Recreational Activities
Biking
Elephant Head Mountain Bike trail
The Elephant Head Mountain
Bike Route is a combination of little-traveled roads and remote trails designed
especially for these versatile, muscle-powered vehicles. Winding across the
scenic
foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains in the shadow of the dramatic landmark for
which it was named, the route was designed both to challenge
a rider's skill and to provide a scenic, backcountry experience.
One end of the ride is at the mouth of Madera Canyon Recreation Area. The other is at the Fred Lawrence Whipple
Observatory Visitor Center on the road to the top of Mount Hopkins.
From the
Madera Canyon trailhead, the ride follows old jeep tracks across the desert
grasslands and mesquite flats
to the base of Elephant Head Rock, where it turns into a single-track trail.
As the trail curls around the Rock, it heads up Chino Canyon into Chino Basin
along a steep old mining road.
At the top of the climb to Chino Basin, the ride turns south along a rugged mountain
trail over a saddle then down a nice grade into Agua Caliente Canyon.
After crossing Agua Caliente Creek, the route leads along a couple of
little-used forest roads around a couple of foothills that mark the western
limits of the Santa Rita Range. The ride ends at the Whipple Observatory
Visitors Center where water and restrooms are available. Or you can just make
a quick turn around in the parking lot and do it all over again in the opposite
direction.
Difficulty:
Challenging/exciting
Attractions: Season: Fall, spring, summer. Designed for mountain bikes
Length: 13 miles
Elevation: 3,600'-4,600'
Access:
- To Madera Canyon Trailhead: Leave Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera
Canyon Exit. Turn east and follow the Madera Canyon signs about 11
miles to the Proctor Road Parking area.
- To Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory Visitor Center Trailhead: Leave Interstate
19 at the Canoa Road Exit. Take the east frontage road 3 miles
south to Elephant Head Road and turn east 1.6 miles to the Mt. Hopkins
Road. Turn
south and
drive 5.5 miles to the Visitor Center. Park outside the gate
at the trailhead parking
area and ride up the road to FR 4077. Turn north on this unmaintained
Forest Service road and follow the mountain bike signs.
Notes:
Equestrians and hikers also use this trail, and vehicles use the
4-wheel drive roads, so be alert for hazards.
Before visiting this trail, call the Nogales Ranger District
for current trail conditions which can vary with season, weather
and
maintenance
status. Always let someone know where you'll be hiking/riding and when you plan to return.
For further information contact: Nogales Ranger District
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