After a brief paved warm-up, this counterclockwise loop climbs turns uphill along Redington Road. A majestic view of the Rincon Mountains awaits, as does a twisting, turning maze of forest road climbs. Loaded with ledges and drops, these challenging jeep roads continue toward the Arizona Trail at mile 16.
The next section is a favorite with mountain bikers—ten miles of singletrack bliss that snakes through some of the Cornado National Forests finest high-desert terrain. Leaving the Arizona Trail at a large cairn near mile 26, you'll follow Milagrosa's somewhat overgrown tread downhill toward the first of many technical challenges—a staircase drop that few ride on their first attempt.
Slickrock and switchbacks abound on Milagrosa, not to mention breathtaking views of Tucson, the Catalina Mountains and the deep canyons on either side of this spectacular ridge trail.
Note: There aren't any services on this epic loop, so be sure to bring water, food, and any basic repair tools you might need to complete the ride.
-Mapped by Scott Morris, TopoFusion.com
TO TRAILHEAD: The start point for this ride is the Circle K at 11271 East Tanque Verde Road, just east of Houghton. There is plenty of parking in the dirt lot under the powerlines on the Cirle K's east side.
MIL001
Location: 32.251943, -110.751894
Park at the Circle K in Tanque Verde and stock up on snacks and fluids for (and after) the ride.
There is plenty of parking and pre- and at the Circle K in Tanque Verde.
MIL002
Location: 32.252370, -110.670712
Climbing begins in earnest as you enter Coronado National Forest near mile 5.
MIL003
Location: 32.281545, -110.633526
Turn right at this 3-way junction onto FR-4417, this technical four wheel drive road begins with a 1-mile downhill.
MIL004
Location: 32.275232, -110.603914
Turn left at this big junction to continue on FR-4417 toward a series of agonizing climbs.
MIL005
Location: 32.290289, -110.590868
Turn right on FR-4424, a smoother road that follows a hillside contour eastward.
MIL006
Location: 32.289709, -110.575633
Though you could turn left at this junction and meet this loop farther north, this mapped route turns right on FR-37, for a quick downhill toward a challenging climb.
MIL007
Location: 32.281400, -110.576019
Pass through gates to cross two fence lines and continue left on the dirt road.
MIL008
Location: 32.283287, -110.568724
Look for an Arizona Trail sign on the left and follow it onto singletrack.
MIL009
Location: 32.306432, -110.574303
Cross Redington Road at mile 18.4. Continue north then west, following signs for the Arizona Trail.
MIL010
Location: 32.316914, -110.592198
There are a couple of tight switchbacks on this downhill stretch of the Arizona Trail following the ride's high point at mile 19.3.
MIL011
Location: 32.320975, -110.620694
Turn left at this junction of the Arizona Trail and Bellota Ranch Road. You'll turn downhill on the road for a minute, but turn right following Arizona Trail signs in the wash.
MIL012
Location: 32.324928, -110.668845
A large rock cairn marks the right turn from the Arizona Trail to the the Milagrosa Trail. The downhill continues from here, but with a couple of serious technical challenges ahead.
MIL013
Location: 32.300505, -110.711567
Look for the rock art alongside the trail just after the green gate at mile 30. There is just one mile of dirt remaining after this point.
MIL014
Location: 32.298089, -110.720730
The trail crosses a wash and you'll have to walk around the gate onto Horsehead Road. Follow the paved road west.
MIL015
Location: 32.298270, -110.738153
This left turn onto Soldier's Trail is the penultimate turn of the ride. You'll follow this nearly flat, smooth road 4-miles to loop's end.
Gauntlet
Location: 32.308463, -110.687943
"The Gauntlet's big rocks, drops, and tight turns will challenge even the most seasoned riders. © Scott Morris
Warm Up
Location: 32.248450, -110.691891
This ride begins with a paved warm-up along Tanque Verde and Redington roads. © Scott Morris
Boundary
Location: 32.252443, -110.670776
A large wooden sign marks the Coronado National Forest boundary. © Scott Morris
Century Plant
Location: 32.290470, -110.582371
A tall stalk of a century plant, which only grows every 25 years, dying after the effort. © Scott Morris
Ridgeline
Location: 32.315644, -110.578938
Glorious ridgeline descending on the Arizona Trail <span style="font-size: 8pt;">© <a href="http://lacemine29.com">Mike Curiak.</a></span>
Thistles
Location: 32.316732, -110.584860
During the spring, watch for thistles on the Arizona Trail. <span style="font-size: 8pt;">© <a href="http://lacemine29.com">Mike Curiak.</a></span>
Tortises
Location: 32.318328, -110.635328
Classified as Threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, beware of disturbing desert tortoises on or alongside the trail. © Scott Morris
"The Lake"
Location: 32.321737, -110.647173
About 25 miles in, the "Lake" is more of a cow pond, but a possible source of water if you're deserate and have a filter on hand. © Scott Morris
Rock Stairs
Location: 32.320286, -110.668888
The first technical feature on Milagrosa is a tricky rock staircase. © Scott Morris
Saguaro
Location: 32.303747, -110.697727
Panoramic views of cliffs and saguaro highlight Milagrosa's ridgeline descent. © Scott Morris
Milagrosa Movie
Location: 32.303167, -110.704422
Ledges and drops abound on the Milagrosa Trail. © Scott Morris
Rock Art
Location: 32.300483, -110.711632
© Scott Morris
