Redington-Arizona Trail-La Milagrosa Loop

This loop is considered an expert-level mountain biking route, often rated as "Black Diamond" with a "hard" physical rating. It features demanding terrain, significant elevation changes, and highly technical descents, particularly on the La Milagrosa section. Riders should have fantastic mountain bike aptitude and be prepared for chunky, rocky sections, steep climbs, and potential hike-a-bike.

The full loop, which covers approximately 49 kilometers (30.6 miles), typically takes around 4.5 hours to complete for experienced mountain bikers. However, due to its challenging nature and technical sections, individual times can vary significantly.

The terrain is highly varied and demanding. You'll encounter sections of "buff singletrack," "techy descents," "wicked HAB" (hike-a-bike), and "lung busting climbs." The La Milagrosa section is particularly known for its "fun, fast, technical, gnarly, rocky downhill" with 1-3 foot drops, requiring constant skill and attention. Some parts, like "The Gauntlet," are brutally rugged.

The loop is typically ridden counter-clockwise, starting with a climb up Redington Road. A common access point is the Lower Bellota – Arizona Trail (Redington Road Trailhead). Parking is usually available at trailheads along Redington Road, but specific parking areas can vary. Given the remote nature, ensure your vehicle is secure.

The Redington-Arizona Trail-La Milagrosa Loop is located within the Coronado National Forest. Generally, there are no specific permits or fees required for day-use mountain biking on these trails. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Coronado National Forest website for any current regulations or alerts before your visit.

The best time to ride this loop is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring (October to April). Summers in Tucson can be extremely hot, making this strenuous ride potentially dangerous. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as temperatures can vary significantly between the valley and higher elevations.

You can expect "views for days" along this route. The trail offers sweeping vistas of the Tucson valley and passes through the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. The La Milagrosa section, despite its technical difficulty, is lauded for its beautiful scenery, descending along a ridge line and the lip of Milagrosa Canyon, providing a seriously remote vibe.

Yes, the route incorporates significant sections of the Arizona Trail and also passes through parts of the Bellota Trail #15 and La Milagrosa trail, among others. You'll also encounter segments of the Sky Islands Traverse and various OHV trails.

While many trails in the Coronado National Forest allow dogs, the extreme difficulty and length of this particular mountain biking loop make it generally unsuitable for most dogs, especially off-leash. The rugged terrain, technical descents, and potential for sharp rocks could be dangerous for paws. If you do bring a dog, ensure they are well-conditioned, on a leash, and that you carry ample water for both of you.

Given the remote and technical nature of this loop, you should bring plenty of water (more than you think you'll need), high-energy snacks, a repair kit with spare tubes/patches, a multi-tool, and a first-aid kit. Many riders also recommend wearing body armor due to the aggressive and technical descents, especially on La Milagrosa. A GPS device or the Komoot app with the downloaded tour is highly advisable for navigation.

Absolutely. Key highlights include the initial climb up Lower Reddington Road, sections of the Arizona Trail, and the scenic Lake on the Arizona Trail. The most notable feature is the highly technical descent of La Milagrosa, considered a "technical masterpiece" and one of the most aggressive trails in the Southwest. You'll also pass through the Agua Caliente Drainage.