The best cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains

The Rincon Mountains offer over 25 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult trails, with 9 easy, 12 moderate, and 7 difficult routes to explore.

Cycling in the Rincon Mountains offers a dramatic transition of ecosystems. At lower elevations, you'll experience classic Sonoran Desert scenery with towering saguaro cacti and rocky terrain. As you ascend, the landscape shifts to scrub oak, then oak-pine forests, and finally open ponderosa pine forests at higher altitudes. This diversity provides varied experiences, from arid desert rides to cooler, forested climbs.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options, particularly among the 9 easy routes available. For a generally flat and accessible ride, consider the Rillito River Trail – Pantano River Park loop from Fantasy Island - Bunny Trailhead, which follows established river park trails. Another moderate option is the Batty Biker – Pantano River Park loop from Fantasy Island - Bunny Trailhead, offering a pleasant ride suitable for many families.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Rincon Mountains offer several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. The Babad Do'ag Viewpoint – Molino Basin Campground loop from Tanque Verde is a difficult 35.7-mile path with substantial climbing and panoramic views. Another demanding option is Brett’s Mt. Lemmon Climb – Babad Do'ag Viewpoint loop from Colonia Tanque Verde, which features mountainous terrain and significant climbs.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Cactus Forest Drive loop from Sun Tran Park & Ride, which offers scenic views within Saguaro National Park, and the Babad Do'ag Viewpoint – Brett’s Mt. Lemmon Climb loop from Telesis Estates for a more challenging circular ride.

Many routes pass through or near notable attractions. Within Saguaro National Park, you can cycle along the Saguaro East Loop. Other natural features include Bridal Wreath Falls and Wildhorse Tank. You might also encounter trails like Freeman Homestead Trail and Douglas Spring Trail, which offer opportunities to explore the unique desert environment.

The touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse desert flora, the dramatic transitions into oak-pine forests, and the variety of routes that cater to different ability levels, from moderate river park loops to challenging mountain climbs.

Absolutely. The lower elevations of the Rincon Mountains are home to the iconic saguaro cacti. Routes like the Cactus Forest Drive – Javelina Rocks loop from Fantasy Island Trails Park and the Cactus Forest Drive – Javelina Rocks loop from Tanque Verde offer excellent opportunities to cycle through dense saguaro forests and enjoy classic Sonoran Desert scenery.

Many routes have designated starting points with parking facilities. For example, the Rillito River Trail – Pantano River Park loop starts from the Fantasy Island - Bunny Trailhead, which typically has parking. For routes within Saguaro National Park, visitor centers and trailheads often provide parking. Always check specific route details for the most convenient parking options.

The best time for touring cycling generally depends on the elevation. Cooler months from fall to spring (October to April) are ideal for lower desert routes to avoid extreme summer heat. For higher elevation routes that transition into pine forests, late spring and early fall can offer pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery, avoiding both summer heat and potential winter snow at the highest points.

Yes, several routes utilize the established river park trail systems. The Robert A. Price Senior Park – Julian Wash Greenway loop from Fantasy Island and the Julian Wash Greenway – Garden of Gethsemane Park loop from East Valencia Trailhead - Fantasy Island are good examples, offering mostly flat and accessible rides along these greenways.