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Mountain Biking Arizona: Rail X and Honeybee Canyon Cycling Trails
For those cyclists looking for easy rides in the local Tucson area of Arizona, we recommend Rail X and Honeybee Canyon’s cycling trails. These are another close in, easy rides. They are relatively flat, include some jeep trails, dirt roads, asphalt, and single-tracks. You will see petroglyphs, cattle, open range, windmills, and part of Rancho Vistoso. But if you want to make this an all-day epic, Honeybee and Rail X is just a small part of the entire Tortolita trail system.
There are two hard-to-find turns. The first comes on Rain X road where you will turn onto the jeep (single-track). It is marked with a white Arizona Trust Lands sign (see the map for reference). The second is in a large wash, as you head back toward Rancho Vistoso Blvd. I suggest you get off your bike and walk South looking for the exit on your left; this way, you’ll avoid cycling fast past it. You will see a jeep trail or perhaps some other bike trails. Once you get through the second gate you will be back on paved roads in Vistoso and will easily find your way back to your vehicle.
If you wish to see the petroglyphs, it is much easier to get there on foot then it is on bike. But for all biking enthusiasts, we suggest you take the trail slow and with care. From the parking area, look for a well-defined hiking trail leading down into Honeybee Canyon. Take it and go North for about 1.5 miles. This is a very pretty hike and you will find the glyphs on your left (if you look hard enough).
The round trip is 12 miles and the change in elevation is a small 500 ft. or so. To give yourself a little perspective, it is 4.25 miles from the parking area to the intersection of Rail X and the power line road.
What The Bike Bandit Says…
“Honeybee canyon is graced by impeccable desert beauty. There are over 20 miles of very, very well-manicured trails that intertwine with jeep trails. Honeybee Canyon is a great place to hard-tail. Full-suspension mountain bikes are not necessary.”
-Jason, The Bike Bandit
“Easy trail for those that have some endurance.”
— Hillary Mathis on May 28
Directions to Rail X and Honeybee Canyon Mountain Bike Trails – Tucson, Arizona
Directions: Take Oracle Rd. North from Ina about 7 miles to Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and then go left (towards the West) for 3.1 miles. This will take you to a very nice parking area. Grab your bike and ride to the right (towards the East) to get out of the parking lot. Cycle 0.6 miles to Quiet Rain and head North for about 200 yards to reach a short, paved, uphill section to the power line road. You are now on the trail!
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Miles: 15.2
High: 3,657’
Singletrack: 80%
Low: 2,989’
Ascent: 778’
Ave/Grade (4°): 2%
Descent: -778’
Max Grade (13°): 6%
“Easy trail for those that have some endurance.”
— Hillary Mathis on May 28, 2014