2026
Arizona: Saguaro National Park & Tucson (February 21-27, 2026)
Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey through the stunning landscapes of Southern Arizona, centered around the iconic Saguaro National Park. Pedal through vibrant desert ecosystems, charming historic towns, and breathtaking mountain vistas, with luxurious stays at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson - Williams Center as your home base. This tour blends adventure, culture, and relaxation, showcasing the best of Tucson and its surrounding gems.
- Iconic Scenery: Ride amidst towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and open desert skies in Saguaro National Park and beyond.
- Charming Towns: Explore the historic and artistic communities of Tubac, Patagonia, Sonoita, and Elgin, each with unique Southwestern flair.
- Diverse Routes: Enjoy varied cycling paths, from scenic deserts to rolling vineyard routes and urban bike loops, suitable for all riders.
- Cultural Highlights: Visit landmarks like San Xavier del Bac Mission, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and optional attractions such as the Pima Air & Space Museum.
- Culinary Delights: Savor Southwestern cuisine and local wines in Tucson’s vibrant food scene and Sonoita’s wineries.
- Comfortable Stays: Relax each night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson - Williams Center, offering modern amenities and a central location.
- Optional Rest Day: Choose to cycle or explore Tucson’s attractions, including the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB or the OK Corral.
Pricing options:
✔️Lowest price
✔️Pay Now
✔️No changes
✔️Non-refundable
✔️Limited price availability
✔️Pay deposit now
✔️Pay balance 45 days before trip start
✔️Full Credit for future trip for change or cancellation up to 60 days before trip start
✔️*This is the exclusive pricing way that Vacation Bicycling used for 18 years through 2024
✔️Pay with credit card or debit card
✔️Fully refundable/changeable up to 15 days before trip start
✔️No change fees
✔️Pay Now
Complete trip information:
Day 1, Saturday
Check into the hotel throughout the day. Explore Tucson, Arizona, one of the most bike friendly large cities in the U.S. with designated bicycling streets and numerous bike paths and designated bike routes. Meet at 4:00pm for the welcome meeting followed by dinner.
Dinner:
Dolce Vita
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Entrée choices:
- Stuffed Salmon - Filet of Salmon Stuffed with our Homemade Stuffing of Breading, Shrimp & Crab Meat, Served w/ Broccoli & Spaghettini
- Lasagna - Meat: Lasagna Noodles Layered w/ Ground Beef & Ricotta, Topped w/ Marinara & Mozzarella. Vegetarian: Broccoli, Mushrooms, Onions, Celery & Carrots, Topped w/ Marinara & Mozzarella.
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Vitello Ala Parmigiana - Breaded Veal Topped w/ Marinara & Mozzarella
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Stuffed Salmon - Filet of Salmon Stuffed with our Homemade Stuffing of Breading, Shrimp & Crab Meat, Served w/ Broccoli & Spaghettini
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Pasta Bar - Order pasta exactly the way you like it | Spaghetti - Linguini - Penne Ziti then add your favorite sauce and then your favorite sausage, chicken, shrimp of meatballs.
Lodging (for the entire bicycle tour):
DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson - Williams Center
Tucson, Arizona
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Internet
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Swimming Pool
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Hot Tub
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Hotel Shuttle
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Business Center
Day 2, Sunday
Sunday - The San Xavier de Bac Mission to Tubac
Begin your adventure with a scenic ride starting at the historic San Xavier del Bac Mission, a dazzling example of Spanish colonial architecture nestled in the desert. Cycle south through the lush Santa Cruz River Valley, passing the vibrant community of Green Valley, where rolling hills and distant mountain views frame your journey. As you pedal toward Tubac, marvel at the striking open-pit copper mines, their terraced slopes adding a dramatic industrial contrast to the natural landscape. The route covers gently rolling terrain, ending in Tubac, a charming artist colony known for its galleries and historic adobe buildings. Highlights include desert wildflowers (seasonal), sweeping vistas of the Santa Rita Mountains, and the cultural allure of Tubac’s Presidio State Historic Park.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; 32 miles (with +1025 ft of ascent and -1258 ft of total descent) biking from Green Valley to Tubac, riding on one of the most popular cycling routes in Arizona; or 45 miles (with +1557 ft of ascent and -1407 ft of descent) riding from the San Xavier de Bac Mission to Tubac. [The ride is primarily on secondary paved roads.]
