58.0 miles
Distance
5,454 ft
Climb
-5,452 ft
Descent
4,238 ft
High Point

Fun route through Catalina State Park, Honeybee trails, Tortolita Mtn. Park and back to Catalina. Carne Asada tacos at the finish?? Most definitely.

Detailed Description
AES: Tortolita 50 is a 58 mile less popular expert race route located near Tucson Arizona. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 6 trails. This route climbs 5,454 ft with a max elevation of 4,238 ft then descends -5,452 ft.

Links

Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Tucson Off-road Cyclists and Activists (torca.org)
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39 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
whipaelangelo (Dec 31, 2022 at 17:45)
Trail Tortolita Mountain Park Access
Nice way to access Ridgeline. A bit of effort, but nothing crazy. Definitely not black diamond.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Scottyputo (Mar 19, 2022 at 17:14)
Trail Wild Mustang
Heed the user rating average
[Reply]
  • + 1
stevebuck (Mar 15, 2022 at 21:46)
Trail Catalina
Pretty trail, but tough for a low-intermediate rider. Rocks to navigate on the climb are not easy.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Keeganpi3Q72 (Dec 12, 2021 at 7:13)
Trail Wild Mustang
What a hoot. PIA climb but a blast coming down.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Keeganpi3Q72 (Dec 12, 2021 at 7:12)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
This is an excellent trail. Tough climb but worth it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
shaker666 (Oct 16, 2021 at 23:59)
Trail Wild Mustang
I've ridden this trail both ways, but IMHO it is best descended headed west, which means climbing up Wild Burro first (headed east). Best ridden in the cooler months, as almost all trails below 5000' are in Tucson. A good AM bike probably makes it more enjoyable, with a slacker head angle and about 5-6" of travel. Tons of exposure, including sheer cliff as well as solar - this ride is not for the faint of heart. Rocks me every time I ride it, but you will feel like an accomplished rider if you can clean most of it!
[Reply]
  • - 1
Jcsankey (Feb 28, 2021 at 8:43)
Trail Catalina
If you like LOTS of baby heads and loose rock and a ton of hikers and horses, this may be for you. Otherwise steer clear. Despite what someone else said, the only real ‘flow’ was the last half mile downhill. I don’t understand why people lose their minds over this trail. Upper 50/chutes is fun, but We did not find it fun in the least. Park at the golder ranch TH and a pond this mess. So many better options in the Tucson area.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Josephcain4 (Feb 15, 2021 at 10:07)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
Hard trail for me, really steep and some pretty committing lines. Might try it again with a longer travel bike, but not in a hurry to get back on it. I can see the attraction to some folks, but I'll do Bugs many times before hitting this again.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Josephcain4 (Feb 15, 2021 at 10:02)
Trail Ridgeline Trail
Great trail! Love the long climb to beautiful views and the descent was really fun and left me breathing hard too! Hard to get to, but so worth it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Josephcain4 (Feb 15, 2021 at 10:00)
Trail Wild Mustang
Wow, that was hard, kinda kicked my butt. Steep and technical with lots of grade changes and a few chunky sections. Rode it on a 2010 xc 29er with 100,80mm and felt pretty chewed up by the end. Might try again sometime on a longer travel bike, but not in a hurry to get back on it or Lower Javelina. Prolly just need to up my game.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Josephcain4 (Feb 18, 2021 at 14:51)
Trail Wild Mustang
But beautiful scenery and cool geology too (from a geologist perspective at least).
[Reply]
  • + 3
Josephcain4 (Jan 31, 2022 at 15:33)
Trail Wild Mustang
So much more fun on a newer bike! did this again last weekend (1/23/22), and had a much better time. still a very challenging ride, but not nearly as ground up. We did a point to point from Honeybee to Dove Mountain - running a shuttle. when i get in better shape, i think it would be a great spin back to the Honeybee parking lot, but as it was, i was plenty happy to see the vehicle at the bottom of the trail!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Cbake (Dec 19, 2020 at 20:53)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
Super fun DH. Great trail work on the switchbacks. Highly recommended
[Reply]
  • + 1
Cbake (Dec 19, 2020 at 20:49)
Trail Wild Mustang
Rode this on 12/19/20. Great trail both directions. Loved the challenging climb up from the Ridgeline side and thoroughly enjoyed the technical decent on the other side. A few hikers in a Saturday but not bad. Highly recommend
[Reply]
  • + 2
kraudust (Sep 1, 2020 at 6:53)
Trail Wild Mustang
Super fun downhill. Has a bit of everything! Super chunky challenge. Great views and great riding. I like to access it from the backside as a Loop though rather than as an out and back.
[Reply]
  • + 2
kraudust (Sep 1, 2020 at 6:50)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
Super fun techy challenge climbing, and an absolute riot descending. Don't listen to any of the negative comments. This trails is sweet! Definitely a true black though.
[Reply]
  • - 2
phoenixbiker (Jul 4, 2020 at 10:31)
Trail Wild Mustang
This is not a good mountain bike trail. I spent more time hiking with my bike then riding it. Not worth it.
[Reply]
  • + 6
andy-legrunge (Aug 3, 2020 at 13:43)
Trail Wild Mustang
It's not the trail, it's you. Sorry dude.
[Reply]
  • + 1
bolockaye (Jan 8, 2020 at 23:17)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
My favorite DH in Tucson.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mendyourline (Jan 3, 2020 at 7:10)
Trail Tortolita Mountain Park Access
Getting to the trailhead off hwy77 is on W Edwin Road, 5+ miles of dirt road, slow going, so plan accordingly.
Most of the route is on double track, and really just an access to the Park. It would be perfect on an e-bike ????
[Reply]
  • + 2
andy-legrunge (Dec 21, 2019 at 17:23)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
Such a badass downhill combined with Wild Mustang, well worth the challenging approach options. Steep chunk and switchbacks along the lines of Millie/Bugs with these rad rock-bermed switchbacks near the bottom. Fully rideable as a descent for reasonably skilled riders. Uphill is a different story.

