Bikepack Arizona
Bikepacking AZ – Sky Island East Loop
January 21 – 23, 2026
Two Nights | $1,000 per person | Max 6 Riders
Overview
From the canyons of Patagonia to the cactus-lined climbs of the Santa Ritas, the Sky Islands East Loop is pure Arizona bikepacking magic — rugged, raw, and endlessly rewarding.
This 130-mile adventure blends the best of the Sonoran Desert and the Sky Island mountain ranges: cottonwood canyons, golden grasslands, pine-oak woodlands, and vast desert valleys. You’ll cover roughly 8,839 ft of climbing, with glamping-style comfort along the way — two hotel nights, real beds, hot showers, and the glow of Arizona sunsets.
Trip Details
Price: $1,000 USD per person
Single Supplement: $500 USD (private room)
Group Size: Up to 6 riders
Dates: January 21 – 23, 2026
Accommodation: Two hotel nights (shared double rooms)
Total Distance: ~130 miles
Total Ascent: 8,839 ft
The Route
The Sky Islands East Loop begins in the eclectic borderlands town of Patagonia, AZ, climbing gently up Harshaw Creek Road through cottonwoods, sycamores, and a year-round stream. At the summit, the canyon opens into the San Rafael Valley, a golden sea of grasslands protected by conservation easements and roamed by pronghorn antelope and raptors.
From there, the route climbs into pine-oak forest and crosses Canelo Pass, revealing chunky doubletrack and rugged descents that give the East Loop its character. The crossroads town of Sonoita offers resupply, a steakhouse dinner, and your first night’s rest at the Sonoita Inn.
The second day dives into the Santa Rita Mountains, passing old mining sites like Kentucky Camp, with its century-old adobe structures and a small museum of gold-rush artifacts. Crest Box Canyon Pass and drop into the cactus-studded low desert, finishing the day in Green Valley at the Best Western Green Valley Inn.
The final day follows the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail, once used by Spanish explorers in the 1770s, before looping through Salero Canyon and back to Patagonia — dusty, tired, and glowing with that post-adventure high only the desert can deliver.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Patagonia → Sonoita
Roll out from Patagonia and climb Harshaw Creek into the San Rafael Valley. Cross Canelo Pass and descend into Sonoita, where a hot shower and a cold drink await.
Overnight: Sonoita Inn • Meals: on your own • Mileage: ≈ 45 mi
Day 2 – Sonoita → Green Valley
Ride into the Santa Rita foothills, stopping at Kentucky Camp before tackling Box Canyon Pass and dropping toward Green Valley.
Overnight: Best Western Green Valley Inn • Meals: Breakfast & group dinner • Mileage: ≈ 50 mi
Day 3 – Green Valley → Patagonia
Follow the historic Juan Bautista de Anza Trail through sweeping desert and back into Salero Canyon to complete the loop in Patagonia.
Celebrate with tacos and beer before shuttling back to Tucson.
Mileage: ≈ 35 mi • Meals: Breakfast
Terrain & Experience
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Gravel, dirt roads, and rugged doubletrack
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Total Distance: 130 miles | Total Ascent: 8,839 ft
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Ideal for gravel or light hardtail setups
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Support vehicle available
Cultural & Environmental Notes
The Sky Islands region crosses the ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham, Chiricahua Apache, and Ópata peoples. It’s also critical habitat for jaguar, coati, and pronghorn. Riders are encouraged to learn more or donate to local conservation groups like Sky Islands Alliance, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, and Borderlands Restoration Project.
Book Your Spot
$1,000 per person | Max 6 riders | $400 single supplement
Two nights of lodging included (Sonoita Inn + Best Western Green Valley Inn)
👉 Email info@flattire.co or call (724) 691-0966 to reserve your spot or join the interest list.