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23.4 miles
Distance
2,220 ft
Climb
-2,226 ft
Descent
5,112 ft
High Point
-6 ft
Altitude change
4,073 ft
Altitude min
4,080 ft
Altitude start
4,075 ft
Altitude end
-35.6%
Grade max
41.3%
Grade min
9 miles
Distance climb
10 miles
Distance down
4 miles
Distance flat
This "long way to the bar" loop starts and ends in downtown Patagonia. Starting on Temporal Canyon Road, climb 6 miles of gravel to the new Temporal Gulch Section of AZT. This section is incredibly scenic, offering views of the Santa Rita mountains as you climb and descend benched singletrack deep in the grasslands. From the highpoint about midway into the ride, the AZT follows a contour line down a ridge, descending ~ 1,000ft in 7 miles to the intersection with SR 83. Cross under the road here and enjoy 5 more fast flowy miles back to town on the Patagonia Train Track Trail.
This loop is not to be underestimated. While the trail itself is non-technical the exposure, elevation gain and remoteness are all noteworthy. MTB's are recommended.
Detailed Description
Temporal Loop is a 23 mile popular intermediate route located near Patagonia Arizona. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 2,220 ft with a max elevation of 5,112 ft then descends -2,226 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Aug 31, 2026)
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Stats
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Distance23 miles
-
Altitude min4,073 ft
-
Altitude start4,080 ft
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Altitude end4,075 ft
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Climb2,220 ft
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Descent-2,226 ft
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Grade max-35.6%
-
Grade min41.3%
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Distance climb9 miles
-
Distance down10 miles
-
Distance flat4 miles
16 Reviews & Comments
Swethylene
We rode this loop yesterday and greatly appreciate all the previous comments posted, with heads-up. Rode in CW direction and agree the approach is a slog. However, it's great to do a section of the AZT as something other than an out-and-back, so we enjoyed it while climbing the dirt road. Train Track trail on way back was the most overgrown section we experienced. Absolutely loved the Temporal Gulch and Casa Blanca Canyons South trails, though plenty tricky with the off-camber and loose rocks. Trails were well cleared of cactus grabbers. Hardest part was keeping eyes on trail 100% of the time because the views, the views, the views - surreal, expansive country.
farmteamlb
Temporal Loop
What a great ride! The climb on Temporal Rd. out of town is probably the least enjoyable aspect of the ride, but you need it to make the loop. Be prepared to climb right away on the road portion and the initial section of the AZT. Once you hit the junction for the AZT Casa Blanca (stay right here) section its all downhill with great views and no tech so you can just let 'er rip. All in all the trail was in great shape, but loose and off camber in some spots where if you're not confident you'd find yourself headed off trail where it would not be ideal. The final section along the train track trail is fairly forgettable, but it takes you right back to town. I highly recommend this outing for the views and the fast tech-free single track in a remote location.
What a great ride! The climb on Temporal Rd. out of town is probably the least enjoyable aspect of the ride, but you need it to make the loop. Be prepared to climb right away on the road portion and the initial section of the AZT. Once you hit the junction for the AZT Casa Blanca (stay right here) section its all downhill with great views and no tech so you can just let 'er rip. All in all the trail was in great shape, but loose and off camber in some spots where if you're not confident you'd find yourself headed off trail where it would not be ideal. The final section along the train track trail is fairly forgettable, but it takes you right back to town. I highly recommend this outing for the views and the fast tech-free single track in a remote location.
robcocquyt
Rode the loop clockwise today. The climb was awesome...a few short punchy bits as others have described but some great use of the terrain. The downhill in and out of the ravines became a bit mindless after the first dozen. It would have been nice to have seen the trail routed down into the guts of the wash earlier to allow for a more varied ride. Great views and nice to be able to do a logical 25-mile loop....just a bit too repetitive for my taste. A dozen or so cat's claw branches are just starting to reach out into finger and leg shredding distance.
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| 6 miles | |||||
| 12 miles |
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