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Sweetwater Trail System

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (130)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Southern Arizona and Tucson
  4. …Tucson
  5. Sweetwater Preserve
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“A beautiful introductory ride through some of the most beautiful singletrack in Tucson. ”

Evan Olson
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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.4

KM

95%

Singletrack

2,680' 817 m

High

2,467' 752 m

Low

479' 146 m

Up

479' 146 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

The Sweetwater Trail System has many trails and loops that be ridden in different orders and in different directions. This route seems to be the most popular. It is mostly easy terrain with a few intermediate sections throughout to keep things interesting. This is a multi use trail so keep an eye out for hikers and horses.
AKA: Bitter Rocks Preserve

Description

This route starts out on the Saguaro Vista Trail and continues through to the Sun Circle Loop then to the Black Rock Loop. It then continues up Lost Arrow Trail to Red Canyon Trail, Red Tail Ridge and back to the start on Wildflower Ridge Trail.

Saguaro Vista Trail: Easy singletrack through classic Arizona desert.

Sun Circle Loop: Short and Easy Loop to add some mileage.

Black Rock Loop: Fun loop that has a short intermediate climb and accompanying downhill section.

Lost Arrow Trail: Sustained climb that is somewhat challenging for a beginner.

Homestead Trail: Easy singletrack with a little elevation change.

Red Canyon Trail: Intermediate route that bypasses the majority of the Homestead Trail.

Wildflower Ridge: Fun mostly downhill route back to the trailhead.

Official trail map can be found here: webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/S…

Contacts

Local Club: Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

Land Manager: Pima County - Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation

Shared By:

Evan Olson with improvements by Britt Adams and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 130 votes

#1

in Sweetwater Preserve

#108

Overall
  4.4 from 130 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Sweetwater Preserve

#8

in Arizona

#108

Overall
349 Views Last Month
38,226 Since Jan 2, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
9%
75%
5%
8%
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Add a Photo

Photos

Towering saguaros.
Mar 30, 2016 near Tucson…, AZ
Fat biking through fat saguaros.
Feb 10, 2018 near Flowing…, AZ
A must ride when in Tucson! Sweet ride along Saguaros at the Sweetwater National Preserve.
Mar 30, 2016 near Flowing…, AZ
Having fun within the fields of Arizona cactus.
Feb 10, 2018 near Flowing…, AZ
Enjoy beautiful singletrack in Sweetwater Preserve – just make sure to avoid the cholla!
Feb 17, 2017 near Flowing…, AZ
Riding among the saguaros.
Feb 10, 2018 near Flowing…, AZ

9 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 17 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 28, 2024
Matt Hage
Great ride. Three big rattlesnakes sunning in trail. 7.7mi
Feb 27, 2024
Brian Fosmire
Jan 16, 2024
Darcy Lewis
2nd ride in Tucson. Little more challenging than Tortolita Preserve Loop. Fun, some good little rocky challenges. Lots of nice flow too. 10.6mi — 1h 29m
Dec 28, 2023
Michael Woodcock
Dec 26, 2023
Thomas T
blues were a bit tough for Sara
Jun 7, 2023
Courtney Payne
1h 30m
Apr 20, 2023
Bob Ray
great trail with great views. tons of options for riding or hiking in different directions. nice folks on the trail very courteous and friendly. 13.6mi — 2h 00m
Mar 30, 2023
Corrie Beauvineau

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