Free Man
Highlights & Remarkable Spots
Cattle Grazed Area / ~ Mile 7
At ~ mile 7, notice the abrupt change in desert texture. Mesquite trees dominate, and there is little wild desert grass. Some would argue that this is caused by extensive and prolonged cattle grazing. [To learn more, a good starting point is this report from the United States General Accounting Office. An alternative to traditional grazing practices, regenerative grazing, is detailed in this article by the NY Times. This is a very complex topic and we would encourage you to do your own research.]
Willow Springs Ranch / ~ Mile 8
This was the site of a disrupted housing / community development in the first part of the century (circa 2001)[Ref: 1, 2, 3]. [We wish we could have found more information on this, but a read of the references listed is worth a few minutes of your time. They show how lands like these could disappear from the gravel community. ]
Historic 96 Ranch / ~ Mile 23.5
At mile 23.6 is the old 96 Ranch. It was a working ranch until circa 1978 and later was put up for sale for $4.5 million.
Arizona State Land Trust Lands / ~ Mile 26 to Finish
The Arizona State Land Trust is not similar to most land trusts. The lands are not typically set aside or sold specifically for recreational purposes. The primary purpose of these lands is to generate revenue for the Trust’s beneficiaries, with a focus on supporting public services like education. The trust lands are managed with a business-like approach, emphasizing strategic leasing and selling to stimulate economic development and provide monetary benefits to the beneficiaries. While recreational use might be a secondary aspect, the main intent behind managing and disposing of these lands is to support public services and economic growth in Arizona.
However, there are instances where lands have been sold or designated for recreational use. A notable example is the Arizona Trail and Maricopa Trail, which were purchased from the Arizona State Land Trust as perpetual Rights of Way.
When We Like to Ride This
Fall through spring. This is a great route on a cooler winter day; it stays low, without any big climbs. Not recommended on a windy day, it is very exposed.
Terrain & Riding
Freeman Road Climb / Gravel Road / ~ Miles 0 to 14
From the parking area, the lead-out east is on a wide two-lane hard-packed dirt road.Expect some washboard, but there is usually a fast riding line near the edges. The first 14 miles climbs continuously at a 1 to 2% grade. At mile ~ mile, Freeman Road begins to split Coyote Peak to the left and the Black Mountains to the right. The landscape changes from a long straight road with Saguaros, Chollos, mesquite trees, creosote bush to rolling hills with a more rugged landscape.
At ~ mile 7, notice the abrupt change in desert texture. Mesquite trees dominate, and there is little wild desert grass. Some would argue that this is caused by extensive and prolonged cattle grazing. At ~ mile 8, you pass by Willow Springs Ranch. Continuing, the route rolls and undulates, and a set of big boulders appears in the distance. Then, just as you crest the high point of the day, then they are gone.
Barkerville – 96 Ranch Road Descent / Gravel Road / ~ Miles 14 to 26
Just before mile 14, make a left onto Barkerville Road, a wide two lane gravel road. Look north, and in the far distance, you can see several impressive mountains bounded between Phoenix [to the west] and Globe [to the east]. (We believe they are the Superstition and Pinal mountain ranges.) The miles fly by with a downhill gradient of 2 to 3%.
At mile 19, make a left onto 96 Ranch Road. The trend is still downhill, but on a more narrow, twisting, undulating road. The road follows a northeast to southwest split into the Ninetysix Hills. At mile 22.2, there is a gate and at mile 23.6 is the old 96 Ranch. It was a working ranch until circa 1978 and later was put up for sale for $4.5 million.
Continue on your fast downward descent until mile 26.
Desert Crossing Crux / Dirt Road / ~ Miles 26 to Finish
Go left onto a more rugged dirt road. The remaining 8 miles are on Arizona State Lands and are the crux of the ride. For the most part, the roads are of good quality, but there will be some sandy wash riding and some rutted tracks. This entire section should be rideable on 40 mm tires, but you will work. Luckily, it is slightly downhill and quite scenic!
The Start
Dirt parking lot at intersection of Highway 79 and Freeman Road.
Lat / Long: 32.776489, -111.162142
Food & Water
- None.
Route Notes
This is (mostly) a 40 mm tire route. The first 26 miles are fast and furious. The last 8 miles can be sandy, and where you will want a wider tire (45 mm+) for flotation. Good sand riding technique is a must to “clean” this sector. But … it is doable without putting a foot down.
The route has light traffic, but we recommend a red blinky light.
Be on the lookout for cows, there is open grazing.
Part of the route is on Arizona State Trust Lands. For access, a permit is required. We strongly encourage you to do the “right thing” and purchase a permit. The fee is nominal.
Route Options
If you are looking for a bit more mileage (still with 45 mm tires), start at the intersection of 96 Ranch Road and Highway 79. From the start, go east on 96 Ranch Road to intersect the original course at mile 26, then follow the route. This will add about 11 miles and 600 feet of gain. Ride With GPS Map.
Alternative Start Location (Lat / Long): 32.861159, -111.239803
Be Informed!
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