Old Man vs. Corona del Loma Trails

[garyc57]

Using Route Editor (Thanks @joebartels !), I was building a loop route on South Mountain, starting at Pima Canyon trailhead, going west on the Desert Classic Trail, then back east on the National. I found the Old Man Trail (aka Corona de Loma East), and used it to connect those two.

But then, I saw the Corona del Loma Trail, which connects to the National, but is a bit longer.

So, my question: which is the better route? Yes, a subjective question if there ever was one. But... Easier route finding? Clearer trail? Easier grade? Fewer mountain bikes?

Your thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Gary

[LindaAnn]

@garyc57 The true Corona de Loma is a maintained trail, Old Man (Corona East) is not. Both are similar steepness (Old Man might be slightly steeper), but Corona has a slightly better trail surface—less loose rock for the most part. Either one is comparable to ascend, but Corona is a little easier to descend than Old Man is. Corona is a little easier to follow, signed at beginning and end. Old Man has a vague start, and has one turn 1/3 of the way up that a lot of people miss. You won’t see a whole lot of people on either one. I’ve never seen a bike on Old Man, very occasional bikes on Corona, not enough for that to really be a factor though.