From the parking lot ride the trail East for 3/4 miles to the old railroad bed and turn right. Follow the bed South for .3 miles to reach the left turn to the Presideo. There is a toilet facility to mark this junction. There are plenty of signs along this trail. It is maintained to be easily walked. It is interesting to ride through the Presideo. The place was built in 1775 by the Spanish army but abandoned after an Indian massacre in 1780. There are only a few low adobe walls remaining but there are interesting signs to read. The trail will lead through the ruins and then meet back up with the railroad bed a short way to the South. Almost immediately you'll come across a trail on the left leading down to the river. This is the connection with the Fairbank Loop Trail it requires you to get your feet and tires wet (see the Fairbank Loop Trail). For this ride head South on the railroad bed for about two miles to the abandoned bridge. Crossing this bridge will connect with the Fairbank Loop Trail. For this ride turn around and ride back to the parking lot. You can bypass the Presideo ruins by keeping to the railroad bed if you wish.
 | Presidio Parking To Saint David |  | 17 mi |
Notifications
By the way you can also reach Inbalance Ranch Road easily from Sierra Vista instead of from Tombstone. From Sierra Vista drive North on Hwy 90 to the junction with Hwy 82. Turn East and drive 8 1/2 miles to mile marker 60 which marks Inbalance Ranch Road. Secondly I would not recommend riding the trail as described. The ride to the Presideo ruins is fun. The ride through the ruins reading the signs is very interesting. However, riding South down the railroad bed to the abandoned bridge is a challenge. Riding on black slag is an art. It is basically a double track on top of fused glass chunks. The art is knowing which of the two tracks is the firmest and some portions of the route are loose on both tracks. Learning to like this sort of riding is an acquired taste. It is not my favorite. It was included just because it is possible and it does connect with the trail system to the South. If you want to stay on the peddles and enjoy an historic three mile ride then just ride the loop through the ruins and return on the railroad bed North the way you came.
* Review edited 11/9/2011
| Thank