Challenging Cycling in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona

gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
You know you’re in the desert when…

This mixed-surface bicycle ride began and ended in the Sonoran Desert, between Phoenix & Tucson, Arizona, USA. Specifically, the town of Florence, Arizona is located approximately 17 miles away.

gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
This route begins in a deceivingly easy manner

Sonoran Desert

“The Sonoran Desert (Spanish: Desierto de Sonora) is a hot desert and ecoregion in North America that covers the northwestern Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur, as well as part of the Southwestern United States (in Arizona and California). It is the hottest desert in both Mexico and the United States. It has an area of 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi).” – Wikipedia

Sonoran Desert Ride Experience Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew solo rides the Pure Sonoran route designed by the Dirty Freehub. This route is deceivingly easy early on, but due to the ever changing nature of mixed-surface cycling, conditions become very challenging later in the route. It is suggested you do not ride this route solo. This area is remote and desolate, and there is no cell phone coverage. Water is available near the trailhead seen in this video. JOM was riding the fabulous No. 22 Drifter Adventure Titanium bike, review coming later.

gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Zipping along on the No. 22 Drifter Adventure

What the Dirty Freehub had to to say about this Route

“This route is just a recipe of perfection, including ten miles of the Arizona Trail (an intimate, flowy, single-track experience that will let you fall in love with the desert), a stop at the Boulders (“Joshua Tree” type geological rock figures just begging your imagination to name them), and a sweet backdrop of Black Mountain. There is plenty of wildlife along with the “not so wild” life (cows and horses). Sprinkle in the evolving, changing fauna — from prickly pears to chollas to yuccas …” – Link to the Dirty Freehub Route

gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Later in the route…

“This route may have experienced severe degradation from when we first posted it due to ATV usage, lack of trail maintenance, and repeated summer monsoons.” – Circa November 2024 from the Dirty Freehub

gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Underbiking on drop bars riding 700c x 45

Reminder: ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.

Additional Photos

gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Smooth and open roads early in the route
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Motorcyclists share the road
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Stopped to help this fellow off the road
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
The views improved further into the route
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Foothills begin to appear
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Some fabulous scenery at places along this route
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Warning: Cattle Grid
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Rolling on the No. 22 Drifter Adventure
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Conditions were perfect for this ride, but be aware: NO TREE COVER
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Left to the Arizona Trail
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Welcome to the Arizona Trail (which is pleasing to start with)
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Trail Maintenance!
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Be wary of the Cacti
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Stick to the trail
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Beautiful Rock Formations
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
The Desert is beautiful in its own unique way
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Challenging Double Track
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Caution is required on these descents, particularly on a drop bar gravel bike
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Landscape only spoiled by electrical lines
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Perfect weather for this ride
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
1×13 gearing & 700c x 45mm tyres were not cutting it here
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Steep double track later in the route
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Use caution on these types of descents
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Loose, pebbly sand accentuated by ATV usage
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Some parts of this track were unrideable, start walking!
gravel cycling in the sonoran desert
Walking required…

Tons more available from the Dirty Freehub Website

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