Tucson's Sonoran Desert trails ride year-round at the foot of five mountain ranges. The 50 Year Trail, Fantasy Island, Sweetwater, and the high climbs on Mount Lemmon span saguaro flats to pine forest. The desert dries fast, so conditions are good far more often than not.
164 featured mountain bike trailselevation 2,316–9,108 ft
Is it muddy in Tucson right now?
Right now about 164 of 164 featured Tucson trails are riding well. Conditions change daily with rain and snowmelt, so the list below shows the live read for each trail, and the chart shows which day ahead is your best bet.
Typical riding conditions by month, blending heat and trail conditions from 10 years of local climate data — so you can plan a trip for the right window.
The best time to ride Tucson is January through April and October through December, when daytime highs sit in the 65–86°F range and the dirt is typically dry. May through September runs hot, with typical highs near or above 101°F. Planning a trip? Those are your safest bets — and for this week, the live forecast below shows exactly which days are riding well (right now 164 of 164 featured trails are good to go).
PrimeToo hot
Bar height = our ride-friendliness score for a typical year; colour = the main limiting factor; the number under each month is the average daytime high. Based on 2014–2023 climate normals (ERA5); this year's live conditions are below.
Trail networks in Tucson
Named riding areas in Tucson, each with its own live conditions and the trails inside it.
What are the best mountain bike trails to ride near Tucson right now?
Today the trails riding best near Tucson are Aspen Trail #93, Baby Jesus Trail and Bigelow Trail #520. The full list below is sorted by today's real conditions, best first, and refreshes every morning, so the top of the list is always your best bet right now. See live conditions →
When will the mountain bike trails in Tucson dry out?
It depends on recent rain and each trail's soil. The 10-day outlook on this page shows how many Tucson trails are expected to be riding well each day, with rain markers, so you can pick the right day instead of guessing. See the 10-day outlook →
Is it too muddy to ride in Tucson after rain?
Right now 0 of 164 featured Tucson trails are reading soft or too muddy to ride. Tucson is mostly loam soil, which drains at a moderate pace, so after a storm some trails firm up within a day while others stay greasy. Riding wet, soft dirt damages trails and leaves ruts, so check the live mud reading on each trail before you head out. Check the live mud reading →
How many mountain bike trails are in Tucson?
Tucson has 164 featured mountain bike trails tracked here for conditions, with more searchable on the live map.
How high are the Tucson trails?
Tucson trails run from about 2,316–9,108 ft. Higher trails hold snow later into spring and dry out later than the lower ones, so conditions can vary a lot across the same area on the same day.
When is the best time to ride mountain bikes in Tucson?
The best time to ride Tucson is January through April and October through December, when daytime highs are in the 65–86°F range and the trails are typically dry. May through September runs hot, with typical highs near or above 101°F. This is based on 10 years of local climate data; check the live conditions on this page for how the trails are actually riding today.
Is it too hot to mountain bike in Tucson in summer?
May through September in Tucson averages daytime highs near or above 101°F, hot enough that most riders go at dawn or dusk or wait for the cooler shoulder seasons. The best riding window is January through April and October through December.