13.4 miles
Distance
2,266 ft
Climb
-2,315 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point

Bug Springs & Prison Camp Loop on Mt. Lemmon

Detailed Description
Bug Springs/Prison Camp Route is a 13 mile moderately popular intermediate 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 4 trails. This route climbs 2,266 ft with a max elevation of 6,285 ft then descends -2,315 ft.
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40 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
A3Rider (Sep 19, 2022 at 21:46)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I finally tried this trail and it’s nice! I parked at the lowe bug springs lit and pedaled to the top. The road climb was not bad at all. The hike a bike was a little unexpected but doable. From here on it’s a nice downhill with some sketchy tech spots and by the time you hit the end it’s pure fast flow to the parking area. Can’t wait to ride it again! Trail did seem washed out in areas from recent rain and the grass is very tall at the end reducing visibility to around 10 feet in front.
[Reply]
  • + 0
A3Rider (Sep 19, 2022 at 21:46)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I finally tried this trail and it’s nice! I parked at the lowe bug springs lit and pedaled to the top. The road climb was not bad at all. The hike a bike was a little unexpected but doable. From here on it’s a nice downhill with some sketchy tech spots and by the time you hit the end it’s pure fast flow to the parking area. Can’t wait to ride it again! Trail did seem washed out in areas from recent rain and the grass is very tall at the end reducing visibility to around 10 feet in front.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Keeganpi3Q72 (Dec 1, 2021 at 12:53)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
This is a very doable peddle up the road. The hike a bikes are fine. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Full of desert rocky descending.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Keeganpi3Q72 (Dec 1, 2021 at 12:53)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
This is a very doable peddle up the road. The hike a bikes are fine. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Full of desert rocky descending.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Jcsankey (Sep 7, 2021 at 15:00)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I dont know why everyone loses their mind over this trail... I did it right after a bunch of monsoon rains, (maybe that was our mistake) so it was washed out, extremely loose, rutted, overgrown, etc... dunno.. to me there is almost no flow except for a few short sections. the HAB at the beginning isnt terrible, but its not fun, and for me, the rest of the ride didnt make up for it. Just not my style of riding and definitely will not do this piece of crap again.... what a waste.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Jcsankey (Sep 7, 2021 at 15:00)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I dont know why everyone loses their mind over this trail... I did it right after a bunch of monsoon rains, (maybe that was our mistake) so it was washed out, extremely loose, rutted, overgrown, etc... dunno.. to me there is almost no flow except for a few short sections. the HAB at the beginning isnt terrible, but its not fun, and for me, the rest of the ride didnt make up for it. Just not my style of riding and definitely will not do this piece of crap again.... what a waste.
[Reply]
  • + 1
foggnm (Feb 3, 2022 at 13:26)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I can appreciate that perspective. There is a lot of grunt work for a short amount of payoff (two hike a bikes and a 4 mile uphill on the road if you're self-shuttling). I'd actually call this more of a trail ride with some DH features. It is a good workout though if you also are pedaling up to the start from the lower parking lot.
[Reply]
  • + 1
foggnm (Feb 3, 2022 at 13:26)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I can appreciate that perspective. There is a lot of grunt work for a short amount of payoff (two hike a bikes and a 4 mile uphill on the road if you're self-shuttling). I'd actually call this more of a trail ride with some DH features. It is a good workout though if you also are pedaling up to the start from the lower parking lot.
[Reply]
  • - 1
sdochoa (Apr 30, 2021 at 15:10)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Can I ride my ebike on these trails?
[Reply]
  • - 1
sdochoa (Apr 30, 2021 at 15:10)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Can I ride my ebike on these trails?
[Reply]
  • + 2
bigworm520 TORCA (Apr 30, 2021 at 15:41)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
You cannot. None of the Forest Service trails in the Coronado allow for ebikes except ones designated also for dirt bikes. So no Mt Lemmon trails and only one trail at Redington Pass. Some State Land owned trails do allow but thats it in Tucson for the most part.
[Reply]
  • + 2
bigworm520 TORCA (Apr 30, 2021 at 15:41)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
You cannot. None of the Forest Service trails in the Coronado allow for ebikes except ones designated also for dirt bikes. So no Mt Lemmon trails and only one trail at Redington Pass. Some State Land owned trails do allow but thats it in Tucson for the most part.
[Reply]
  • + 0
magellan14 (Dec 29, 2020 at 17:14)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Did this without a shuttle and it was a blast! The little hike-a-bike section in the beginning is a breeze too... took like 15 minutes and then you’re at the top of the downhill. From there, it’s all fun and games. Not terribly difficult but forsure fun and a great ride to get some adrenaline and warm up for a harder ride the next day.
[Reply]
  • + 0
magellan14 (Dec 29, 2020 at 17:14)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Did this without a shuttle and it was a blast! The little hike-a-bike section in the beginning is a breeze too... took like 15 minutes and then you’re at the top of the downhill. From there, it’s all fun and games. Not terribly difficult but forsure fun and a great ride to get some adrenaline and warm up for a harder ride the next day.
[Reply]
  • + 0
maxvachon (Dec 30, 2020 at 19:20)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Do you park down low, bike up and drop down at the top of trail? I am trying to figure out the best way to do this trail w/o the option for shuttling.
[Reply]
  • + 0
maxvachon (Dec 30, 2020 at 19:20)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Do you park down low, bike up and drop down at the top of trail? I am trying to figure out the best way to do this trail w/o the option for shuttling.
[Reply]
  • + 3
magellan14 (Dec 30, 2020 at 20:20)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I did the opposite - parked at the top trailhead (there’s a small parking lot) and then ripped down. Once I arrived at the bottom, I just locked my suspension and pedaled up the road until I saw my car - took about 45 minutes and was really relaxing. Definitely recommend. If you start early, you could lap the downhill part twice. I considered it but the sun was going down and I was kinda spent.

