Kimberly Schmitz, Spur Public Relations
Pedal it, hoof it, fly it, swim it, or just relax and take it in. Marana’s uniquely southern Arizona adventure awaits!
Whether outdoor adventuring is a hobby or a way of life Marana offers myriad opportunities for visitors to find fun and adventure in its expansive, beautiful, wild and urban preserved spaces. Our scenery, surroundings, and many easily accessible amenities sound an irresistible call to come out and play. Our amazing weather allows guests and locals to answer that call nearly every day of the year!
Pedals to the Pavement
Arizona and Pima County, specifically, has long been lauded as one of the most bike friendly areas in the country. Marana serves as the perfect starting line for road cyclists preferring to get to know the area by the power of the pedals and two wheels. Hundreds of miles of our urban and rural roads are designed with amply accommodating bicycle lanes, many providing room for two to ride abreast. A variety of terrain options, from flat, to hilly, to lower-gear burning climbs, are available to suit any level of rider or desired cycling experience. For riders less interested in going with the flow of traffic, there are several Marana locations from which riders may access The Loop, a 100+ mile, paved, multi-use path, that winds around and through Pima County. Whilst this area is perfect for people on bikes, it is also suitable for people who enjoy hiking or people on an offroad electric scooter. Due to the different terrains on these routes, an offroad scooter would be much more suited than a regular scooter. It’s up to visitors how they wish to explore these areas, but it’s advised to be careful due to the different sports going on through these routes.
Michael Swart, avid cyclist and owner of HMS Bikes regularly leads group rides for all levels throughout the region. Two of his favorite routes begin at his shop in Marana with turnaround points at the base of the Tortolita Mountains.
Ritz Carlton Out and Back
From HMS Bikes at 8225 N. Courtney Page Way, Ste 145:
Arizona Pavillions Drive to N. Cortaro Road
Right on Cortaro Road, nouthbound to Silverbell Road
Right on Silverbell Road, northbound to Twin Peaks Road
Right on Twin Peaks Road, following it east and northbound
At Tangerine Road, Twin Peaks turns into North Dove Mountain Boulevard
Follow North Dove Mountain Boulevard, take the round-about to the right to the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain.
Stop for a bite at Caytons at Dove Mountain and return via the same route in reverse.
Tunnel Out and Back
From HMS Bikes at 8225 N. Courtney Page Way, Ste 145:
Arizona Pavillions Drive to North Cortaro Road
Right on Cortaro Road, northbound to Silverbell Road
Right on Silverbell Road, northbound to Twin Peaks Road
Right on Twin Peaks Road, following it east and northbound
At Tangerine Road, Twin Peaks turns into North Dove Mountain Boulevard
Turn right on Moore Road, eastbound
Turn left on North Thornydale Road
Ride through the tunnel to Saguaro Ranch South gates.
Follow same route in reverse to return.
The Loop
Access The Loop and more than 100 miles of paved, multi-use path closed to motorized traffic and enjoy a safe, quiet ride among other cyclists, walkers, runners, Eliptigo-ers and roller bladers, through natural landscapes or along wild desert washes (river beds). Several Marana access points will allow riders to explore to the northernmost (Catalina State Park), southernmost (Rita Ranch), and easternmost (Saguaro National Park East) areas of the county! The Loop path is accessible from the following locations to name a few:
Santa Cruz River Park
Wade McLean Park
Cortaro Road (West of I-10)
Ted Walker Park
Silverbell Road and Sunset Road (intersection)
El Camino del Cerro between Silverbell and I-10
Sweetwater Wetlands
Two Feet, Two Wheels, Miles of Trails
For those who don’t believe the adventure begins until the pavement ends, Marana has the perfect playground in the Tortolita Mountains. Don’t let the fact that the Tortolitas are the smallest of the area’s five mountain ranges fool you. While some trails through these “Guardians to the North” offer a refreshing and restful explorative experience, the rugged upper trails can offer up to 1000 feet of elevation gain and are sure to challenge even the most seasoned hikers and mountain bikers at times.
Choose to hike or ride on any of our 300+ days of sunshine and you will be treated to stunning mountain vistas, towering saguaro cacti, and hundreds of the Sonoran Desert’s winged and four legged residents. To this day, there is still a herd of wild horses that runs freely in this area. It’s not uncommon that human visitors are treated with spotting these majestic creatures, or at the very least, encountering evidence of their recent presence.
Tortolita Preserve, accessible from Moore Road off of Dove Mountain Boulevard, is a 10 mile single track loop of sand, some hardpack, and rocks with a couple of mildly technical sections. It is a perfect out and back or full loop for beginning mountain bikers or hikers interested in a more relaxing experience. The trail, peppered with signs naming the native flora, weaves through an ironwood forest, and is at its most beautiful during Spring wildflower season.
In contrast, the Wild Burro Trail is a more technical trail with steep climbs and challenging sections. Intermediate riders will successfully ride most of this trail with some hiking along the way. More accomplished hikers and riders will appreciate the mental and physical workout the trail demands.
Whether following the Wild Burro Trail to the western face of the mountains or veering off to wind through sub-trails like the Upper Javalina, Cochie Springs, or Alamo Trails, outdoor adventure seekers are sure to get their fill in the wild and beautiful Tortolita Mountains. While it is best to hike and bike in the early morning or dusk during the summer, no matter the season, hikers and bikers are strongly advised to always carry plenty of water and protection from the sun!
Guests at the luxurious Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain, at the base of the Tortolita Mountains, may join hikes led by expert guides from the resort’s back door through this rugged and wondrous trail system. Guests may enjoy low-impact and highly informational nature hikes around the property or more rigorous, two- to four-hour jaunts through the Tortolita trails like the Alamo Springs Trail. Schedules are available upon request.
Horsing Around and Ranch Adventure
What better way to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Sonoran Desert than traversing it via the original 4×4 vehicle–a horse! Just a short jaunt south of Marana-proper visitors looking to revive their inner cowboy or cowgirl spirit can mount a trusty steed and hit the trails at the Cocoraque (ko-ko-rocky) Ranch. A secluded and sprawling 16,000 acre vestige of the past, the Cocoraque Ranch embodies everything that made the Old West a time and place of wistful remembrance.
A working cattle ranch that was once a site of a US Calvary encampment, The Cocoraque offers one-hour to all-day trail rides with experienced wranglers and healthy, sound horses. Trails meander through lush Sonoran Desert wilderness with some leading to a historic ranch house and ancient petroglyphs. The ranch accommodates small group visits or larger groups for weddings, corporate parties, or events. Ranch-style team building, fun family activities, delicious ranch-chic meals, and even real rodeos can be arranged upon request.