Harshaw Arizona Trail Connector

The Arizona Trail and Temporal Gulch Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience through the scenic Santa Rita Mountains. You'll navigate benched singletrack, deep grasslands, and riparian areas with sycamore trees along the Temporal Gulch Trail, all while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Wrightson. This moderate 34.1-mile (54.9 km) route, with its 2752 feet (839 metres) of elevation gain, provides a rewarding challenge for intermediate riders, culminating in a fun, flowy downhill section.

Planning your ride means being prepared for a remote adventure. The loop typically begins and ends in downtown Patagonia, but once you're on the trail, there are no services, so pack everything you need. Expect to dismount occasionally for gates along the Arizona Trail sections. With an estimated duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, it's a substantial outing that requires self-sufficiency.

This route is particularly notable for its relatively new Temporal Gulch section of the Arizona Trail, rerouted in 2020 to offer a safer and more scenic alternative away from busy roads. This effort by the Arizona Trail Association created sustainable singletrack through beautiful biomes, making it accessible to mountain bikers. You might even spot historical mining works along the way, adding another layer of interest to this well-regarded mountain biking terrain.

The Patagonia – Harshaw Road Trailhead loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience through Arizona's high desert, blending well-maintained dirt roads with stunning natural beauty. As you ride, you'll follow Harshaw Creek through a narrow canyon, enjoying views of local rock formations and the vibrant foliage of cottonwoods and Arizona sycamores. The route also takes you through rolling grasslands and wooded valleys, with the impressive Mount Wrightson often providing a dramatic backdrop. It's a journey through diverse terrain, perfect for those who appreciate varied scenery.

Planning your ride on this moderate 20.0-mile (32.1 km) loop, which includes 1340 feet (409 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 47 minutes, requires a few considerations. While generally accessible, Harshaw Creek Road can become tricky after heavy rain due to unbridged crossings, so always check the forecast. Be especially cautious on Harshaw Road itself, as it's used by mining trucks; give them plenty of space. Parking is available at the trailhead, and bringing ample water is essential for a comfortable ride.

This area is a significant part of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, with Patagonia recognized as a Gateway Community. The loop also passes through the historic mining community of Harshaw, offering glimpses of its past with a cemetery and old buildings. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like mule deer, javelinas, and various bird species. This trail provides a great opportunity to explore a rich natural and historical landscape on two wheels.