Overview:
Scenic ride in the Santa Rita Mountains
south of Tucson.
Directions: From Tucson, take I-19 south to Arivica Junction (Exit 48), go left and take frontage road to Amado. Go left on Elephant Head Rd. to Mt. Hopkins Rd. and drive 6.8 miles to the Smithsonian Institution and Whipple Picnic Area and park. Ride out of parking lot onto Mt. Hopkins Rd. and go left onto FR 4077; go 2 miles to FR 183, turn left and go to Mt. Hopkins Rd. and return to Whipple parking lot. Ride: 4.7-mile ride on forest roads with some pavement (2-3 hr. loop).
Rating: Intermediate.
Elevation: 3,600 feet.
Season: Best Oct. - April.
Time Allowed: Nice two-day trip, 3 hour drive from Phoenix.
Camping: Modera Canyon or Bog Springs.
Niceties: Gas, food, lodging in Tucson, Green Valley and Nogales.
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