Anyone complaining about the small hike-a-bike section in the beginning is a total pussy. It was so easy and before I knew it, I was at the top.

BTW, it gets a little chilly at elevation so bring a light layer just in case...
[Reply]
  • + 3
magellan14 (Dec 30, 2020 at 20:20)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I did the opposite - parked at the top trailhead (there’s a small parking lot) and then ripped down. Once I arrived at the bottom, I just locked my suspension and pedaled up the road until I saw my car - took about 45 minutes and was really relaxing. Definitely recommend. If you start early, you could lap the downhill part twice. I considered it but the sun was going down and I was kinda spent.

Anyone complaining about the small hike-a-bike section in the beginning is a total pussy. It was so easy and before I knew it, I was at the top.

BTW, it gets a little chilly at elevation so bring a light layer just in case...
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Sep 7, 2021 at 8:12)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I’ve done both ways (pedal road before/after the trail) and either is nice. Personally find that I ride downhill better if I’m warmed up from some pedaling. Also if you have the time and it’s not too hot, it’s way worth parking at the Molino campground entrance (free parking for AZT users), riding an extra 20 min of highway and adding Prison Camp to the end of the run.
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Sep 7, 2021 at 8:12)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I’ve done both ways (pedal road before/after the trail) and either is nice. Personally find that I ride downhill better if I’m warmed up from some pedaling. Also if you have the time and it’s not too hot, it’s way worth parking at the Molino campground entrance (free parking for AZT users), riding an extra 20 min of highway and adding Prison Camp to the end of the run.
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Aug 26, 2020 at 20:43)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Totally worth doing without a shuttle. It's less than an hour's spin up the highway. The hike a bike is a rite of passage, just grin and bear it. Expect to spend your first lap getting a feel for the features, then run it again. Nonstop rad. And those views. There's nothing quite like Bugs.
[Reply]
  • + 1
andy-legrunge (Aug 26, 2020 at 20:43)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Totally worth doing without a shuttle. It's less than an hour's spin up the highway. The hike a bike is a rite of passage, just grin and bear it. Expect to spend your first lap getting a feel for the features, then run it again. Nonstop rad. And those views. There's nothing quite like Bugs.
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtbarizona (Jun 6, 2020 at 9:26)
Trail AZT - Molino Basin
great trail got a couple lessons from homegrown
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtbarizona (Jun 6, 2020 at 9:26)
Trail AZT - Molino Basin
great trail got a couple lessons from homegrown
[Reply]
  • - 3
gafoto (Feb 16, 2020 at 17:28)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
This is a hiking trail you can bike. The hike a bike sections blow and a lot of the DH is loose, but has some good flow. Not world class and only worth doing if you get a shuttle.
[Reply]
  • - 3
gafoto (Feb 16, 2020 at 17:28)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
This is a hiking trail you can bike. The hike a bike sections blow and a lot of the DH is loose, but has some good flow. Not world class and only worth doing if you get a shuttle.
[Reply]
  • + 1
jmalbers (Mar 29, 2019 at 20:55)
Trail AZT - Molino Basin
This is a sweet little trail that really accommodates a lot of different line choice. I feel like I find something new almost every time I ride it.

The fact that it's so low on the mountain and can easily be ridden 3, 4, or more times with only some moderate road climbing in between makes it perfect for the days you tell yourself "I'm only going to the mountain for a little while today" in spite of the fact that you're still going to be out there till sunset.
[Reply]
  • + 1
jmalbers (Mar 29, 2019 at 20:55)
Trail AZT - Molino Basin
This is a sweet little trail that really accommodates a lot of different line choice. I feel like I find something new almost every time I ride it.