Dinner:
Guadalajara
Tucson, Arizona
Entrée choices include:
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Fiesta Camarones! - Large shrimp sautéed in a fiesta of flavors! Chorizo, diced onions and tomatoes, cilantro and long-sliced chile anaheims are mixed in with a creamy-rich sauce and poured over noodle-sliced fresh corn tortillas. A Guadalajara Grill original!
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Chipotle Beer Batter Fish Tacos - Two sea bass filets tacos rolled fried in a Dos XX and chipotle beer batter, served with chile and salt dusted fries, lemon wedges and chipotle ranch sauce.
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Paztel Azteca - Crisp corn tostada shells loaded with beans and your choice of shredded beef, chicken or ground beef, each stacked and layered with lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and topped with enchilada sauce, melted cheese and avocado slices.
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Plato Pancho Villa - The general’s platter is rich with flavor and full of tradition with a cutlet of carne asada beef, a home-made chile relleno, and sauced over chicken enchilada. Served with refried beans and rice. ¡Buen Provecho!
Day 3, Monday
Monday - Sonoita to Patagonia to Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Today bicycling from Sonoita immerses you in Southern Arizona’s wine country and serene desert landscapes. Start in Sonoita, rolling through gentle hills dotted with vineyards and grasslands, and head to Elgin, a hub of boutique wineries with stunning views of the Mustang Mountains. Continue to Patagonia, a quaint town nestled along Sonoita Creek, where historic buildings and birdwatching opportunities abound. The route then takes you to the tranquil Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, a haven for wildlife and lush riparian scenery, perfect for a mid-ride pause. Enjoy open vistas and the golden glow of light on the grasslands. Many riders stop in Patagonia for a coffee and to take in the artistic charm and the peaceful small-town environment.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 26 miles (with +1084 ft of ascent and -1991 ft of descent) biking from Sonoita to Patagonia to the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area; or 43 miles (with +1595 ft of ascent and -2500 ft of descent) riding from Sonoita past vineyards in the Elgin area and then onto Patagonia and to the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area [Routes are primarily on paved secondary roads.]
Dinner:
On your own.
Day 4, Tuesday
Tuesday - Sonoita to Tucson
Embark on an exciting journey from Sonoita to Tucson, approaching the city from its scenic southern gateway. The route begins with rolling hills and expansive views of the Santa Rita and Huachuca Mountains, gradually transitioning from rural grasslands to desert scrub as you near Tucson. Pedal through quiet backroads, passing occasional ranches and mesquite groves, with the iconic saguaro cacti becoming more prominent as you approach the city. Entering Tucson from the south, you’ll catch glimpses of the urban skyline framed by the rugged Tucson Mountains. The ride features moderate climbs and exhilarating descents, with highlights including panoramic desert vistas, seasonal wildflower displays, and the thrill of arriving in vibrant Tucson, ready to explore its culinary and cultural scene.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 31 miles (with +132 ft of ascent and -1258 ft of descent) biking from South Tucson to the hotel; or 53 miles (with +822 ft of ascent and -3165 ft of descent) riding from Sonoita to the hotel. [Routes are primarily on paved secondary roads with some bike paths within Tucson.]
Dinner:
On your own
Day 5, Wednesday
Wednesday - Free Day. Or Saguaro National Park (West) and Tucson Loop Bicycle Route
Today, choose between a cycling adventure or a rest day exploring Tucson’s attractions. For riders, the route explores Saguaro National Park West’s iconic cactus forests and the scenic valley and plains. Start with a ride through the park’s rolling desert trails, where towering saguaros and rugged peaks create a quintessential Southwestern scene. Stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a world-class blend of zoo, botanical garden, and cultural exhibit, showcasing the Sonoran Desert’s biodiversity. Then continue your ride after re-entering Tucon on the car-free Tucson Loop bicycle path, offering smooth paths and views of the Santa Cruz River and distant mountains. Alternatively, take a break from biking to visit the Pima Air & Space Museum, the eerie “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB, Biosphere 2, or the historic OK Corral in Tombstone. Both options deliver unforgettable experiences tailored to your pace.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 10 miles (with +609 ft of ascent and -933 ft of descent) biking the Saguaro National Park West and stopping at the visitors center and touring the Desert Museum; or 53 miles (with +1171 ft of ascent and -1770 ft of descent) riding through the Saguaro National Park West and stopping at the visitors center and touring the Desert Museum and then continuing to the hotel utilizing a primary section the Loop Bicycle Path [Routes are primarily on paved secondary roads and the long route with a paved bicycle path.]
