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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 9 mi (14.5 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Out & Back
Elevation: +172/ -169 ft
Total: 29 riders
Mountain Biking Tortolita Preserve
#118 of 417 mountain bike trails in Arizona
This is probably the best possible place to take a new MTBer. There is super sweet, non-threatening singletrack running through the full array of Sonoran fauna. Other than some sandy washes, there's nothing to cause a problem and the desert scenery is superb. If not for the fantastic desert trees and giant cacti, however, there would be nothing here to hold the interest of even an intermediate.
First added by John Fisch on Oct 7, 2007. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Tangerine Rd to Dove Mtn, turn north to Moore Rd, left (west) on Moore. At the end of the pavement go straight on dirt approx. 500 yards and look rightside for the trailhead marker and map at the parking area.
This trail is tailor made for a fat bike. It is relatively flat with a lot of sand. The desert vegetation is well established. Development is encroaching on a couple of the borders of the area with housing and a golf course.
| ThankI came here while on vacation. It was a great place to see the cactus and wildlife. The trail was pretty easy and fairly flat. My friend had a good time also. Just a note. The GPS wanted me to turn right onto private property, the trailhead is located through the fence straight ahead.
| ThankKiller 10-mile loop near Marana, AZ. Well designed and maintained trail - lots of fun, and not too technical, so good for all abilities. I rode counter-clockwise, and would recommend same. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/925229042
| ThankI give this a strong 4 stars. I'm an advanced rider but I really enjoy this loop. The sand makes this an intermediate trail but a few rides in and my wife and kids blast through the sand sections and we have fun with the challenges it brings them. There's a few technical sections to test skills but not so tough that it won't cause panic. This is an excellent trail to get to know your bike and help give beginners some confidence!
| ThankVery sandy in parts. As a noob with no idea how to best handle the sand it was a chore. A fun ride otherwise, and in beautiful country!
| ThankReally fun when the trail is in good shape. A lot of winding singletrack and beautiful scenery. Summer monsoon rains have made many portions of the trail super sandy and barely rideable.
| ThankReally fun when the trail is in good shape. A lot of winding singletrack and beautiful scenery. Summer monsoon rains have made many portions of the trail super sandy and barely rideable.
| ThankJust below the Ritz Carlton this area is rich desert. Many spring wolfberries grow in this area, highly nutrious and tasty 2 varieties grow here, April-May, orange-red in color. Orange tasty hackberries in September.
Sandy arroyo crossings are common, best after rain. Big ironwoods, palo verde trees, prickly pear, chollas and more in this lush desert setting.
* Review edited 10/6/2012
| ThankThis trail is only 9 miles, not 12. Easy yes, and great for a beginner who is tentative on other terrain.
| ThankEasy trail thru virgin desert. Pretty level. Actually called Tortolita Preserve Trail, it winds around the perimeter of the preserve and forms a loop. Several sandy wash crossings. 2 kinds of healthy orange wolfberries grow here, ripe in April-
May.* Review edited 9/15/2010
* Review edited 10/12/2011
| Thank