The fact that it's so low on the mountain and can easily be ridden 3, 4, or more times with only some moderate road climbing in between makes it perfect for the days you tell yourself "I'm only going to the mountain for a little while today" in spite of the fact that you're still going to be out there till sunset.
[Reply]
  • + 0
robcocquyt (Jan 17, 2019 at 12:57)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
No snow. All clear except one fallen tree.
[Reply]
  • + 0
robcocquyt (Jan 17, 2019 at 12:57)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
No snow. All clear except one fallen tree.
[Reply]
  • + 4
whoisadam (Nov 29, 2018 at 14:28)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
My favorite trail to play on off Mt Lemmon. Compared to the other trails Apsen Draw, Incinerator Ridge, Green Mtn, La Milagrosa this is one of the easier trails off Mt Lemmon not to say its easy by any means. This trail had the most flow and consistent raw speed. Most likely this trail will be up there with one of your favorites off Mt Lemmon. The hike a bike at the beginning is steep uphill with large steps/railroad ties, its a bit of hiking at the beginning but worth it. Once you get to the rad view with the cool rock sculptures the trail will eventually open up more to allow for some fun lines and speed. Posted a video under the video tab of the trail to give ya an idea. This is done as an easy car shuttle Im not sure how many peeps bike up this. Have fun.
[Reply]
  • + 4
whoisadam (Nov 29, 2018 at 14:28)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
My favorite trail to play on off Mt Lemmon. Compared to the other trails Apsen Draw, Incinerator Ridge, Green Mtn, La Milagrosa this is one of the easier trails off Mt Lemmon not to say its easy by any means. This trail had the most flow and consistent raw speed. Most likely this trail will be up there with one of your favorites off Mt Lemmon. The hike a bike at the beginning is steep uphill with large steps/railroad ties, its a bit of hiking at the beginning but worth it. Once you get to the rad view with the cool rock sculptures the trail will eventually open up more to allow for some fun lines and speed. Posted a video under the video tab of the trail to give ya an idea. This is done as an easy car shuttle Im not sure how many peeps bike up this. Have fun.
[Reply]
  • + 1
happyboyc (Dec 8, 2017 at 17:37)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I got a few looks as I was riding/hiking up "Bug", later a local shop told me only 2 or 3 people a year ride up. I was also told if your not shuttling just ride the road up, about .5 - .75 of an hour... good to know!
The most popular and arguably the best trail on the mountain, by dumb luck I chose it as my first ride on Lemmon Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
happyboyc (Dec 8, 2017 at 17:37)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
I got a few looks as I was riding/hiking up "Bug", later a local shop told me only 2 or 3 people a year ride up. I was also told if your not shuttling just ride the road up, about .5 - .75 of an hour... good to know!
The most popular and arguably the best trail on the mountain, by dumb luck I chose it as my first ride on Lemmon Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
suvlako TORCA (Jun 1, 2017 at 10:21)
Trail AZT - Molino Basin
For shuttles, guides, and rentals... contact Home Grown Mountain Biking Tours at homegrownmtb.com or 520.237.0129.

All-mountain, carbon rentals available as well as guiding & shuttle services on Mt Lemmon.
[Reply]
  • + 1
suvlako TORCA (Jun 1, 2017 at 10:21)
Trail AZT - Molino Basin
For shuttles, guides, and rentals... contact Home Grown Mountain Biking Tours at homegrownmtb.com or 520.237.0129.

All-mountain, carbon rentals available as well as guiding & shuttle services on Mt Lemmon.
[Reply]
  • + 2
suvlako TORCA (Feb 26, 2016 at 8:45)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
For shuttles, guiding, or rental bikes contact Home Grown Mountain Biking Tours in Tucson at 520.237.0129
[Reply]
  • + 2
suvlako TORCA (Feb 26, 2016 at 8:45)
Trail AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
For shuttles, guiding, or rental bikes contact Home Grown Mountain Biking Tours in Tucson at 520.237.0129
[Reply]
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Route Sections

1 Bug Springs Descent
2 Prison Camp Descent
3 Road Climb to Bugs
4 Final Road Climb Back

Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Pusch Ridge Wilderness
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    218
More Stats for Bug Springs/Prison Camp Route mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    4,320 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,991 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,941 ft
  • Grade
    -0.1%
  • Grade max
    -45.2%
  • Grade min
    50.8%
  • Distance climb
    7 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,362 ft
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  • Dry
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First time down Bugs, got a little too ambitious
First time down Bugs, got a little too ambitious
138 | comments: 0 | favs:
Sep 14, 2022
Only went OTB twice!

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
AZT/BP - Bug Springs #10
Jan 14, 2023 @ 8:48pm
Jan 14, 2023
The fallen tree has been removed, and the trail is entirely clear. Streams are running, so expect to get a little wet. One tiny patch of snow remains but is rideable.
AZT - Molino Basin
Sep 17, 2022 @ 8:48am
Sep 17, 2022
Clear trail but some trail widening occurring in some sections as folks try to bypass obstacles. Please stay on the trail and walk what you can't ride.
more reports »
  • By ZonaZebra & contributors
  • #14080 - 1,294 views