Kitt Peak 600k

Kitt Peak 600k

The Kitt Peak series of events (200k/300k/400k/600k) are new for AZ. Each of the distances start/finish in the same location. Kitt Peak is one of the iconic climbs in Arizona and each distance will get to experience it.

We’ll start in North Tucson with a short warm-up before we hit the first obstacle on the day – Gates Pass. You’re only 12 miles into the ride but will already get to test your legs as you climb into Saguaro National Parks (SNP). The descent into SNP as the sun rises will be a highlight! You will continue on gentle terrain as you make your way out of Tucson. Once about half way to the Kitt you will reach Three Points. This is a good place to refill your bottle and grab a snack since there is still 15 miles to the base of the climb.

The sun will be full when you reach the base of the climb. For a preview, check out this fantastic web site. All the details are there, but it’s a 12 mile, 3600’ climb which averages 5.7%. There is a Visitor’s Center at the top. We’ll have staff up there to greet you with food and water. With a full stomach, the descent will be a blast! After the descent, the routes will diverge. The 200k riders will head back to the finish. The 300k/400k/600k riders will head further west to the town of Sells.

It should be a quick 20 mile jaunt to Sells for your turnaround. You will then retrace your route back to Three Points. It will, again, be a good spot to refuel. 300k riders will return to the finish through SNP. 400k/600k riders head south from Three Points to their next destination near the Mexican border in Arivaca. Arivaca is in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll also get a long, and great, view of Baboquivari Peak off to your right. It’s a challenging hike, but that will have to wait for another day. You will also pass through a couple Border Patrol checkpoints on this loop south.

After your Control in Arivaca, you will make your way back north through Green Valley then a gentle climb to Helmet Peak. From there it will be a fast descent back to South Tucson past Mission San Xavier del Bac and a flat run-in to your triumphant finish.

In all, riders will have covered 258 miles and about 10,000’ of climbing. 600k riders will be able to get some sleep before heading out for their final 200k to Oracle. That final 200k will have about 5,200’ of climbing. Riders will get to climb to Oracle in both directions while visiting the tiny hamlet of San Manual. Almost all of the climbing is in the first half of the 200k. The return will be fast and fun!

McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope on Kitt Peak