Take a turn off the asphalt and onto one of the many gravel roads that wind through Cochise County. Link together scenic backroad rides with historic town stops, where you can explore the culture of the southwest, past, and present. Riding over gentle hills and wide-open stretches will give you the chance to see the vast beauty of the Sky Islands region and maybe even inspire your next adventure on one of the distant horizons.
Arriving by plane is the smoothest way to access Cochise County. After flying into Tucson, make your way over to Sierra Vista, an hour southeast of Tucson. There you will be able to rent bikes from M&M Cycling or head to Sun and Spokes Bicycle Shop where the friendly and knowledgeable staff can offer you a wide range of bike services and route recommendations.
Depending on when you arrive, you can check out one of the many awesome restaurants in the area, check into your hotel, or go out for a short ride. A close option to get into gear is the Garden Canyon Linear Park. This 4-mile dirt trail is beginner friendly and a great evening ride to stretch your legs after a day of traveling.
Wake up early, grab a coffee and bagel to go from Wanderlust Kaffee, and head south to the Montezuma Canyon Road, a 30 minute drive from Sierra Vista.
You will begin the 36-mile, out-and-back ride from the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center. This route takes you first up and over Montezuma Pass, a steep but rewarding climb that will then bring you down into the Coronado National Forest along the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains. As you traverse through pine, juniper, and grasslands, take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty.
After three punchy hills, affectionately known as “The Teeth”, the route winds down into Parker Canyon Lake, an oasis to rest your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back the way you came in. Depending on the season, the Parker Canyon Lake and Marina General Store is a great stop for snacks and other amenities.
Take in the views you may have missed on your way in, especially at the top of Montezuma Pass, as you make your final descent into the visitor center parking lot. Heading back to Sierra Vista, stop by Pizzeria Mimosa for a well-earned pizza and glass of wine. You won’t regret it!
Another early morning! On your way out of Sierra Vista, stop by Landmark Cafe for a hearty breakfast to fuel you for your next adventure. The Silver Onion route is thought of by many as a once-in-a-lifetime ride, and well worth the hour and 45-minute drive to get there.
This 40-mile ride will take you through an evolving landscape as you gain nearly 5,400 feet in elevation along the way. Pine and oak trees give way to sweeping views over the Sky Islands region and the epic rock forests in the Chiricahua Mountains.
In addition to the unique natural features of this route, you will also pass historic landmarks. Around mile 11 you will ride through the “ghost town” of Paradise, with only a few houses still standing. Just beyond Paradise, you’ll come across the Portal Cemetery, which may provide an opportunity to take a break, have a snack and perhaps become acquainted with the former residents of the area…
As you continue your descent toward the town of Portal, the impressive cliffs of Cave Creek Canyon will begin to appear. At this point you will hit pavement turning onto Cave Creek Canyon Road and can choose to head on to the Cave Creek Canyon Visitor Center for a water refill or east into town for even more options for fuel and hydration.
Ascending your final climb out of the canyon, you will be flanked with a view of Silver Peak on your right and will top out at Onion Saddle. The rest of your ride is a breezy downhill with a 2,200-foot drop over the last 8 miles.
Rest your bones in the welcoming town of Willcox, just 45 minutes northwest. Reflect on this bucket-list worthy ride over a margarita and tacos at La Unica Restaurant & Tortilleria, before hitting the hay at one of the many lodging options in Willcox.
Sleep in, you’ve earned it! Enjoy a slow morning in Willcox, shopping and exploring the murals and museums that highlight the town’s history. If you have a rental bike to return, be sure to swing through Sierra Vista and reassure your trusty steed that you’ll see it again on your next adventure to the Sky Islands!
