This is a four mile loop. I will also describe two possible ways that you could connect with the trail leading to the Presideo and to the end of the San Pedro trail system in Saint David. It is easiest to describe this loop trail going counter clockwise. From the map sign in the parking lot go North a short way along the path to the trail gate. Go through the gate and then ride the trail North. After a short distance there is a sign on the right marking the trail to the Fairbank Cemetery. No bikes are allowed on this trail. After about another mile there is a ruined mill on the right. About a half mile past this you'll come to a junction with a trail leading North down into a big wash. If you wanted to connect with the Presideo trail you would descend the trail to the dry wash. It is a short distance to the river which is usually quite shallow. You would then ford the river and make your way North and West. This is not a clearly marked trail. You would then cross the first abandoned railroad bed you come to and then make your way to the second railroad bed to the West. This is the trail leading North to the Presideo and beyond (see the Presideo Trail). To continue on this ride however just stay on the main trail as it heads West and then follows the San Pedro River South. After about another mile you'll come to an abandoned railroad bridge on your right that leads across the river. It's possible to cross this bridge and connect with the Presideo trails (see the Presidio Trail) but for this ride follow the main trail South along the abandoned railroad bed back to Fairbank. There are some sandy stretches on this section of the trail. Ride through the Fairbank tourist attraction and back to the parking lot to complete the four mile loop.
The Fairbank trails should perhaps be considered a network instead of a loop configuration. You can ride the outer loop as described but the trail from the junction with the trail into the dry wash to the railroad bridge is very sandy. The parts that are firm are a really fun single track but a lot of the trail is a bike push even with very low tire pressure. Concerning the dry wash trail that connects with the Presideo trail. It is not really a trail at all. It is possible to get to the Presideo trail but it is very difficult and you will be sorry you brought your mountain bike along for much of it. I mapped it and the following instructions will help if you decide to try this on your own. The day I crossed the San Pedro river bed it was completely dry so that was no problem. Cross right where the big wash meets up with the river. On the far bank make your way North and West. You need to get up on the high bluff and connect with the abandoned railroad bed there. The easiest place is about 1/4 mile North. Once on this bed you need to come back South to a black post on the West side of the railroad bed right next to a sign with the number "17" on it. From here push through the bushes uphill a short distance to the West. You'll soon see the traces of an overgrown double track jeep road heading Northwest. Follow that up the hill to the intersection with the Western abandoned railroad bed near the Presideo. This is the Presideo trail at a point just South of the Presideo loop (see the Presideo Loop Trail). This "trail was just included because it is listed as possible on a trail sign and to tie this trail in with the Northern trails.
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