Patagonia 30
We are currently in the process of updating this ride guide. Nov 2023.
Highlights & Remarkable Spots
Town of Patagonia / @ Start
KE / Something about the history.
Arizona Trail / ~ Mile X
KE / At mile x pass by trailhead for AZT. What is the AZT? Why is it important? (How much of an economic driver? Kevin will get this info)
Spirit Tree / ~ Mile X
KE / If I remember correctly this creek is important to the early settlers.
Spirit Tree was the namesake for the Spirit World gravel race out of Patagonia.
Ref: https://www.spirittreeinn.com/about-us.htm#spirit-tree
THE SPIRIT TREE
There really is a Spirit Tree here at our secluded Patagonia, Arizona guest ranch. A massive Fremont Cottonwood tree dominates the view from the front of the Ranch House. It symbolizes what this special property is all about. Solid, deeply rooted in the earth, reaching up and out, it takes only what it needs from the environment and returns comfort and shelter to those who encounter it.
In the days before water came in plastic bottles, the sight of a cottonwood tree signaled the presence of precious water to those who lived in the southwest. It was known by many as “the water tree,” pointing to an oasis where life could be sustained and spirits refreshed.
Today water is easier to find, but places hospitable to refreshing one’s spirit are increasingly rare. When you experience an Arizona vacation at the Spirit Tree Inn, you’ll know you’ve found one of the great ones.
Harshaw Creek / ~ Miles x to X
KE / This is one of the most beautiful sections of the ride. Giant cottonwood trees, a deeply burrowed canyon, lined by rock walls, and and intriguing history.
Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harshaw_Creek
Harshaw Townsite / ~ Mile X
Giant Sycamore Trees / ~ Mile X
KevinE / What are special about these big Sycamore Trees?
Harshaw Cemetery / ~ Mile X
KE / The story of Angel Soto.
Hermosa Mine / ~ Mile X
Matus Family Cemetery / ~ Mile X
San Rafael Valley / ~ Mile X
At mile X, you drop into the western edge of the San Rafael Valley.
When We Like to Ride This
Fall to spring when the skies are clear and the temps are moderate. We would avoid this route in summer as it is very exposed to the sun. Wind could also make this route brutal. And … if it has recently rained, give it several days to let the roads dry, they are of a clay base and can turn into super sticky mud.
Terrain & Riding
The Mowry sector, named for an old mining ghost town, mile 14 to mile 19 ( ~ 5 miles) is unique to this route. This section is fast, slightly downhill, hard packed gravel riding. [Micro-video]. It starts in the cover of oak trees and gradually opens into views of the San Rafael Valley.
For a great overview of the riding in the Patagonia area, give a read to “Patagonia, A Gravel Utopia”, by Caffeine and Watts.
The route goes very near the Hermosa Project mine (~ mile 10). Yes, the project is controversial, but we encourage you as riders to be courteous and give way to mining trucks (i.e. stop and put a foot down). There are other and better forums for debating the merits of mining than on a gravel road.
Tricky turn to Matus cemetery.
The Start
Patagonia Town Park. Street side parking on McKeown Avenue. Flush toilets. Water.
Lat / Long: 31.540113, -110.753445
Food & Water
- None.
Route Notes
The area is actively patrolled by Border Patrol. As a general rule, when we come across Border Patrol for the first time in the day, we stop and ask if “there’s anything we should be aware of” and we provide them our route.
Expect little cell phone coverage and to see a few vehicles on your journey. However, the area is dotted with active ranches, some weekend getaway homes, and dispersed campers. We have classfied the route as rural due, versus remote, due to all the activity in the area.
We have changed the tire classification (as of November 2023) to 45 mm+ tires. With increased usage over the years the roads have become rougher, thus a larger tire that “floats” a bit more will give you a much more comfortable ride.
Route Options
You can also add to this route by doing the Guajolote Flat extension (map, extension in black). This adds ~ 5 miles and 500+ feet of gain, giving ride totals of 33 miles and 2200 feet. This loop completely changes the character of the ride. It is remote, steep (20% pitches, two), loose, rocky and rutted. Best tackled with 50 mm tires or better. Captain O would do it again, Gravel Girl not so much. However, it has a couple of excellent viewpoints.
Videos
The Ride! Patagonia 30
A quick 2-minute video of what to expect on your ride!
Ridden and Reviewed by:
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!