Yetman Trail Trailhead – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum loop from Sweetwater Preserve
Yetman Trail Trailhead – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum loop from Sweetwater Preserve
3.3
(15)
77
riders
Yetman Trail Trailhead – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum loop from Sweetwater Preserve
04:27
69.1km
780m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 33.0 km for 74 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
16.8 km
Mary Henderson Desert Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
23.8 km
Gates Pass Trailhead - Sonoran Desert Vista
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
24.7 km
Yetman Trail Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
25.5 km
Rattlesnake Trail - Tucson Mountain Park
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
27.3 km
Steep washout, one of many.
Highlight • Climb
33.0 km
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
42.0 km
Gates Pass Road
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Tip by
69.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
42.4 km
12.9 km
12.3 km
955 m
532 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
46.7 km
18.5 km
2.96 km
965 m
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Elevation
Highest point (960 m)
Lowest point (710 m)
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Weather
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Thursday 25 June
42°C
27°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Yetman Trail Trailhead – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum loop from Sweetwater Preserve is a route that sounds intriguing on paper, but for touring cyclists, it's a significant challenge. This 42.9 miles (69.1 km) touring cycling route is rated difficult, with 2554 feet (779 metres) of elevation gain, and estimated to take 4 hours and 27 minutes. It's best suited for experienced mountain bikers looking for a technical adventure, rather than those on traditional touring bikes.
What to expect on Yetman Trail Trailhead – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum loop from Sweetwater Preserve
The route traverses classic Sonoran Desert scenery, but don't let the beauty fool you; the terrain is rugged. You'll encounter singletrack trails in Sweetwater Preserve, some flowy, but many with "sneaky rock gardens" and rocky sections not ideal for touring bikes. The Yetman Trail itself is notoriously difficult, featuring steep, chunky, and loose rocky sections, sandy washes, and even steps. Near the trailhead, expect very steep climbs with large rocks, and the western side is described as a "rock garden." You might even spot the ruins of the Bowen House, also known as the "Stone House," along the Yetman Trail. Expect significant hike-a-biking if you attempt this on anything other than a capable mountain bike; this route is for advanced riders seeking a technical challenge, not a leisurely tour.
Planning your visit
Given the technical nature of the trails, traditional touring bikes are largely unsuitable; this route is designed for mountain biking. Both Sweetwater Preserve and the Yetman Trail are popular, so consider starting early, especially on weekends, to secure parking. In the Sonoran Desert, carrying ample water is crucial, regardless of the season. The cooler months are generally best to avoid extreme heat. While the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a major attraction, accessing it via this loop means navigating highly technical off-road terrain.
- Distance: 42.9 miles (69.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 2554 feet (779 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 27 minutes
Comments
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