The Arizona Trail section that heads north towards Saguaro National Park from just past Vail, AZ is a great section. We usually start this ride from the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. The Preserve is a 4,010 acre parcel of land located along Cienega Creek and there was even water running in the creek when we rode by. The out and back was 18.5 miles with 1621′ of climbing. The trail continues beyond where we turned around though it does get easier.
Why do I like this section of the Arizona Trail? It’s a bit technical in spots with lots of rock and narrow tread. It feels somewhat remote because we never see many people on it. The Rincon Mountains loom large and it’s really quiet out on the back side of Colossal Cave. The skies looked threatening the afternoon we rode out here and indeed, we got rain that night.
We’ll definitely ride this section again!
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