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A beautiful introductory ride through some of the most beautiful singletrack in Tucson.


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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

Shared By:

Evan Olson with improvements by Britt Adams and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 129 votes

#107

Overall
  4.4 from 129 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#8

in Arizona

#107

Overall
349 Views Last Month
38,226 Since Jan 2, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

3%
9%
75%
5%
8%
0%

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
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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 4 days ago
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