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Saguaro National Park Biking Overview
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| Saguaro National Park (Paul Souders/Digitial Vision/Getty) |
Saguaro National Park Road Biking Highlights
- Bajada Loop Drive in the Tucson Mountain District makes a six-mile loop on mostly gravel roads. On the way, you'll pass several trailheads and two picnic areas.
- Cactus Forest Drive winds through the foothills of the Rincon Mountains with many fine views on an eight-mile paved loop. You can detour to Mica View Picnic Area in the north and Javelina Picnic Area in the south.
- The 2.5-mile, one-way section of the Cactus Forest Trail inside the Rincon District's Cactus Forest Drive loop is the only trail in the park that's open to cyclists. On this ride you can visit the lime kilns historic site.
- Carry water on your rides as it's not available on the scenic drives or at the picnic areas. Note that riders and passengers under 18 must wear helmets.
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Saguaro National Park East offers the chance to view native plants and animals while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Sonoran Desert. A popular way to enjoy the park is to take a bicycle ride around the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Mountain bike enthusiasts may choose to ride on a 2.5-mile section of the Cactus Forest Trail located inside the loop drive. All other trails are closed to bicycle use.
The Loop Drive
The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a scenic route through the lower elevations of the park. It is eight miles in length and is paved. This road is open to motorized vehicles and joggers as well as bicyclists. For the safety of everyone using the loop drive, bicycles must obey traffic signs, including direction of travel (most of the loop drive is a one-way road), speed limit, and stop signs.
The loop drive is narrow with many tight turns and steep hills. Maintain an appropriate speed for the conditions and slow down before curves or hills. Take extra caution on the steep hill at the beginning of the one-way road as it has a sharp right-hand turn at the bottom.
Slow down in congested areas such as the visitor center, trailheads, and picnic areas. When passing other users, alert them to your intentions by saying "passing on your left." Always ride single file. Riding two abreast is not permitted.
The Bike Trail
Mountain bicycles are allowed on a specially designated section of the Cactus Forest Trail. This 2.5-mile section of trail is located within the loop drive. This is the only trail within the park that is open to bicycles and it can only be accessed from the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. The trail may be ridden in either direction, but you may not ride against traffic on the one-way section of the loop drive. This portion of the Cactus Forest Trail is also open to equestrian and foot traffic. For everyone's safety, please heed the "Rules of the Trail."
Mountain bicyclists are required to yield to all other trail users. When encountering horseback riders or hikers, stop your bicycle and move off to the side of the trail while they pass. This is particularly important when encountering horses.
Bicycles are not permitted in washes or off trail at any time. Help protect the park by staying on the trail.
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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