Luno De Diablo's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Sep 01 2004

Luno De Diablo

Triplogs 2

56 male

Joined Aug 09 2004
Tucson, AZ

Gates Pass Trail

Tucson, AZ

Gates Pass Trail

Tucson, AZ

Mtn Biking		Sep 01 2004
		Luno De Diablo • Triplogs 2

Mtn Biking	5.00 Miles

Mtn Biking	5.00 Miles	1 Hour 15 Mns	4.00 mph

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Park at the G5 parking area, directly North from Climbing Boulders(biggest rocks). This is the second parking PULLOUT after passing the parking LOT (G1) mentioned in directions. This is all time great INTERMEDIATE level mountain bike xc riding.
If starting at that first bottom parking LOT G1, ride up saddle to meet Yetman Trail. Turn right onto Gates Pass trail, then descend one of the most technical, ledgy, stepped switchbacks in the area. ADVANCED RIDERS ONLY. Prepare to loose your knobbies.

OR as for this description, departing south on the trail across street from the G5 pullout takes you to the intersection of Gates Pass Trail at the Climbing boulders. Turn right at the cairns before steps. As mentioned before this trail is treacherous. DO NOT RIDE WITHOUT HELMET. Palo verde notorious Arizona pinstripers, jumping teddy bear cholla, waving prickly pear and saguaro's standing proud in your face. Even Jojoba offer delicious trailside treats. As mother nature has been trying to tell us all along, balance is key. After 45mins/1.25 miles of descending reached the asphalt road.
Turned right, heading west on Kinney road. Pass the Iron wood picnic area entry on left. Continue 0.4 mile on Kinney Road. Turn left, south, at opposing parking pullouts. Drop onto sandy "Sweet" trail from south corner of pullout. Moderate speeds weaving around cacti and wash switchbacks. After twenty minutes drop into small sharp wash. Be prepared to turn left at next trail, drop down steep wash. Exit wash under last and largest Ironwood in the picnic area. Did you miss turn and end up at fork into double track? Turn back if so.
Turn left, north, and head 0.75 mile back uphill over speed humps to entry on Kinney Road. Turn left, westbound on Kinney road. Return 0.4 mile to opposing pullouts. Turn right, leaving north pullout onto Ironwood Trail. This sandy double track is more strenuous than technical. Scratched passed a Palo verde, when I noticed a cholla stump in the trail. Dodge those hissing thorns. Slithering fat footer Gila was orange with black spots. It stopped running when I dismounted. As I took a step towards from ten feet away it hissed. It then predatorily moved on. Did I really even want to get closer? Whiff it's mega bacteria laden breathe, not to mention they don't let go when they bite. Move on little dude.
Rode straight through the sandy wash, and then straight up the trail, where the upstream wash bears right. Made it back up to Gates Pass Road after 30 mins on Ironwood trail. Turned right, east, and pedaled uphill to G5 parking pullout.

For abbreviated ride, exclude "Sweet" portion, turning right at opposing pullouts. Leave at least one hour prior to sunset. If not bring flashlight for emergency. Game wardens do not like stragglers in the Tucson Mountain Park. Beware they are strict after dark. Animals complain about the noisy invasive humans.

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Aug 29 2004

Luno De Diablo

Triplogs 2

56 male

Joined Aug 09 2004
Tucson, AZ

Gates Pass Trail

Tucson, AZ

Gates Pass Trail

Tucson, AZ

Mtn Biking		Aug 29 2004
		Luno De Diablo • Triplogs 2

Mtn Biking	5.50 Miles

Mtn Biking	5.50 Miles	1 Hour 30 Mns	3.67 mph

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Gates Pass Trail is an all time thread the needle through the gap o' cacti, dropping off rock erosion guards and in between natural outcroppings. The +1 mile rolling 4% grade makes this one scenic descent, even for ADVANCED beginners. Make no mistake every thing will make you bleed if you hit it. Thorn proofs are the only way over cholla and prickly pear pads. Switchbacks occur at all the wash crossings. Ascents up the otherside require technical balance.
After one mile, reached Kinney Road. I headed straight across the road through the acacia. Very scratchy. This ADVANCED technical route is the beginning of Prospector's Trail. You will need mule legs to make it up this bushy scree ascent. Very loose rock more suited to hiking. Descending from the saddle, loose scree again, I slid over more natural outcroppings. Fields of teddy bear cholla glistening in setting sun begged for photographs. Took the first right turn heading down west to the south end of Ironwood Picnic Area.
The next thing I knew I was facing a pack of 4-5 scattering coyotes. They ran to the edges, stopping to watch me. Glad they couldn't read the Beef Jerky label. As a practicioner of minimal disturbance I would not have gotten so close so fast, just couldn't see them as was approaching from east with sun in my eyes.
Last approach to picnic area is deep sandy. Crossed under the big ironwood then began trail ascent up to Kinney Road. "Sweet trail was meant to be ridden one way and this wasn't it.
At Kinney Road crossed directly over to parking lot then through opening on left. The last 1.5 miles back up is only 4% but on sandy double track. Good cardio spot for trail runners as well. Went straight in sandy wash. Continued straight onto trail where upstream wash turns right. In less than a quarter mile was back onto Gates Pass Road. Turned right back up to car. Ended with spectacular sunset.

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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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