This summer the Bighorn Fire scorched most of Tucson's iconic Mt. Lemmon. The north side in particular has been decimated and all trails remain closed to access. However, there was a glimmer of hope as the dirt Control Rd. reopened providing a way up/down the mountain from the Oracle side on the northeast.
I wanted to not only check out the road condition, but also witness the fire damage first-hand, so I planned an out-n-back ride from American Flag Ranch with the added bonus of making the side trip up to High Jinks Ranch where I would join the Arizona Trail, AZT, back down to the car. This would substitute as the route for anyone taking on the Arizona Trail Race while Oracle Ridge remains off limits.
Of course, like I tend to do on solo rides, I slept in too long and started my ride about 1 1/2 hours later than I wanted. Sorry, K, I'll still try to make it home for dinner...-ish.
What's this?!? The Circle K in Oracle closest to the AZT. CLOSED. Drat. The one on the far end of town is open 24 hours.
The iconic sign at American Flag Ranch trailhead. I'd be finishing today's ride by cruising underneath.
A couple miles of pavement brought me here: Arizona Zipline Adventures. It's not far from the AZT, has food & is known to have some bike supplies if in a pinch.
The first dozen or so miles undulate along the foothills, but it was evident how far down the slope the fire encroached.
The popular Peppersauce Campground was spared, not by much though.
The steel cow signals the start of the main climb, but one short downhill is tucked in there.
What is this?? Actual running water!! It's been so dry here lately, I was shocked to see this near Gibb Wash or maybe it was Gibb Wash.
Higher up the charred remains linger.
Still some green hanging around.
I can't image the scene here back in June.
Crystal Spring trail, currently closed.
At least the sign is still intact.
This was a welcomed sight. Tall green trees, perhaps most of this area was more of a low intensity burn?
Oracle Ridge trailhead.
Looking up Oracle Ridge. I'm very curious to see how this trail fared, but it'll have to wait until at least mid-2021 for access.
These next few shots are all near the Summerhaven Fire Station. A huge thank you to the men & women who fought hard to save this mountaintop community.
Looking down the Control Rd. at pavement's end.
So glad to see the fire station intact.
The same couldn't be said for this structure across the road.
Looking up towards the summit of Mt. Lemmon.
If you haven't seen the time lapse footage from the Bighorn Fire, here it is. It's two concurrent videos, both shot from the fire station in opposite directions. It's mesmerizing in so many ways.
Bighorn time lapse video.
I dropped into Summerhaven to grab a snack, looks like mine is the best looking of the bunch!!
The town appeared largely unchanged.
Getting ready for the 12+ mile descent!!
Control Rd. cutting in front of Marble Peak.
San Pedro Valley spread out below.
From the tall pines to desert scrub in 45 minutes via bike.
Overall, the road condition itself wasn't too bad. Dry, but not thick moondust either.
Wide angle view of Arizona Zipline Adventures.
Now on Camp Bonito Rd. heading towards High Jinks Ranch.
Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks.
It's for sale too.
Water available for weary AZT travelers.
Future oasis??
Some neat relics from days gone by.
Looking out from the ranch, that's the AZT connector trail. It's that convenient.
The AZT is barely 500' away. So, if you need water, it's that close!!
Utah: 602, Mexico: 199 miles.
The AZT, when not winding around boulders, it's dropping off a plethora of waterbars!!
Back at American Flag Ranch before dark!! I guess it's going to be a late dinner tonight...
Leaving Oracle, let's keep the fire in the sky, not on the mountains. Mmmkay??
While Oracle Ridge remains closed, the Control Rd. & High Jinks Ranch offer a worthy alternative. For all the hike-a-bike enthusiasts out there, c'mon, there are a few!! Don't worry, Oracle Ridge will be back in the fold soon enough!!
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