Saguaro National Park is one of the only National parks that allows mountain bikes on trails. Actually it is just one trail but hey it is better than driving around or doing a quick Chevy Chase and jumping back in the car. The Cactus Trail is a 2.5 mile section in the park open to bikes. We started at the south end rode up and back. Great easy ride with a few minor climbs. Perfect outing for our family and lots of photo ops.
Cactus Forest Trail
Riding this trail is a great homeschool opportunity to learn about the Saguaros. The Giant Saguaro is the universal symbol of the American West. Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants, on the edge of Tucson. An adult saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age. It may weigh 6 tons or more and be as tall as 50 feet. The average life span of a saguaro is probably 150 – 175 years of age.
Ride Info: Check NPS website
Season: Sept- May
Length/Time: 5 miles RT / 1 hour
Video: Check out this IMBA Video of Cactus Trail Mountain Bike Ride.
I have no idea how old this post is or if you still check on things, but we are full-time in our RV, with two kids and our mountain bikes! We try to go to locations that have easy access to great trails and prefer boondocking. Not an easy feat! Where did you stay while in Tucson? Any boondocking suggestions with access to trails? Thanks! I’m enjoying reading your posts as we plan our stops!
We’ve stayed in a few places while in Tucson. KOA for luxury but no MTBing from there. Gilbert Ray has riding from the campground and good location. Catalina also has riding from the park and great location. There’s also the Pima County RV Park in the SE we’ve stayed at when others are full. Close to Saguaro NP on the eastside.