When We Like to Ride This

Best ridden: before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. Not on weekends or Holidays.

Terrain & Riding

Just out of the parking area, the ride begins to climb, undulate and twist and turn. The road surface is rough, making it more preferable to be riding an adventure / gravel bike. At about mile 5, views of Canyon Lake will open up. At mile 10 is Tortilla Flat, the only option to refuel and get water.

At mile 15, turn left onto the dirt road. At about mile 17, you will come to a gate and a sign posting: “Government Property – No Trespassing”. Access is allowed beyond this to hikers and bikers only, no cars. (To ensure access is still allowed contact SRP at 602-236-8888.)

Now the real fun begins with a kick-butt descent down to the Salt River. Stop at the metal bridge when you reach the river. Do not go beyond this …. otherwise, security will pay you a visit and provide you with a personal escort out of the canyon. (Ah, we know from experience.)

The Start

Weaver’s Needle Vista Viewpoint

Lat / Long: 33.495894, -111.464481

Food & Water

• Tortilla Flat

Route Options

Two optional starting points are:
1) Canyon Lake at the Acacia Recreation Site. 23 miles total, 3200 ft gain
2) Tortilla Flats. 17 miles, 2500 ft gain

Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!