If you’re planning a mountain bike trip to Tucson, Arizona, Catalina State Park and the 50-Year Trail should be on your ride-it list. Maybe these names are already on your radar since both are pretty popular amongst locals and visitors alike.
50-Year Trail is one of the OG mountain bike trails around Tucson as is the rest of Catalina State Park. But it’s important to know what you’re getting into – the trails at Catalina are definitely different – (read: more challenging) than the other trail networks around Tucson.
50-Year Trail starts off mellow and fast-rolling but once you get to Upper 50-Year Trail, you’ll see what I mean. There are steep climbs, high-stakes rock features, punchy obstacles, and large slickrock slabs.
Catalina State Park and the 50-Year Trail are among my favorite places to ride in Tucson and in this post, I break down everything you need to know about planning your day there.
4-Day Tucson Mountain Biking Itinerary
Download my 4-day mountain biking itinerary to Tucson! This is your ultimate guide to epic trails and the best route recommendations. It’s packed with tips, links, and local secrets. Grab it now and start planning your trip to Saguaro country!
Quick FAQs & Facts
Why Mountain Bike at Catalina State Park?
So many reasons! As I mentioned above, Catalina State Park is one of my favorite places to mountain bike in Tucson. It has a different feel and a different style of riding than the other trail networks around the city like Sweetwater Preserve and Tucson Mountain Park.
Here are a few reasons to add Catalina State Park and the 50-Year Trail to your Tucson mountain bike agenda:
Planning a mountain bike trip to Tucson? Check out my complete guide to the best riding in Tucson.
Best Trails to Ride
Alright, now to the fun stuff! Catalina State Park isn’t huge, but here are the best trails to hit during your visit:
Beginner/Intermediate
Catalina isn’t the best place for beginner riders, but these trails are suitable for beginner+ shedders with decent fitness.
- Lower 50-Year Trail: This is the trail that leads north from the Golder parking area. It’s mainly flat(ish), fast-rolling, and flowy. The trail does braid a bit to avoid or lead into a few technical sections, but overall it’s pretty beginner-friendly and fun.
- The Chutes: I love this loop! It’s like a slalom course or rollercoaster for mountain bikes. I highly recommend riding it counterclockwise for the most ‘whoop factor’.
Advanced
- Upper 50-Year Trail: This is the trail that most people come to Catalina for. It’s important to note, though, that it will probably make you curse in places. Don’t expect it to be completely ‘mountain biker-friendly’. There are some very steep (albeit short) climbs, tight squeezes, and janky rock gardens. But if you go into it knowing all that, Upper 50-Year is one of the best trails in Tucson!
- 50-Year Slabs: You probably won’t even notice that this is a separate trail since the main 50-Year Trail leads right into it. There are some awesome rock rollers to practice your balance and slow-speed skills.
- Cowboy Slickrock: SO BEAUTIFUL! And fun. The problem is getting to it… you can either ride up Cowboy Slickrock or do the Around the Mountain loop, which has some hike-a-bike sections but is also one of my favorite rides in Tucson (see route recommendation below).
- Middle Gate: A good mix of tech and awesome flow. A great trail to finish your ride at Catalina.
Just looking for the best of the best? Check out my top picks for the best mountain bike trails in Tucson.
Route Recommendation
There aren’t too many ways to link up the trails at Catalina State Park and most riders do one main loop (or a shorter version of that loop).
The route below hits all of the best trails at Catalina including 50-Year, The Chutes, and Cowboy Slickrock. Don’t underestimate this ride, though – the miles are hard-won, there’s some hike-a-bike, and probably a number of features you’ll want to session or walk.
If you’re not looking for an epic day, see below for my suggestions on making this route shorter and easier.
50-Year All the goods
Trail Basics
Ride it for:
- Awesome views
- Technical challenge
- Slickrock riding
- Backcountry feel if you do Around the Mountain
Need to know:
- Trails are not well-marked
- There’s some hike-a-bike on Around the Mountain
- Ride within your skill level
- Scope lines before sending
- Don’t underestimate these miles
Route directions: Golder Trailhead > 50-Year Trail > The Chutes (counterclockwise) > Upper 50-Year > Around the Mountain (easy-to-miss left turn) > Tank > Rattlesnake > Cowboy Slickrock > Upper 50-Year > Middle Gate > 50-Year Trail
Make it shorter: Skip the larger loop on Around the Mountain / Tank / Rattlesnake / Cowboy Slickrock. Instead, just follow Upper 50-Year Trail.
Make it easier: From The Chutes, cross over to Middle Gate (i.e. skip Upper 50 Year)
What to Wear & Pack
Catalina State Park definitely has some more tech and rowdy riding than the other trail networks in Tucson (barring Mt. Lemmon). You’ll want to be prepared with:
Get two helmets in one!
Get the best of both worlds with a full face helmet that has a removable chin guard. Full face helmets provide more protection for your beautiful face and can help boost your confidence on challenging features.
But on the flip side, full face helmetns can be heavy and miserable to pedal in.
For years, I wore the Bell Super DH, which has a detachable chin guard so you can wear it as a ‘normal’ helmet when you’re charging uphill and as a full face helmet when you’re bombing downhill.
It’s great for enduro-style riding or big backcountry days that involve some rowdy tech.
Feeling ready to take on the 50-Year Trail and Catalina State Park? I hope this post gives you all the info and inspiration you need to have a great – and safe – day out on the trails. Have fun!
Read next
Exploring the mountain bike trails around Arizona? Here are a few more posts to help you plan an epic trip:
Save this post to Pinterest
Have you mountain biked at Catalina State Park? What did you think of the 50-Year Trail? What questions do you have about riding here? Leave a comment below!
Was this post helpful?
buy me a coffee!
I love writing about the places I’ve biked and inspiring you to get out and explore the world on your own two wheels. If this post has been helpful, consider showing your thanks with a small donation. It helps me keep TWW going. Thanks and keep your wheels spinning!
I love hearing from you and appreciate your comments! However, if you leave a rude, unconstructive, or spammy comment, it will be deleted. It’s cool to be kind. Have an awesome day!