Route Link Dist: 24 Miles. Ascent: 3572 Feet, 6.0% Average Gradient. 10% Max Gradient. Category HC.
Only half as much ascent as to the top of Mount Lemmon 😊
Weather Forecast: (as of 12 Mar26)
8:00am 73F, Sunny, Winds SSE at 3 mph, gusts to 6
9:00am 79F, Sunny, Winds ESE at 3 mph, gusts to 7
10:00am 85F, Sunny Winds ENE at 3 mph, gusts to 8
11:00am 91F, Sunny, Winds NE at 4 mph, gusts to 9
From downtown Tucson it is a 41 miles drive (about 45 minutes). From Interstate 10, get on I19 South, then turn West onto Ajo Rd (SR86) and take that all the way to the Kitt Peak turnoff. Carpooling is encouraged.
Start/End: Dirt Parking Lot at corner of West Tucson-Ajo Highway Arizona State Route 86 and Kitt Peak Highway State Route 386, Lat/Lon (32.026178, -111.577715). Please arrive 15 minutes early get ready and to sign in.
Route: From the dirt parking lot at the bottom, we will have a relatively gentle 3% gradient for about a mile to stay together. The gradient quickly inceases after this and everyone is free to climb at their on pace after the first mile. Let's plan on regrouping at the top. If you decide you have to go down before the last few get up there, please let the ride leader know what you are doing. Cell coverage is not perfect so don't depend on being able to call someone. There is almost no traffic on this road which is a plus. The pavement on the way back down is OK but not perfect, so be careful coming down. There is very low traffic.
Bathroom/Water Stops:
There are no bathrooms at the start. Stop at the Three Points General Store, 16225 W Ajo Hwy which is about 16 miles from the start of the ride.
0 miles - START .... Bushes
12 miles - Kitt Peak Visitor Center opens at 9am. Bathrooms open at 8am.
24 miles - END ..... Bushes
Not a member? Sign Up Link
IMPORTANT: If you have not signed up for a membership or renewed a membership since Jan 2026 or ridden with Cliff before, please send your contact information (Name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to Cliff at cliffhaston55@gmail.com. If you bring a +1, send their information as well. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will need to verify the information and sign it.
If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call or text the ride leader: Cliff's phone number is 520-551-1155. We will wait up to five minutes before leaving if you call.
What to Bring:
• Food & fluids for 3 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
• Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
• Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
• CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
• No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
