What a delightful way to spend a mid December day! While most of the US is experiencing freezing winter weather, the desert southwest is awash in sunshine. With highs in the mid 60s, it was perfect mountain biking weather so we set out to enjoy a “winter fun day” in Tucson.
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway
Lunch at LeBuzz Cafe
Mountain Biking at Sweetwater Preserve
Mt Lemmon, a spectacular 9,157 ft peak rising out of the desert floor, is a favorite with locals and a must do in Tucson. The Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway is a strikingly diverse ascent. From cactus to hoodoo’s to pine trees all in a 27 mile 6000 ft ascent. With a 30 degree temperature variance between the desert floor and the mountain top, Mt Lemmon is Tucson’s place to cool off in the summer and ski in the winter.
From Tanque Verde Road in Northeast Tucson take E Catalina Hwy to begin the ascent. Take advantage of the stunning view points along the way and watch for cyclists as this is a popular climb.
After a stop at the Mt Lemmon General Store in Summerhaven to purchase some fudge, we headed back down to a hearty lunch at LeBuzz Cafe. From there we headed across Tucson to the best part of the day! Sweetwater Preserve, a 880+ acre preserve nestled in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.
Mountain Biking Sweetwater Preserve
Saguaro Vista Trail
Sun Circle CCW
Black Rock Loop
Lost Arrow
Homestead
Ocotillo Hill
Red Tail Ridge
Red Canyon Trail
Night Hawk Trail
Desperado Loop
The trails in Sweetwater are beginner to intermediate and are a manageable challenge for the beginner, or a rip-roaring joyride for the expert. All depends on how you ride. Trails range from smooth to rocky chunky with small short climbs and easy corners. It’s a good place to improve your skills and learn to maneuver up and over or between rock obstacles without having to worry about severe consequences. Steer clear of the cactus, they always win! If you’re comfortable with the trails at Fantasy Island in Tucson, then Sweetwater Preserve is a good next step.
Ocotillo Hill was my favorite trail with Desperado Loop being second. Ocotillo Hill is a fast, flowing trail with just enough obstacles to keep it interesting. No tight, speed stealing corners or rocky climbs to slow you down. Desperado Loop is a smooth, easy roller coaster ride with a couple rocky uphill corner obstacles.
The trails are well marked so no need to worry about getting lost, I don’t think you could if you tried. The preserve is easy to access as it sits on the western edge of Tucson at the end of North Tortolita Road. Parking is plentiful and there are porta-potties but I don’t recall seeing any water.
Trailhead Access
Sweetwater Preserve
4001 North Tortolita Road
Tucson, AZ 85745
All in all it was a very enjoyable winter day. The kind of day that ends with all of your senses being satiated in the best way!
