Miles: 17.0
High: 1,253 m
Singletrack: 85%
Low: 1,092 m
Ascent: 279 m
Ave/Grade (4°): 2%
Descent: -279 m
Max Grade (13°): 9%
“A fun loop that is home to the famous 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo race.
— Adopt These Trails! on Feb 8, 2015
Willow Springs to Old Pueblo: Cycling Through Arizona
Located North of Oracle, off of Willow Springs Road, is the cycling course for Epic Ride’s and Kona Bike’s 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. This famous race has added some single-track fun to the Arizona landscape and is appropriate for all types of riders, from beginners who have accomplished the basic skills of speed and direction control, to the elite lever-racer.
The trail that joins Willow Springs and Old Pueblo meanders on jeep roads and single-tracks over rolling terrain perfect for cycling. Long, gradual climbs precede long, gradual descents, and short, steep climbs precede short steep descents on the rolling gasline jeep road (also known to locals as “the Bitches”). If you don’t feel like taking to the Bitches, feel free to use the new and equally fun “Skip The Bitches” trail, which breaks off to the right just after you cross the cattle guard and road. Experienced cyclists looking for more of Arizona’s famous biking trails need to check out the “Slickrock Woohoo,” a short descent on a big rock face at the end of the race lap. This is a popular spot for spectators to gather and cheer on for cyclists during the Arizona famous race.
What The Bike Bandit Says…
“This trail –outside of during the Old Pueblo race– does not get a lot of use. This mountain bike ride is kind of in the boonies!”
-Jason, The Bike Bandit
When to Bike from Willow Springs to Old Pueblo in Arizona
This biking trail is perfect for an early morning ride or a cool weather outing. Bring lots of water as there is none available through the duration of your cycling. You will have to stop and go through a few fences and corrals, so we advise you to remember to close the gates behind you. Because this biking trail is open-range, you will see some Arizona wildlife and cattle!
Although this biking trail is a must for cycling lovers, we want to warn you that this is State Land so you must have a State Land Permit or be prepared to pay the fine if you’re caught biking through without one. Enforcement typically isn’t common during the year, but it is ramped up close to the race in February.
There are also a couple of new cycling trails, including Bones and Painter Boy, which break off of Highpoint cycling trail after you pass under the power lines. These are not officially part of the racecourse, but are quite a bit of fun if you’d like to add a couple more miles into your bike ride.
Directions to Willow Springs to Old Pueblo Mountain Bike Trails – Tucson, Arizona
Head North by bike on Oracle past Oracle Junction to Willow Springs Road, which is about 1.2 mile before the turn to Biosphere II. Take a left (which is the only way you can go) on Willow Springs and keep driving for about 6.5 miles until you get to an arch that crosses the road and announces Willow Springs Ranch.
Just past the arch, the main road curves right and a less-used road breaks off towards the left. Turn on this less-used road to find a large parking area. Park here, get your bike ready, and cycle on! The single-track starts on the right side of the parking area. If you look at a map, you will find yourself in the lower-right corner. The trail takes you on a clockwise ride up JuneBug Trail.
We Deliver Mountain Bike Rentals to Tucson/Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Trails!
Tucson Bike Rentals and Tours delivers and picks up mountain bikes at Cactus Forest. There is a two-rider minimum for all deliveries. You can bike from 1 to 5 hours, finish riding, and we pick up the bikes! Forget about lifting up heavy mountain bikes and loading them into the back of your rental car!
Price is generally $100 per bike – depending on the location of trailhead. If you want to check the prices, please give us a call and we’re more than happy to give you an accurate price.
Don’t know where to ride? Tucson Bike Rentals and Tours has guides that will tell you about the rides available for beginner cyclists, intermediate cyclists, and advanced cyclists. We deliver mountain bikes to Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Vallley, and the Southern Arizona area. We rent top of the line full-suspension and hard-tailed mountain bikes. Click here for more details!