Mountain Biking the 50-Year Trail at Catalina State Park in Tucson
Unique rock slab riding, technical rock features, great views, and stunning desert landscape on the slopes of Mt. Lemmon
If you’re planning a mountain bike trip to Tucson, Arizona, Catalina State Park and the 50-Year Trail should definitely be on your ride-it list. They might already be on your radar since both are pretty popular legendary among the mtb crowd.
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 than the classic desert riding around Tucson (read: more challenging).
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 high-stakes rock features, punchy obstacles, large slickrock slabs, and some rather rude climbing.
This is one of my favorite places to ride in Tucson, though, and in this post, I break down everything you need to know about planning your day there.
TWW Take
Please note that these are my personal opinions – you may argue otherwise! And if so, state your case (politely) in the comments 🙂
Fun-ness Factor
Trail Variety
Average Difficulty
Catalina State Park Trail Map
Catalina State Park sits north of Tucson on the slopes of Mt. Lemmon. It’s a beautiful area tucked into the foothills of the mountain and the landscape is dotted with diverse desert vegetation and unqiue rock formations. If you’re looking for slab rock riding and interesting rock features, this is the place for you! (Although be warned: the riding here is not easy).
Note about the map: Zoom out to see all of Catalina State Park and the 50-Year Trail. For some reason it loads very zoomed in.
What to Expect
Before heading out to Catalina State Park, here are a few tips and things to keep in mind:
The Highlights 😁
- Cowboy Slickrock! (For experienced riders)
- It’s stunning — great views, beautiful desert landscape, and wildlife if you’re lucky.
- Great place to session features and practice your slow speed techincal skills.
- It has a very backcountry feel, especially if you do Around the Mountain (see my All the Goods route recommendation below).
The Reality Check 🤨
- 50-Year Trail has some legit tech. Scope before you send and ride within your skill level. You can hurt yourself here if you’re not careful…
- Some of the climbs are pretty brutal (but short!)
- The upper trails are not suitable for novice riders.
Ride by the Rules 🫡
- No e-bikes.
- Yield to hikers — it’s a popular hiking destination.
- Wear a helmet, obvs.
4-Day Tucson Mountain Biking Itinerary
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How to ride Catalina State Park & The 50-Year Trail
There’s surprisingly not that much riding at Catalina State Park — or a least not a ton of suitable mountain bike trails. The lower down stuff like Catalina Trail and The Chutes are good for newer riders, but once you start climbing up Upper 50-Year Trail, things start to get more challenging. That’s one of the reasons I love Catalina so much, though — it’s full of interesting and unique features. Always scope your lines here because there are some high stakes moves that could end badly. It’s best to ride with a buddy if you head to the upper trails.
My route recommendations
⭐️ Trails not to miss
The trails at Catalina SP get progressively harder the higher you go. Here are my favorites from “easy” to advanced:
- Lower 50-Year Trail: (beginner+)
- The Chutes (beginner+)
- Upper 50-Year Trail (advanced)
- 50-Year Slabs (advanced)
- Cowboy Slickrock (advanced )
- Middle Gate (advanced)
Tip: Cowboy Slickrock is a must if you’re an experienced rider!
How hard, really, is 50-Year Trail? Lower 50-Year Trail is rated blue (intermediate) on TrailForks and I’d say that is pretty accurate. There are some technical sections that you can bypass. Upper 50-Year Trail is rated black on TrailForks (advanced) and that is accurate as well. There are some steep climbs and lots of rock features with high-stakes exposure and maneuvering.
FAQs for Mountain Biking Catalina State Park
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few tips to help you plan your ride:
Need gear recs?
Head over to my gear closet! I’m always testing out new pieces of bike gear and if I really like them, they earn a place on this page.
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!
Have you ridden at Catalina State Park? What did you think of the 50-Year Trail? Leave a comment or question below!
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