Highlight (Segment) • Trail
South Mount Lemmon Road Switchbacks
Mountain biking
5.0
(6)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Coronado National Forest
Tips
April 4, 2023
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near South Mount Lemmon Road Switchbacks
1
riders
74.1km
08:17
2,300m
2,300m
The Mt. Lemmon loop via North Control Road offers a challenging mountain biking experience, transitioning dramatically from the Sonoran Desert's saguaros to cool pine forests. You'll navigate a historic dirt and gravel road, encountering steep climbs and switchbacks, with impressive views of the Santa Catalina Mountains unfolding as you gain elevation. This difficult 46.0-mile (74.1 km) route, with its 7542 feet (2299 metres) of climbing, is a full-day commitment, taking around 8 hours and 17 minutes to complete.
Planning your ride means preparing for a long, physically demanding day. While specific parking details aren't provided, the higher elevations of Mt. Lemmon are a popular escape from the heat, offering temperatures 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the valley floor. Always check current road conditions, as parts of the North Control Road can be rough or washed out, especially past Peppersauce Cave.
This route is notable for its historical significance as the original access road to Mt. Lemmon, earning its "Control" designation from early traffic regulations. It's a premier destination for experienced mountain bikers, celebrated for its substantial climbs and the unique ecological diversity you traverse, from desert scrub to ponderosa pine forests, making it a true "sky island" adventure.
8
riders
76.2km
06:52
1,320m
1,330m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Details
Informations
Distance 4.57 km
Uphill 160 m
Downhill 370 m
Weather
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Today
Thursday 20 August
31°C
21°C
30 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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