Patagonia Arizona Gravel

Desert Gravel and Wildlife

Jessica Zephyrs

Price :

$1,899

Surface :

Gravel & Paved

Duration :

4 Days

Support :

Van Supported

Difficulty :

Level 3

Some of the best spring and fall gravel riding in the U.S. can be found outside Patagonia, a small, eclectic town in southern Arizona. This gravel paradise is 60 miles south of Tucson and sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet between the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains.

We’ll experience miles of gravel riding in the Coronado National Forest through the rolling plain of the San Rafael Valley to the hidden gem of Parker Canyon Lake. Our route continues west past the border town of Lochiel before heading north on gravel roads to Patagonia Lake State Park. For birding enthusiasts, the area is also known for world-class birdwatching as more than 300 bird species migrate, nest, and live in this Sky Islands area.

Select Dates

Photos by Jessica Zephyrs | Bob Stenz

Dates

Price

Dates:

Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2027

Price:

$1,899

Dates:

Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2027

Price:

$1,899

“The riding around Patagonia was more stunning than I imagined. Wide open valleys, super quiet roads, and great wildlife sightings, even a javelina! I really enjoyed escaping The Great White North in November and trading it for sunshine, warm days, and the camaraderie of our group.” – Tour Participant

Itinerary

Our group will meet in the heart of Patagonia in the morning, and after introductions and a brief meeting, we’ll get on our gravel bikes and head out of town, climbing up into the San Rafael Valley. We’ll be riding a ridge route with beautiful vista views among the free-range cows. The latter portion of the afternoon ride is a fabulous descent back to Patagonia through the historic landmark town of Harshaw.

Today’s ride will be a highlight for views as we again climb out of Patagonia toward the Huachuca Mountains. Along the way, we’ll see local ranches, free-range cattle, and occasional horses or mules. Riding through the Coronado National Forest, we’ll end our day at beautiful Parker Canyon Lake, where you’ll have the opportunity to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat for an afternoon on the lake.

This morning, you’ll wake to the sound of birds around Parker Canyon Lake. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll climb back on our bikes for our biggest day of the tour. Initially, we’ll head southwest through the former border crossing town of Lochiel, where we’ll pass the Fray Marcos de Niza Historical Landmark. From there, we’ll turn northwest toward camp at Patagonia Lake State Park, another great reprieve from the desert sun.

Our final day brings us back to where we started, riding through Flux Canyon and along the Mowry Loop, back to Patagonia. We’ll hit some steep climbs along the way but also enjoy some great downhill back into town. Before heading home, we’ll make one last stop for a celebration and enjoy some of the best homemade pies in Patagonia.

Route

Additional Details

Start Location:

Patagonia, AZ

End Location:

Patagonia, AZ

Airport:

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Total Days:

4 days

Riding Days:

4 days

Layover Days:

0 days

Riders:

Miles:

144

Average Daily Mileage:

Accommodations:

Camping/Indoor

Meals:

Shared Cooking

Difficulty:

Level 3

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Terrain:

Hilly

Elevation Alert:

This tour rides primarily around 4,000 feet in elevation in a high‑desert environment. Riders sensitive to altitude or heat should plan and hydrate accordingly.

Bike Type Not Allowed:

eBike, eTrike

Know Before You Go

What bike to bring?

Please consider the terrain and road surface when preparing for this tour. This tour’s route is approximately 90% gravel and 10% pavement. A gravel bike or hardtail mountain bike with tires that are 45mm or wider is highly recommended.

Van Supported Reminder

Love riding long distances while a support vehicle carries your gear? On this van-supported tour, everything except what you need to get through the day travels ahead of you so you can ride light.

HEADS UP

The van doesn’t always travel the same route as the riders, and you often won’t see it again until you reach that night’s stop. Be sure you’re carrying everything you need to be self-sufficient for the day.

Our Philosophy & What You Can Expect From Our Leaders

At our heart, we are a nonprofit committed to empowering and connecting people through the power of bicycle travel.

Adventure Cycling tours are not like other bike tours. We pride ourselves on being travelers, not tourists.

We believe that everyone joining our tours, including the leaders, are active participants who take joint ownership of group tasks like cooking, shopping, and maintaining group gear. This team mindset helps forge bonds that last for years (and tours) to come. Participants come for our routes but stay for our community.

We call the folks facilitating our tours leaders, not guides. Our leaders are not here to do everything for you; they are here to keep everyone on track and empower members of the group to step into ownership after they’ve adjusted to life on the road.

Our leaders commit to:

Establishing expectations of mutual respect and support among participants for the duration of the tour, so that all contribute equally
Creating a safe, welcoming space for cyclists from all walks of life
Keeping your tour on track while remaining flexible, so group members can shape their own experience
Pedaling alongside you, embracing the spirit and resilience of life on the bike

Your tour fees go directly towards covering the costs of your tour and supporting other programs our nonprofit puts forth into the world. The bonus of joining one of our tours is that you get to challenge yourself, have fun, and do good every time you ride with Adventure Cycling.