Mountain Bike Review: AZ Trail to Kentucky Camp

I have been hearing about the southern reaches of the Arizona Trail and how great they are from a lot of the people I have been riding with for some time. In particular everyone really seems to like the bit around Kentucky Camp. Since Sharon and I have been exploring southern Arizona, I finally got the chance to sample some of the trail for myself. We camped off of Gardner Canyon road and I went from the Gardner Canyon trailhead to just a little bit past Kentucky Camp.

The Outside of the old Hotel/Mining head quarters

Kentucky Camp is a historic district that now includes a hotel. Much of the ambitious mining operation never actually came to bear, but the ghost town left behind is still well preserved.

This is the front room of the old hotel

Ok, now back to the real reason you’re here and why I am writing, the Arizona Trail (AZT). This segment of the AZT is not exactly technical, however its not even close  to all smooth and buffed beginner friendly single track. Some of it follows the old water line and flume from the mining times and some of it is on an old road. The rest is mostly bench cut single track with a switch back here and there.

The following clips show the highlights of the ride. Part 2 and Part 4 are my two favorite bits of the trail. It’s also worth noting that the scenery out here is awesome. The Santa Rita Mountains even had a dusting of snow.

Part 2

Part 4

Part 3

Media Mention: Clock Out, Click In recounts the Arizona Trail surveying project

In the last week in review update, we mentioned that Jay spent some time with Lee Blackwell surveying a possible reroute for the Arizona Trail near Patagonia, Arizona.  What we didn’t mention, was that they were joined on this adventure by Mary Reynolds, who has now written up a great description of the day on her blog, Clock Out, Click In.  Mary’s a great writer and photographer and it was a joy for me to read her account.  Hope you enjoy it too.

A photo of Mary’s that will take you to the blog post.  You can also CLICK HERE. 

Photo Review: Coronado National Forest

For the last week we have been exploring southern Arizona.  We spent two nights camping in two different sections of the Coronado Forest and also enjoyed hiking and biking on the Arizona Trail near Kentucky Camp.  I believe that these areas are Chihuahaun Desert.  Here are some photos from the area.