Desert landscape and the diverse, challenging trail systems woven throughout its five surrounding mountain ranges. What makes Tucson truly special for mountain bikers is this dramatic environmental diversity, the sheer volume of challenging singletrack offering year-round riding opportunities, and a passionate local cycling community that actively builds and maintains these remarkable trails.

  • Mount Lemmon / Aspen Draw / Bug Springs / Prison Camp: This is Tucson's iconic high-elevation riding, offering a shuttle-accessed (or very long climb) descent of thousands of feet from the cooler pine forests down to the desert. Trails like Aspen Draw, Bug Springs, and Prison Camp are classics, known for their technicality and varied terrain.

  • Fantasy Island: A popular in-town network of tight, twisty, and fun singletrack with man-made features, good for intermediate riders and quick laps.

  • Honeybee Canyon / Tortolita Mountains: Located north of Tucson, this area offers desert singletrack with beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery, including saguaros. Trails range from easier loops to more challenging climbs and descents.

  • Starr Pass / Robles Trail System (Tucson Mountain Park): Features rocky, technical desert trails with challenging climbs and great views. Trails like Yetman, Starr Pass, and Rock Wren are popular.

  • 50-Year Trail (Golder Ranch): A classic Tucson trail system offering a variety of loops through the Sonoran Desert, known for its technical sections and scenic beauty.

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