Sutherland Wash and Romero Canyon Crossing

The Nature, Catalina, 50-Year and Bridle Trail Loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience through the stunning Sonoran Desert. You'll navigate everything from the smooth, easy singletrack of the Bridle Trail to the rugged, technical sections of the 50-Year Trail, including challenging rock features like Cowboy Slickrock. The route provides constant views of the majestic Catalina Mountains, dotted with saguaros and mesquite forests, making for a visually rewarding ride.

This 9.2-mile (14.8 km) loop, with 900 feet (274 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. While the overall difficulty is manageable, be prepared for some technical sections, especially on the 50-Year Trail. Catalina State Park is your access point, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and beat the desert heat.

This trail system is celebrated for its versatility, catering to a wide range of mountain biking skills. The 50-Year Trail, in particular, holds iconic status among Tucson riders, known for its unique rock slab riding opportunities. It's an excellent place to develop technical skills while immersing yourself in the unique desert ecosystem, with chances to spot wildlife like deer and javelinas.

Mountain bike the easy 5.2-mile Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park, gaining 266 feet over 43 minutes.