Arizona Biking
Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert
In Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, a vast expanse of sky opens upon a landscape as beautiful as it is rugged, and as rich in history as it is in fascinating flora and fauna. In the spring, prickly pear cactus, desert sand verbena and evening primrose burst to life, adding splashes of sweet fragrance and bright pinks, purples and yellows to the earthy terrain. In the fall, cooler temperatures renew the desert’s lease on life - and the cyclist’s desire to explore! Join us either season to discover this exquisite wilderness. Bike through Saguaro National Park, stopping beneath the towering succulents to see a roadrunner zip by your feet. Explore the Altar Valley’s rolling grassland and rocky outcrops, and browse the art galleries of historic Tubac. Add top-notch cuisine, two luxurious resorts and an authentic guest ranch and you’ve got the real Arizona experience.
Trip Planning Links
- Pedal quiet roads in the Sonoran —one of the most biologically diverse deserts on the planet
- Marvel at towering cactuses in Saguaro National Park
- Visit the galleries and boutiques of Tubac and explore the fascinating Tumacácori Mission
- Spot wildlife — perhaps pronghorn antelope and road runners — in the Altar Valley
- Whoop it up at an authentic dude ranch
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Tucson
Savor views of the spectacular Santa Catalina Mountains 
Pedal in the shadow of 6,700-foot Mount Lemmon en route to eastern Saguaro National Park Gaze at iconic saguaros, which live about 150 years and can weigh two tons! Bike through the Tucson Mountains to stunning Gates Pass and western Saguaro National Park Meet Gila monsters and prairie dogs at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, home to hundreds of animal and plant species, and myriad nature paths Relish an afternoon at the resort to swim, stroll interpretive trails or opt to golf or indulge at the spa.
Days 3-4 Sasabe
Spin through the Altar Valley and catch sight of 7,730-foot Baboquivari Peak, the most sacred place for the Tohono O’odham people Explore our remote serene guest ranch on foot with the charismatic owner, on horseback with wranglers or by mountain bike Spot masked bobwhite quail or loggerhead shrikes at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Lounge under a night sky exploding with stars.
Days 5-6 Tubac
Ride across the high Sonora Desert’s picturesque rolling hills with broad vistas and tiny ranch towns In the art colony of Tubac, peruse pottery studios or visit Tumacácori, a Spanish-Colonial mission built in 1691.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Arizona Biking
Desert Decadence: Premiere Inns
Loews Ventana Canyon
Tucson (2 nights) Ease into desert life at this impressive resort, set at the foot of the Catalina Mountains on 100 semi-arid acres. The natural surroundings are echoed in the hotel’s earth-toned décor, but there’s no hint of ruggedness in the 7,000-square-foot full-service spa, spacious guest rooms, swimming pools or two championship golf courses.
Rancho de la Osa
Sasabe (2 nights) A National Geographic Traveler favorite, this intimate authentic guest ranch, steeped in 300 years of history (with visits by presidents and movie stars), features adobe guest rooms adorned with Mexican antiques, private porches with mountain views, delectable Southwestern cuisine, a swimming pool and spa, and access to pristine desert wilderness.
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
Tubac (1 night) This stylish historic hotel, settled as Otero Ranch on land granted from Spain in 1789, welcomes you with red-tile roofs, wood-beam ceilings, brick archways, beehive fireplaces and plenty of sumptuous amenities, including plush bathrobes and linens, a heated outdoor pool, boutiques and galleries.
Arizona Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 18 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 50 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 12, 47 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Hiking, Horseback Riding & Mountain Biking Options
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 20, 35, 47, 50 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
1 route option
- 8 miles
- Cultural Visit