Aspen Draw

The Lemmon Drop is an incredibly demanding mountain biking route that takes you on a wild ride from the alpine forests of Mount Lemmon down to the desert floor. You'll navigate through diverse terrain, from fast, flowy sections to highly technical rocky switchbacks and significant rock gardens, with trails like Bug Springs and Bellota often requiring you to dismount and push your bike. The scenery is constantly changing, offering breathtaking views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains as you descend through multiple climate zones.

This difficult 30.5-mile (49.1 km) journey, with 3625 feet (1105 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 32 minutes, is strictly for experienced and fit mountain bikers. Shuttles are commonly used to reach the high-elevation start point, and you'll need to be self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, and repair tools. Plan your ride for the cooler months of October/November or March/April to avoid extreme heat at lower elevations and potential winter closures at the summit.

The Lemmon Drop is renowned as one of the most challenging rides in the United States, often compared to Moab's "The Whole Enchilada" for its scale and technical demands. It links together several popular trails, including Aspen Draw, Green Mountain, and La Milagrosa, creating a continuous descent of nearly 10,000 feet. This isn't a purpose-built bike park trail; it utilizes rugged multi-use hiking trails, which contributes to its raw and challenging character, making it a true test of skill and endurance.

The Aspen Draw and Meadow Trail Loop offers a dramatic change of scenery from the desert floor, taking you through cool, shady forests of spruce, fir, aspen, and maple. You'll find yourself riding through gorgeous open meadows on the Meadow Trail, with expansive views of the Tanque Verde Valley and the Santa Rita Mountains, before tackling the technical downhill of Aspen Draw. This route is a challenging 7.6-mile (12.3 km) mountain biking experience, with 1579 feet (481 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete.

This high-elevation loop is a welcome escape from Tucson's heat, often being 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the city. While the initial climb can be demanding, many riders opt for a shuttle to maximize the downhill thrills. Be aware that these are multi-use trails, popular with hikers, especially during weekends and the vibrant fall color season, so courtesy and yielding are essential.

Known for its technical challenges, particularly on the Aspen Draw segment with its rocks, roots, and tight switchbacks, this difficult route is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. The diverse ecosystems you pass through, from desert to alpine forests, make it a unique journey, offering a stark contrast to the lower desert landscape and a true test of skill.