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Tortolita Preserve Loop

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (82)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Southern Arizona and Tucson
  4. …Tucson
  5. Tortolita Preserve
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“A scenic route through Ironwoods and Cholla. ”

Troy Everson
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Map Key

9.7

Miles

15.5

KM
Singletrack

2,804' 855 m

High

2,326' 709 m

Low

520' 158 m

Up

520' 159 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Description

To access the trail, go west on Moore road, off Dove Mtn Blvd, to the end of asphalt. There is a parking lot to the right of the old entrance gate.

The bi-directional trail starts out on a gradual uphill assent through Ironwoods, Palo Verde, and many cactus. It can be hard going at times due to portions of the trail being natural drainage fingers. At about the 1.3 mile mark you can take a shortcut straight north. If you are looking for a workout, stay the course up to the 2.5 mile mark.

From there it is mostly downhill. Watch your speed through the tight turns or you may end up hugging a Cholla or Prickly Pear (I've Been there - It hurts!). There is a large wash crossing at about the 4.5 mile mark. The trails gets a little more rocky, challenging at times, but is still very fun. There are some of the steep, rocky, crossings that require the brakes and some thought.

A little past the NW corner, of the loop, the trail flattens out again crossing several wash fingers along the way to the 8 mile mark. From there, it is another winding, but gradual, uphill climb to the starting point. This loop is a fun workout that requires speed, through some wash crossings, technique, and even some patience.

Contacts

Local Club: Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

Land Manager: Town of Marana Parks and Recreation

Shared By:

Troy Everson with improvements by mike kelly and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 82 votes

#1

in Tortolita Preserve

#66

Overall
  4.2 from 82 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Tortolita Preserve

#5

in Arizona

#66

Overall
128 Views Last Month
12,461 Since Oct 15, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
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18%
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Photos

Can you say "Saguaro"? One of many desert wonders we have in Tucson, AZ on the Tortolita Preserve loop trail.
Mar 31, 2019 near Marana, AZ
Lake Vista Gallery south from Tortolita Preserve Loop
Nov 3, 2014 near Tortolita, AZ
Large Cholla growing into trail forces you to steer right into deep sand. Couldn't clip out and flopped down.
Dec 20, 2015 near Tortolita, AZ
Steep crossing on Tortolita Preserve Loop
Nov 3, 2014 near Marana, AZ
Big daddy saguaro
Nov 14, 2020 near Marana, AZ
Short cut left or full loop straight
Nov 3, 2014 near Tortolita, AZ

6 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 28, 2024
Ethan K
Beautiful rolling/banked trail and desert scenery. 9.9mi
Mar 19, 2024
Patrick Byers
Feb 22, 2024
Patrick Byers
Jan 22, 2024
Patrick Byers
Jan 20, 2024
Claire Cobbs
9.7mi
Jan 18, 2024
Patrick Byers
Jul 2, 2023
Bill Moritz
Two laps in before it got too hot. Trail has been bedded in nicely and fast right now. 18.8mi — 1h 50m
Apr 1, 2023
Nathan Rubelman
10.1mi — 1h 05m

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