A couple years ago we did a hike in Coronado National Memorial Hike, and visited a cave! This year we rode mountain bikes from Parker Canyon Lake up to Montezuma Pass at the top of Coronado National Memorial and back. The ride was 30 miles with 3282′ of climbing up to the highpoint on the pass of 6575′.
We rode by Parker Canyon Lake the other day but this time we drove there and started our ride from the lake. This ride was all gravel/dirt road and as usual, remote and beautiful. The gravel at the start is pretty rough as we rolled along towards the pass. Eventually it gets better and there are some long straightaways with good views all around. Quite a few border patrol trucks passed us and at one of the dry creek crossings we came across a truck stopped with the agent out giving food to an illegal crosser. They would pass us later as I assume he was being hauled into detention.
From miles away we could see the pass and the climb we were in for. Along the way we passed Sycamore Canyon and true to name, Sycamores were everywhere. There was zero water flowing in Sycamore Creek or Joaquin Creek this time of year and we blasted right through. The rocky cliffs and features along the way were dramatic and the road looking back was impressive. From the top of the pass there are views of the San Raphael Valley to the west, the San Pedro Valley to the east, and Mexico to the south. In fact, it’s only about a mile to Mexico.
At Montezuma Pass we split a bar, stretched our backs and took off back down what we just climbed and to the start at the lake. The wind picked up a bit on the way back which was fine, because even though it’s November, it was 84 degrees for the ride! Tomorrow is a day off for us and we think it’s well deserved.
Leave a Reply