Dinner:
On your own
On your own
Day 6, Thursday
Thursday - Saguaro National Park (East) and Mount Lemon
Cap off your tour with an epic ride blending alpine and desert landscapes. Begin with a thrilling descent from Summerhaven atop Mount Lemmon, where cool pine forests and dramatic vistas of the Catalina Mountains contrast with the desert below. The winding road offers breathtaking views as you drop over 6,000 feet in elevation, transitioning to saguaro-studded foothills. After reaching Tucson, head to Saguaro National Park East for a scenic loop through dense cactus forests and rolling hills, with stops to admire panoramic views from Douglas Spring Trailhead or Cactus Forest Overlook. Highlights include the exhilarating Mount Lemmon descent, the serene beauty of Saguaro East’s trails, and the sense of accomplishment as you complete this unforgettable journey through Arizona’s diverse terrain.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 18 miles (with +586 ft of ascent and -1086 ft of descent) biking the Saguaro National Park East loop road and then continuing to the hotel; or 55 miles (with +2072 ft of ascent and -6952 ft of descent) riding from Mount Lemon and Summerhaven to Saguaro National Park to the hotel (the route may be shorten depending on weather conditions on Mount Lemon). [Routes are primarily on paved secondary roads with some bike paths within Tucson.]
Dinner:
Pub 1922
Ranked #10 out of 1600 restaurants in Tucson by TripAdvisor
"Welcome to your new favorite place!"
Sahuarita, Arizona
Sahuarita, Arizona
Entrée choices include:
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Bourbon Pecan Salmon Grilled - salmon served with bourbon pecan brown sugar glaze, fingerling potatoes & seasonal vegetables
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Fish Tacos - Flour Tortillas with cilantro-lime sauce, avocado, salsa fresca, sautéed onion/peppers on a bed of cabbage
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Pork Tenderloin - Served with a brandy veal glace, fingerling potatoes & seasonal vegetables
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Braised Short Ribs - Served with mashed potatoes, red wine demi glaze & seasonal vegetables
Day 7, Friday
Wake up in Tucson and ride on your own throughout the city or enjoy the pool before heading home.
Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.
Riding difficulty:
Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have an enjoyable trip. We have designed the routes utilizing bike paths wherever possible with the first and last day utilizing bike paths. Though we are surrounded by mountains the routes were designed to have very little climbing as possible since we are in the foothills. Of course, if a rider is tired or does not feel like riding, the SAG vehicle will transport the rider back to the hotel. All routes are primarily on paved secondary roads and paved bicycle paths. All riders may ride at their own pace, slow or fast.
Arriving by automobile:
Drive to the DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson - Williams Center 5335 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85711, having your car at the hotel for the duration of the trip.
Arriving by Plane:
Fly directly into Tucson International Airport, then take a LYFT/Uber or rent a car and travel the 11 mile, 22 minute drive to the starting hotel.
Deposit:
- $200 to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start.
What's included:
- Hotel lodging
- Ride Packets with Cue Sheets (directions)
- Garmin/GPS routes to download
- Google Maps routes for your iPhone or Android Phone
- Fully sagged including van transportation and rider assistance.
- Breakfast each morning
- Happy Hours (BYOB) on selected evenings
- Dinner with the group three evenings (see above)
- Great riding, scenery, fun and enjoyment!
Bicycles:
- Most riders bring their own bicycles.
- To ship your bike: we would suggest using shipbikes.com or bikeflight.com for shipping directly to the starting hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson - Williams Center 5335 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85711
- If you fly, most major airlines including Delta, American, United and Alaska Air now waive the oversize fee for bicycles (sporting equipment) and just the standard luggage fee applies. Please contact your airline for all the details.
- Bike Rental: Bikes are available for rent in the Tucson area. We suggest conducting a Google search to find the best place to accommodate your needs.
Weather in the Tucson area:
- Average High 85°F, Average Low 54°F