Outbound Collective logo

Mountain Bike the Desperado Loop

Tucson, Arizona

Details

Distance

3.6 miles

Elevation Gain

231 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Awesome views of the Tucson Mountains, the Santa Catalina Mountains, the City of Tucson, and of course giant Saguaro cacti.

The Desperado Loop in the Sweetwater Preserve is a great introductory mountain biking loop that is perfect for beginners, yet the Loop can also be tied into the larger Sweetwater Trail System for more advanced riders.

Beginning from the parking lot, the Desperado Trail loop quickly rises to a ridge system that looks out over the alluvial plain on which the city of Tucson is built, and then leads into a fantastic and expansive grove of Saguaro cacti before returning back to the trailhead. There are a few moderator technical spots on the trail but nothing that a beginner cannot handle. More experienced riders will enjoy the downhill return to the trailhead.

To get to the trailhead/parking lot, take El Camino Del Cerro west from I-10 and then go south on North Tortolita until it dead ends in the parking lot.

Be sure to bring water and sunscreen, particularly during the warmer months.

For guided trips and/or bike rentals, Home Grown Rentals provides both throughout the entire Sweetwater Preserve system.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Mountain Biking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic
Wildlife

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Catch The Sunset on Gates Pass

Hike to the Bowen Stone House via Bowen Trail

Hike the Brown Mountain Trail

Summit Wasson Peak

Hike Tumamoc Hill

Hike the Valley View Overlook Trail in Saguaro National Park