Mount Lemmon to Oracle Ridge (gravel)
Category 318 km
Distance
520 m
Elevation Gain
2.9%
Average Gradient
9%
Max Gradient
A high-altitude gravel traverse on the summit plateau of the Santa Catalina Mountains, connecting the top of the Catalina Highway (2,791m) with the Oracle Ridge trail system and Peppersauce Campground to the north. This route rewards riders who have already summited Mount Lemmon on the paved highway and seek additional high-altitude terrain without descending to the valley floor. The Oracle Ridge Road runs along the Santa Catalina Wilderness boundary at 2,400-2,600m through dense ponderosa pine and Gambel oak forest — a completely different character from the rocky desert 2,100m below. The surface transitions from compacted gravel to loose rock on the descending section toward Oracle, requiring 40-45mm tyres. Strong riders can combine the Catalina Highway ascent with the Oracle Ridge extension and descend the Oracle side for a point-to-point adventure of 60km from Tucson to Oracle — with a car shuttle required for the return.
Pro Tip
A Coronado National Forest recreation pass ($8 per day) is technically required for motor vehicles in this area; cyclists are generally waved through by the fee station attendants but carry a $10 bill in case. The Oracle Road descent to the town of Oracle is loose in places and requires confidence on gravel at speed. Oracle town itself is small but has a gas station with cold drinks — a welcome resupply after the full traverse from Tucson.
Part of
Cycling in Tucson & Sedona