Please be cool coming down, there are usually a few hikers out here. Not crowded by any means but stay in control.
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Dec 21, 2019 at 17:15)
Trail Wild Mustang
I didn’t notice any monsoon damage. There are still a couple hairball sections but it’s the same as ever.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Pinsx3 (Sep 27, 2019 at 18:41)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
This was really fun. After Washington I really wanted pads. No soft loamy landings into cuddly ferns. Just shale and fractured granite. Great ride. Way better starting at the bottom so you can figure out lines on some features
[Reply]
  • + 0
Pinsx3 (Sep 27, 2019 at 9:48)
Trail Ridgeline Trail
How do you up to this without some crazy HAB??? We rode up wild burro only to end up on a double black up hill suffer fest
[Reply]
  • + 1
jeffgicklhorn SDMB (Sep 29, 2019 at 22:57)
Trail Ridgeline Trail
Approach via the Honeybee trails to the east via www.trailforks.com/trails/tortolita-mountain-park-access
[Reply]
  • + 2
mobboss (Sep 7, 2019 at 9:19)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
Supper fun DH. Much more flowy than wild Mustang, Much recommended
[Reply]
  • + 0
mobboss (Sep 7, 2019 at 9:17)
Trail Wild Mustang
Pretty monsoon damaged right now. This trail is for supper advanced riders only, but then again it might be cake for you.
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Sep 3, 2019 at 21:08)
Trail Catalina
Day use fee is $3 per bike if you park down the road at In N Out and ride in. Nice trail to add some cruiser miles and sweet views to a 50 Year ride. A little rocky but it mostly flows well. Maybe I’ve been lucky but I’ve rarely encountered serious crowds on this trail. Nothing like some of the trails on Lemmon, or even TMP, at least once you’re a mile or so out of the park.
[Reply]
  • - 1
LukeSimmons (Mar 17, 2019 at 23:43)
Trail Tortolita Mountain Park Access
Going uphill on the Edwin Rd side is fun until right near the very top. The downhill just over the crest is plnety wide and fairly steep and bumpy. On the way out from the loop, the small uphill section is very difficult to finish in the saddle especially ially after a long day. The downhill section on the way out is easily one of the best parts in this area! Super diverse and flowy!
[Reply]
  • + 0
LukeSimmons (Mar 17, 2019 at 23:37)
Trail Ridgeline Trail
Easy trail except for the hairpin turns and some small gaps. But absolutely the most amazing views in Tucson!
[Reply]
  • + 1
robcocquyt (Feb 2, 2019 at 15:37)
Trail Tortolita Mountain Park Access
Yep, rideable with some steep technical bits in both directions.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Cwoodard (Jan 12, 2019 at 11:53)
Trail Catalina
You have to pay a day use fee to park inside the park. This is a popular trail with horses, and bikes. Lots of rock gardens, and large loose rocks in the trail... keep your momentum! And may be less busy during the week, I went on a Saturday and quite "crowded"..
[Reply]
  • + 0
andy-legrunge (Dec 8, 2018 at 21:43)
Trail Tortolita Mountain Park Access
Totally rideable but definitely steep and exhausting
[Reply]
  • + 2
jeffgicklhorn SDMB (Jan 22, 2018 at 8:18)
Trail Ridgeline Trail
One of the best trails that I have ridden in the Tucson area. Be aware that there can be a lot of hikers on the weekends.
[Reply]
  • + 0
TC-FLOWCLYDE (Feb 22, 2016 at 21:35)
Trail Ridgeline Trail
Awesome 360 degrees views with tight singletrack...I would rate a 4.75 star not a 3 star as I accidentally did in the average rating section. When connected to the Wild Burro--upper section loop, it's a sweet ride!
[Reply]
  • + 3
madriaanse (Oct 10, 2014 at 19:07)
Trail Upper Javelina Trail
Hike/ride up from the metal gate (marked "end" on the map) and then ride it from the peak back down the same way you came up. Very fun trail. Kinda DH.
[Reply]
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Trails in Route

