CATALINA STATE PARK
50-Year, Golder Ranch, the Chutes, etc.
Level: Beginner to Advanced, depending on the trail (1-A through 3-C)
See also: Baby Jesus (more advanced)
Description: This is certainly one of the nicest areas to ride, and the location of our ever-popular Bike and Brats yearly party! Plenty of single track, some technical areas along with a whole bunch of beginner to intermediate rides. This area has something for everyone. You can arrange your ride to be virtually any distance or time you would like. A 2-mile, introductory fun ride, up to 30-miles of killer climbs and technical challenges. All of this and it is BEAUTIFUL.
For beginners, it is best to park at the end of Golder Ranch Road and start your ride from there. From the dirt parking at Golder Ranch Road, pick up the single track down the road on your right. There are two tracks, one about 50 yards down on the right and another about 300 yards along, also on the right. These will eventually join up at a dirt road. You can't miss with these trails. You can do about a 3 mile loop and will really have a ball. Or, take a left just past the cattle guard, and pick up the trail there.
For a bigger challenge, park at the Oro Valley Marketplace directly across from Catalina State Park and ride your bike in. Once in the park, follow the sign to the Stables on your left, and the trail starts just to the right of the stables. It will give you an immediate workout with a long, challenging climb. It is almost impossible to get lost, just follow the singletrack and signage, and always close the gates behind you. It is almost all single track, mostly intermediate riding, about 20 miles counting the pavement into the Park with a 1,600 ft. change in elevation, and should be 2-3 hours of riding. You can get water at the Equestrian Center but nowhere else.
If you park in Catalina State Park, be prepared to pay a $5/vehicle fee.
Be aware that this area IS multi-use and gets a lot of equestrian traffic. Be conscious of your riding and yeild... STOP and let the equestrian riders go by. They're all nice folks and we're all out to enjoy these fantastic trails together.
For more great photos of the area, point your browser here.
Brian Vance playing on some rocks.
This is a multi-use area and horses are a common sight. Share the trail!
If you're here, you must ride the Chutes, one of the most fun sections!
