Arizona Trail North to South -- 800 or 1000? Alternatives?

[jonnyb]

Some friends and I are planning to do some sort of AZT ride starting at the North end in mid-October. We have 27 days and want to maximize the singletrack so are leaning 1000, but welcome advice. Also tips if the fires are affecting non-AZT sections of the 1000.

We prioritize fun over following strict routes and are pretty strong riders. Have previously done the Colorado Trail and the Three Sisters route in Oregon. Two of us also did the Coconino Loop right before Covid, and are stoked that the 1000 incorporates some of that. We skipped Hangover on the loaded bikes that time, but will hit it this time. Definitely down for some freeridepacking.

Previous trip videos to get a sense how we roll:
Colorado Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw2ZwZdaXco
Oregon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sKEqetmX8Q

Hope to do a similar video for this trip.

Any help welcome!

[jonnyb]

So our emerging plan is to start at the North end of trail mid October and we have 27 days. We will ride the AZT800 route southwards until Snowbowl outside of Flagstaff. At that point we will switch to the Coconino route for a more direct downhill right into the heart of Flagstaff for resupply. We will then follow the Coconino south of Flagstaff all the way through Sedona to Cottonwood (from past experience this is a great ride that flows well in this direction). At Cottonwood we will switch to the AZT 1000 route so we can ride the Black Canyon Trail. We might skip a few of the spaghetti sections as the AZT1000 circles Phoenix, depending on time. Then we will rejoin the AZT800 route at Apache junction.

Here's the three routes referenced, all on the same map: http://www.mygpsfiles.com/app/#DfietUYN

Would really appreciate advice if we are cutting out a great section of trail, or any other issues with our route. Notable sections we are cutting out include MT Elden looping around the north of Flagstaff and Happy Jack (it is part of the AZT1000 and we could do it, but involves a long ride on FSR roads). The 1000 route through Sedona looks like it would be better if we were going S to N.

[AZTtripper]

Happy Jack has some sweet new trail but it's not Sedona by a long shot, Highline has seen a lot of work but it still got HAB for sure, What your replacing it with on the BCT is much newer sweeter trail. Coming into Flag one of the sweetest section is Aspen corners it will be a climb for you just before the Coco comes in, dropping straight into town is the party way to go for sure.

[jonnyb]

Thanks! Always tough to plan just by looking at maps, so happy to hear we are not making a colossal mistake.

[schillingsworth]

You are correct, I put the 1000 route together with the intention of it being ridden in the northbound direction. Currently, the only remaining fire closures are up on the North Rim between Stateline CG & US89A, but that is reflected in the current AZT800 track. Be sure you have the latest track dated 9.21.21.

Personally, the Coco250 route through Sedona is ok, that's why I added a bunch more trails to the 1000, but again, it was for a northbound ride. I'd make my own southbound preferred route through there adding more trails than the Coco uses. Since you're thinking about adding Hangover, maybe add in High on the Hog, Hog Heaven, then Mystic to rejoin the route via Chapel trail. Then after crossing under AZ179, go up Hermit to Hiline, right on Baldwin, cross Oak Creek then up Ridge, Sketch, Ridge, right on Carroll Canyon, left on Old Post to Skywalker rejoining the 1000 route at S Trail (It then ties into Lime Kiln & the Coco250). Gives a little better Sedona riding experience and you can easily resupply before jumping on S Trail.

Down at Dead Horse SP, If you've ridden Lime Kiln before, you could stick with the 1000 route here for something different.

The spaghetti stuff in N. Phoenix/Scottsdale was simply to add miles so the route would be over 1000 miles. However, those trails are fun and ride well in either direction, so you may want to do it anyway. As a general rule, at Brown's Ranch, everything slopes gently uphill going east until the Divide trail, then begins to slope down afterwards. Across Rio Verde Rd along the Gooseneck trail, if you drop into McDowell Mtn. Regional Park, the trails slope downhill as you go east. Again, those zigzags were added for mileage, but do ride fast and are fun. Water is available at the visitor center with very limited snacks & drinks.

Leaving McDowell Regional park and over to the 800 is probably the best, most fun way to go. The only thing I would definitely change is over at the Hawes trail system in NE Mesa, DO NOT go up Mine trail. It's primarily a DH trail, instead, take Granite - Ridge - Saguaro trails up to Twisted Sister.

On the 800, you may not want to go up Oracle Ridge. A good option would be to hop on the Mt. Lemmon Control Rd. at American Flag ranch. Take the road, mostly dirt all the way to the top of Lemmon, grab a burger & brew in Summerhaven. On your way down, maybe hop on the trail a bit early and ride Bug Springs before rejoining the AZT at Prison Camp??

Just some thoughts.

[jonnyb]

Some fine thoughts. Especially on avoiding riding up downhills. And riding downhills not on the road.
We start this Sunday (Oct 17) if all goes to plan. Thanks for all your help.