La Milagrosa loop via Arizona Trail

This route is considered extremely difficult, often rated as a double black diamond trail. It's known for its aggressive and adventurous nature, featuring exceptionally technical and rocky terrain. Expect chunky, bouldery segments, tight sections, drops, and switchbacks that demand significant skill and focus. There's also a challenging hike-a-bike section.

The terrain is predominantly technical and rocky, with many 'chunky' and 'bouldery' sections. Riders will encounter tight passages, numerous drops (1-3 feet), and challenging switchbacks. The desert environment, distinct from forest trails, requires an 'A game' due to its rugged and unforgiving nature.

The best time to ride is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through spring (October to April), to avoid the extreme heat of the Arizona summer. Be aware of the monsoon season (July to September), which can bring heavy rains and flash floods, making trail conditions dangerous and potentially closing sections.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Coronado National Forest, including this loop. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Given the extreme technical difficulty and rugged terrain, consider if this trail is suitable for your dog's fitness and paw protection.

No specific permits are typically required for mountain biking the La Milagrosa loop via the Arizona Trail in the Coronado National Forest. There are also no entrance fees for accessing the general trail system. However, always check the latest regulations from the U.S. Forest Service before your ride.

Parking is available at various access points, such as near the Lower Bellota – Arizona Trail (Redington Road Trailhead). For the full Redington/AZT/La Milagrosa Loop, many riders opt to shuttle to the trailhead to conserve energy for the demanding descent, as climbing back up after riding La Milagrosa is generally not recommended due to the significant physical demands.

Beyond the challenging ride, you'll experience beautiful scenery and stunning desert landscapes. Highlights include sweeping views of the Tucson valley, unique saguaro cacti, and impressive rock formations in canyons. You'll pass by areas like Lower Reddington Road, Italian Spring – Arizona Trail, and the The Lake on the Arizona Trail. The route also traverses the Agua Caliente Drainage.

Yes, this route incorporates significant sections of the Arizona Trail. It also passes through segments of the Sky Islands Traverse, Bellota Trail #15, Italian Spring Trail #95, Chiva Loop, and La Milagrosa singletrack, among others.

For the full Redington/AZT/La Milagrosa Loop, it is strongly recommended to ride it counter-clockwise. This approach involves climbing Redington Road and culminates in the highly technical descent of La Milagrosa, which is the highlight for many riders.

No, this trail is not suitable for families or beginner mountain bikers. It is rated as an expert-level route with extreme technical demands and a hard overall physical rating. The terrain includes significant drops, rocky sections, and a challenging hike-a-bike, making it inappropriate for those new to the sport or seeking a leisurely ride.

Given the trail's difficulty and remote desert environment, bring plenty of water (more than you think you'll need), high-energy snacks, a comprehensive first-aid kit, and essential bike repair tools (spare tubes, pump, multi-tool). A GPS device or fully charged phone with offline maps is crucial for navigation. Wear appropriate protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, and knee/elbow pads.