Good beginner trails and sites around Tucson?

[tucson_sailors]

Been thinking about interesting places to go looking in and around the Tucson area, and figured I'd ask. Want to avoid places like Ruby and such (don't want to be shot at by locals) but are there any other old ghost towns, or mining towns that aren't too difficult to get to?

Just need names - I've got the maps, as many of you do.

Glenn

 

[splitshot]

Cool area behind Silverbell mine. You can take Avra valley rd. past the mine and criuse on the old railroad back to the Sasco townsite (you'll find it on the maps), pop out at Red Rock. Been years, hope the roads haven't improved. Or check out the north end of the Tortolitas.

 

[a.mus.ed]

i'm a teacher on summer break here, so if you want company be sure to let me know. i haven't explored most of these type trails around tucson, either.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Easy:

Ironwood National Monument
Santa Rita OHV (Melendrez Pass and various roads)
Mt. Lemmon Backroad
Coronado National Memorial to Patagonia (Mexican Border)
Cochise County ghost towns...almost all are easily reached...hiking around Fairbank and San Pedro River is sweet!

Moderate:

Jackson Cabin/Hooker Hot Springs
Gunsight and Lopez Passes (Santa Rita OHV)
Temporal Gulch
Chiva Falls (use bypasses)

 

[tucson_sailors]

Thanks

Easy:

Ironwood National Monument
Santa Rita OHV (Melendrez Pass and various roads)
Mt. Lemmon Backroad
Coronado National Memorial to Patagonia (Mexican Border)
Cochise County ghost towns...almost all are easily reached...hiking around Fairbank and San Pedro River is sweet!

Moderate:

Jackson Cabin/Hooker Hot Springs
Gunsight and Lopez Passes (Santa Rita OHV)
Temporal Gulch
Chiva Falls (use bypasses)

I will research the Easy ones to start with - my 84 still has street tires, and an unknown maint record prior to me, so don't want to tax it too heavily till I've got some idea - might also be handy to check the front hubs, etc?

I'll post up if any of the hard-core cruisers want to take a milk run anytime soon. Course, if I can find a milk-run, and place to go plinking.......

Glenn

 

[splitshot]

Jackson Cabin/Hooker Hot Springs

Nice ride..Word of note; if you stay overnight at Jackson Cabin, plan on an encounter with the kissing bugs. Same holds with the Pride Ranch.