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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	10 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 2/7/08 by schmeism Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 19 miles	Global Rank: 351
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Network
Ridden: 52	Wishlist: 12
Avg. Speed: 10.17 mph	Avg. Time: 0hr 57min

 

50-year Trail / Golder Ranch in Tucson

 

  
reviewed by AK_Dan on February 16, 2010

Kudos’s to the gang who built and maintains this great riding right in town! So much fun I did it twice. The main loop is almost 7 miles and is great for the novice rider looking to hone their skills or the more experienced just looking to crank out some twisty fun singletrack miles. Trails are all worn in and easy to follow, signage is plentiful and reflects an above average sense of humor adding to the overall fun factor of the place. Once you dive into the adjoining loops the riding becomes a little more challenging, steeper drops, tighter corners, noggin knockers, rockier trails, etc. The Burro Pit Loop has some of the thickest Cholla Forest I have ever ridden through, anyone not familiar with this riding hazard please see photo, (this maybe the perfect trail to take that noobie friend of yours who thinks they are invincible). Getting off the trail anywhere here is not advised! But all in all its good fun, right in town.

* Review edited 2/16/2010

  
reviewed by varn111 on April 27, 2009

Loved the trail!! I was a proud daddy taking my 14 year old boy out for his first mtb ride ever. This was a great beginner ride. Nothing to difficult with just enough good stuff to make it FUN!! For me, it was a great workout and will be an awesome stay in shape trail for those days when getting out of Tucson is not in the cards.

  
reviewed by vincimus on January 28, 2009

I have been riding for two decades. I started MTB'ing when I lived in Colorado Springs, lived in Durango, Co and in Utah, so believe me when I say that this trail ROCKS! Is it technical? No. Is it epic? No. What it is, is a great urban trail. Except for the occassional glimpse of traffic and houses, you won't think you are anywhere near a city. As an expert rider, I have had my share of epic rides, but every now and again I like to just cut loose and let my horses run and this trail allows me to do that. Beginner to expert will enjoy this trail. My favorite parts of the ride are the elbow slammer(?), the slide and the half pipe. I was having to much fun to stop and take photos of the elbow slammer or the slide, but life is better when there are surprises. The half pipe left me with big smile. Palmer Park, in Colorado Springs has nothing on this carnival ride. Word of caution! You will be side-swiping many a cactus plant, so pay attention as they do bite.* Review edited 1/28/2009

* Review edited 1/28/2009

  
reviewed by muppetfreak on September 17, 2008

There is a map at the entrance. Pick whatever trails and length you want.

  
reviewed by Leonidus on February 24, 2008

Fantasy Island was the sweetest, funnest and most adventurest ride I've ever been on. The trail is great single track with nothing else but mtn. bikes. This trail will give you a good work out, but there are no long seroius climbs. The whole trail is full of "woopdy-doo's and great cornering loops and turns. It's basically turns and going down and up washes, hills and dry river beds. The only climbing is climbing back up the wash, gully or river bed. so even though there are no mountains to climb, there are some steep and tuff hills to climb up that will deffenetly give you a good work out. This trail will excite and entertain every level of rider except newbies or inexperienced (or serverlly out-of-shape) beginners. The posted lenth on this site is way off though. The main loop is 6.6 miles long. There are 4-5 additional loops you can take that would turn it into a 13-14 mile (or so) trail. This trail borders the east side of the "Boneyard", (military plane scrapyard). I drove down from Mesa, (Phoenix) to ride this trail and it was by far well worth the 2-2 1/2 hr. drive. You will not be disapointed with this trail, even if you drive down from Phoenix to ride it. I haven't been able to shut up about it for the past 2 days. I'll remember my camera next time to post some better pics. I am already planning another trip down so I can ride it again. The "half-pipe" was awesome and is just what the name says it is. I defenetly became a better skilled rider by riding this trail. If you want to become a better skilled or technical rider, this is probabally the best place you could do it at. If you want scenic vistas, then this trail isn't for you. But if you want one of the most exciting, different and funnest trails in your life, then this is the trail for you!

* Review edited 2/24/2008

Similar Trail: Papago Park (Scottsdale)

  
reviewed by air_junkie on May 28, 2007

Great Trail! Rode it three days, whish I had a whole week. The NE corner was like a roller coaster, loved the Burro Pit and Over & Under loops. If you have the opportunity to visit Tucson, don't miss this place.* Review edited 5/28/2007

* Review edited 5/28/2007

  
reviewed by grandenene on January 17, 2007

This trail is truely a fantasy. No climbing but some great drop ins and a great desert ride. Unless your a strict DH rider this has almost everything a novice to advanced rider could want.

  
reviewed by BigBearHostel_com on June 6, 2006

I really enjoyed this trail. Hooked up with a local at Parking Lot and he led us through the best loops at good speed. Very exciting trail, always fun to ride different environments. Interesting Cacti (watch out!) and Air Force graveyard next door. Locals came out in force to preserve access to this trail, so MTBikers should be thankful. Cool 'art' along the trail. Ride as fast as you can and have a blast. Hot air killed the lungs for those of us not used to desert air. Not big climbs, but lots of fun drops into washes with short tech sections.

Similar Trail: The Loop Trail around Page, AZ.

  
reviewed by max on March 23, 2006

great fun, nothing technical, all swoopy singletrack, you just ride and ride. some fun drop offs, some fast parts, a great place to hone skills. i went in the morning, no one was there. it *IS* a fantasy island, well worth it. you are supposed to pay the $15 for a land permit/trail access, i guess i poached the trail cause i didn't pay. it is worth the 15 bucks if you ride it more than once though.

  
reviewed by hurdaddy on November 8, 2005

Awesome singletrack! Only MTB riders here, no horses or hikers, one way trails so no oncoming traffic to worry about! Check out the "halfpipe" and the "shaft"! Tons of Fun!

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