Details

  • Race Course
  • Riding area
    Catalina State Park / 50-Year
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    1
More Stats for AES: Tortolita 50 mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    2,643 ft
  • Altitude start
    3,003 ft
  • Altitude end
    3,002 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -63.6%
  • Grade min
    40.4%
  • Distance climb
    31 miles
  • Distance down
    21 miles
  • Distance flat
    6 miles
Avg: 4 (1 votes)
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  • Basemap 
  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
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  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
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  • Prevalent Mud
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  • Ideal
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Photos

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Videos

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Underexposed EP 4 - Oro Valley, Arizona
Underexposed EP 4 - Oro Valley, Arizona
3:29 | 197 | comments: 0 | favs:
May 18, 2021
Upper Javelina Mountain Biking (top) in Tucson
Upper Javelina Mountain Biking (top) in Tucson
5:20 | 381 | comments: 0 | favs:
Dec 8, 2020

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Upper Javelina Trail
Jan 8, 2023 @ 7:28am
Jan 8, 2023
Wild Mustang
Jan 8, 2023 @ 7:25am
Jan 8, 2023
Catalina
Aug 25, 2022 @ 5:43pm
Aug 25, 2022
Ridgeline Trail
Apr 1, 2022 @ 8:00am
Apr 1, 2022
Trail is in exceptional condition, ride it before it gets too warm
Tortolita Mountain Park Access
Mar 5, 2022 @ 9:14am
Mar 5, 2022
more reports »
  • By schillingsworth TRAILFORKS & contributors
  • #11389 - 1,076 views