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Cyclists riding through the desert

Our Favorite Winter Cycling Destinations

Dove Mountain offers a full and active lifestyle within a resort-like setting, minutes north of Tucson. Luxury homes are located along some of the finest golf courses in Arizona, only a short distance from The Gallery Sports Club and more than 50 miles of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails with equestrian tracks. And if you are a road cyclist, there are incredible routes nearby.

Three of our favorite winter routes
Twenty minutes west of Dove Mountain is Saguaro National Park West. The Park features the breathtaking 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive that winds past the largest saguaros in the nation. There are few things as emblematic of the American west than these majestic plants. Along this incredibly scenic loop are picnic areas, the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, and many places to pull off the road to enjoy the view.

And just 18 minutes east of our community is Catalina State Park, located at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park offers miles of paved roads and mountain biking trails enjoyable for novice to pro riders. The park is known for its diversity of desert plants, wildlife, and birds.

Of course, the 130-mile Chuck Huckleberry Loop is a perennial favorite. It’s easily accessed via bike lanes at the base of Dove Mountain Boulevard. The loop extends through Marana, Oro Valley, and Tucson and connects with parks, trailheads, restaurants, shopping areas, entertainment venues and more.

Marana is the starting point for El Tour de Tucson
In April of 2021, the 38th El Tour de Tucson 28-mile route will begin at Marana’s Heritage River Park and end at Tucson’s Armory Park. In the spirit of being all-inclusive and encouraging riders of all ages and abilities, e-cyclist are invited to ride the 28-mile route and raise funds for charity. The El Tour’s entire route is roughly 100 miles and since the event’s inception in 1983, more than $100 million has been raised for local charities!

More to love about winter cycling in Tucson
Outside magazine in its article “Tucson is Winter Cycling Heaven” raves that there is no more reliable and varied cycling destination in the continental U.S. than Tucson. We couldn’t agree more!

And when other parts of the country are buried in snow, Dove Mountain has bright sunny skies and mild temperatures, perfect blooming conditions for hot pink Bougainvillea vines, pale yellow Acacia Tree flowers and bright orange Mexican Honeysuckle shrubs, to name a few. These plants, against the tranquil tones of the Sonoran Desert and stunning views of the Santa Catalina, Rincon and Tucson mountain ranges, make for a spectacular ride.

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