Reviewed by: Mark , from Tucson

Summary:
You can put together any kind of ride you want, from a short 1-hour loop to an epic. This is what many of us consider "real" mountain biking -- trails hard to find, narrow and definitely not sanitized. It's a great alternative if you are tired of the crowds at the 50 Year Trail. Depending on how you do it this can be a mellow ride with lots of fun downhills or a death march with endless long powerline hill climbs. Be respectful of the cattle -- don't startle or run them; if we can get along with the rancher who leases the land we can continue to ride there. State Land Department permits required. Slime tubes mandatory -- unless you want to walk. Lots of wildlife, including rattlesnakes in snake season. Mountain lions are growing in number and aggressiveness towards people in the area, so pay attention and don't ride alone.

Recommended Route:
Since there are no signs, and trails are faint, ride with someone who knows the area. Be sure to do Duarte, Ann's Can and the Sunset trails.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The system is close to the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Course and the Arizona Trail at Oracle (closed above the American Flag Ranch for fire rehab), and the two mountain bike trails in Oracle State Park that connect to the Arizona Trail.