A mountain biker wearing a red and blue jersey navigates a rocky trail surrounded by cacti and desert vegetation under a clear blue sky. Sweetwater Preserve mountain bike trail.
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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 13 mi (20.9 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +976/ -249 ft
Total: 151 riders
 

Mountain Biking Sweetwater Preserve

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#14 of 417 mountain bike trails in Arizona
#382 in the world

The Sweetwater Preserve features about thirteen miles of singletrack built by mountain bikers. A pristine piece of desert nestled between existing development, it is truly a gem and holds one of the densest collections of saguaro cactus in the Tucson area.

The singletrack begins to the right as you exit the parking lot. Stay right to enter a thick forest of saguaros. Look for a rare crested saguaro among them. At the top of a small pass, continue to the right on the "Black Rock" and "Sun Circle" loops. Hang on for a high speed blast through the Ocotillos on Black Rock, the longer of the loops.

After finishing the loops turn right to climb the semi-technical Lost Arrow Trail. At the next junction a left turn provides a more challenging option, Red Canyon Trail. Close the loop by descending the Wildflower Ridge Trail, enjoying birds eye views of the entire preserve.

First added by smorris on Jan 12, 2009. Last updated May 2, 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.
Getting there
Exit I-10 westbound on Camino Del Cerro. After 3 miles turn left on Tortolita Rd. The road dead ends at the parking lot after one mile.
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dogroscoe (Mar 21, 2024)
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Good (Feb 4, 2024)
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