15.1 miles
Distance
1,008 ft
Climb
-1,009 ft
Descent
3,668 ft
High Point
-1 ft
Altitude change
3,234 ft
Altitude min
3,235 ft
Altitude start
3,235 ft
Altitude end
-25.4%
Grade max
20.3%
Grade min
6 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat

This is a nice loop that combines some easy desert pedaling and the beautiful Colossal Cave sections of the AZT.

Detailed Description
Vail Vortex is a 15 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Vail Arizona. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 8 trails. This route climbs 1,008 ft with a max elevation of 3,668 ft then descends -1,009 ft.
Tags
CaveDesert

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Jul 25, 2026)

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (www.sdmb.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
Donate to earn trail karma!

Stats

  • Distance
    15 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 54 min
  • Altitude change
    -1 ft
  • Altitude min
    3,234 ft
  • Altitude start
    3,235 ft
  • Altitude end
    3,235 ft
  • Climb
    1,008 ft
  • Descent
    -1,009 ft
  • Grade max
    -25.4%
  • Grade min
    20.3%
  • Distance climb
    6 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    3 miles

1 Review & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • eBike Allowed
no votes yet
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Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
mtb
129
mtb
134
mtb
172
mtb
193

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Coyote Canyon
Oct 18, 2026 @ 3:05pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 18, 2026
Great tale in great shape.
Redtail
Oct 18, 2026 @ 3:05pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 18, 2026
Trail is in great shape.
Tight & Twisty
Oct 18, 2026 @ 3:05pm (America/Phoenix)
Oct 18, 2026
Quite a bit of sand, as usual, but in good shape.
AZT/C - Ranch Link
Aug 23, 2026 @ 6:25am (America/Phoenix)
Aug 23, 2026
La Post Quemada Road
Aug 23, 2026 @ 6:25am (America/Phoenix)
Aug 23, 2026
more reports »
  • By twowheeledwandererTF Pro & contributors
  • #55113 - 3,030 views

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