Frye Mesa

Development Route / Tucson, Arizona / Published: Mar 2020 / Updated: Oct 2026 / Directions

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Notice: The late-summer monsoons of 2026 have made this winter’s riding more rugged. Many routes now ride a full category harder. Get the latest conditions and tire advice →

Looking back towards the start.

Hardscrabble up.

The reservoir.

Hardscrabble down.

Route:

Out & Back | 19 mi

Gain:

2,200 ft

Surface:

85% gravel, 15% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Navigation:

Straightforward

Locale:

Urban Backcountry

Tire Suggestion:

50 mm or better

Options:

---

A simple out & back venturing into the Pinaleno mountains and ending at Frye Mesa reservoir. Offering up spectacular views of the Gila River Valley below and Mount Graham above.

Caution, this is a Development Route. It has not been fully vetted or ridden by the Dirty Freehub Team. Go prepared and expect a bit more adventure. Any feedback you have would be much appreciated. You can leave it below in the comments block.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

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Credits & Acknowledgements

This route was forwarded to us by a local rider, JonD. The Dirty Freehub Team has not ridden the route, thus the designation of Development Route. If you ride the route, please leave us a comment below.

Ride Details

Terrain & Riding

Smooth gravel that leads to increasingly steep hardscrabble (8% average grade for 3.5 miles), ending at a reservoir. The descent is rough and fast. Bring big, fat tires for this ride. 50 mm or better.

The Start

Lat / Long: 32.84951, -109.76759

Thatcher Park. Flush toilets. Water.

Food & Water

None.

Notes & Options

Comments

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Be Informed!

Riding in the Desert Southwest

Gravel riding in the desert southwest is unlike anywhere else in the US! It is rugged and demanding with ever changing conditions. You should expect sandy washes, sometimes for miles; you should expect washed-out trail from the heavy summer monsoon rains, and you should expect rocky and gnarly. One year, the riding is great; the next, it is not.

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