Mountain Biking

As you ride through trails surrounded by Saguaro cacti and desert wildlife, you’ll see why Marana is considered some of the best mountain biking in southern Arizona.

With a year-round riding season and a wide range of trail difficulties, it doesn’t get much better than here.

The Area

One of the main areas for riding in Marana is the Tortolita Mountains, tucked just between Marana and Oro Valley with stunning views of the Catalina Mountains. This area of the Sonoran Desert is a perfect mix of rural, natural beauty while being just a short drive from Marana’s restaurants, shopping, and other urban attractions.

The Trails

The Tortolita Mountains are considered the best trails in the area with terrain ranging from low elevation change and wide, to extremely steep and technical. Depending on your riding goals, you can find yourself on a trail 1 mile long or 30! Here are a couple of the most recommended rides:

Ridgeline Loop

12.4 miles, Intermediate/Difficult

A Tortolita favorite, the Ridgeline Loop represents what is great about mountain biking: an exhilarating ride leading to stunning views. There are multiple peaks and valleys on this ride, totaling for a change of 3,000’ up and down. The easiest way to access the trailhead is along Edwin Road, which is a dirt road coming from Catalina. You can also access this trail by riding in on the Honeybee Canyon Loop. This option turns your ride into a 32-mile loop.

Tortolita Preserve Loop

9.7 miles, Easy/Intermediate

If you are in for a more scenic ride that still has challenging moments, this loop is great for you. With gradual inclines and declines, you will ride a total elevation change of just over a 1,000’. The Tortolita Preserve Loop is easily accessible by car, with a short walk/ride from the end of a paved road where you can park. You will surely get your fill of Saguaros and Palo Verde here!

You can check out all the trails on the Mountain Bike Project website or app.

The Community

One thing you can count on in Marana is meeting great people! Whether it is at the brewery or on the trail, you are bound to see a friendly face — especially in the mountain biking scene. If you are looking to find some like-minded riders in the area, make sure to check out Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists. They are a non-profit who constantly host riding events and come together to keep Marana trails clean and secure.

Another local business to keep your eye out for is HMS Bikes. They are one of the few mountain bike shops in Marana, and they do it all! They offer repair services, rent out and sell gear, and host group rides in many different areas.

Hear it from a Local

No doubt, the best way to find the best of anything in Marana is to ask a local — that’s why we asked Will Allison, a local resident and mountain biking enthusiast, for his recommendation.

“Southern Arizona actually has great riding and Marana definitely is worth checking out. Riding in the Tortolitas always feels like an adventure even though I’ve been there dozens of times.” -Will Allison

More Resources

For more information about mountain biking in Marana, please use the resources linked below!

Trail Information

Mountain Bike Project – Tortolita Mountain Park

Community

https://sonorandesertmountainbicyclists.wildapricot.org/

Get Your Biking And Hiking Trail Guide And Map!

Marana is home to one of the finest cycling experiences in the world. Professional cyclists from across the globe consider the Southern Arizona region to be the American “Winter Training Capital.”
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