AZT: Tortilla Mountains - Passage 15

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Limited water and sun exposed. Ride prepared.

Starting at Freeman Rd., go north. The trail is overall flat with a slight downhill. You'll find fast trails for the first 20 miles that click along quickly. Overall, the trail is not very rocky and has a few sandy spots. After the powerlines, the elevation track starts to change with some ups and downs through the wash.

Soon you are climbing out of the wash to then climb Ripsey Hill. Extra points for a clean ascent, it gets steep and loose on some of the switchbacks. Then the long descent to the Kelvin Trailhead.

The descent is definitely the most fun, with long ridge running, route finding, and steep switchbacks. Tight switchbacks and sweeping desert views are the norm, and you'll be breathless by the time you reach the bottom. Whether that's from the adrenaline, the views, or pedaling up smaller rollers is up to you! Keep going along the singletrack to reach the bridge across the Gila River.