Just North of the Border

NOTE: This route enters Saguaro National Park. There will be a rider FEE set by the NPS. If you have a National Park Pass, it will be accepted for free entrance. Up to 4 riders may enter with each NP Pass presented.

This is a new route this year. It starts in Tucson near the University, which is a nice area to hang out before or after the ride. You’ll start by visiting Saguaro National Park (East). There’s an 8 mile loop in the park which does a wonderful job showing off the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

After SNP, you’ll head south to the high desert in southern AZ where elevations will range from 4000-6000 feet (1200-1800 meters). This is the heart of AZ wine country (Sonoita & Elgin) and home to the often visited towns of Tombstone and Bisbee. On the ride, you’ll visit all these places.

You’ll ride down Allen St. in Tombstone right past the location where the Gunfight at O.K. Corral took place. You might even ride through when a reenactment of the gunfight is taking place. After Tombstone is Bisbee. You will have to do some work to get to Bisbee. Mule Pass will be your high point of the ride at just over 6000’. From there, you’ll descend into the heart of the town with its bustling activity. Both Tombstone and Bisbee would be great places to stop for lunch, if time allows. As you exit Bisbee, you’ll visit the Historic Ghost Town of Lowell, then you’ll have some views of the enormous Queen Mine. There’s an overlook looking into the “Lavender Pit” which is worth a quick stop for a photo.

After Bisbee, you’ll head south and ride “Just North of the Border” for ~20 miles, until you reach the Coronado National Forest. There you’ll head back north skirting the Huachuca mountain range to your left on your way to your next Control in Sierra Vista. You will be riding the Buffalo Soldier Trail through Sierra Vista with Fort Huachuca on your left. The history of the Buffalo Soldiers may be found HERE. Gentle terrain will greet you for the next 30 miles as you descend and climb back up to Sonoita. It will likely be getting cold when you arrive there. Smart riders won’t underestimate the cold temperatures which occur in Arizona’s high country.

After your quick stop in Sonoita you’ll roll your way north for 10 miles before you plunge back down toward Tucson. The last 40 miles are nearly all descending!

Lavender Pit in Queen Mine. Bisbee AZ.