AZT: New Temporal Gulch

 The Arizona Trail Race kicked off on Oct. 28th at 7a. The 800 milers left the Mexican border and then a bunch of us gathered at Parker Canyon Lake to watch the field of 300 & 800 riders roll through. It took a few hours for all the participants to clear the area, but it was fantastic seeing everyone focused, smiling, settling into their adventure.

Afterwards, Mike and I made our way over to Patagonia to grab some lunch at the Ovens of Patagonia. Did I mention they also have fudge? Yes, please.

All fueled, we made our way up SR82 to where the AZT crosses underneath at Big Casa Blanca Canyon. This is where the riders hop off the newly constructed trail of the Canelo Hills West to begin a short stint on pavement. The ATA is busy constructing the next section of singletrack along Temporal Gulch. When complete it'll be a singletrack connection all the way to Gardner Canyon.

We knew a bunch of miles had been finished and wanted to see firsthand how it rode, even if it may be overgrown as reports came out of the Canelo Hills.

There were a couple of vehicles wedged in the small parking area, we found just enough room for ours and made our way over to the trail. Almost immediately the lead 800 rider passed through, Nate Ginzton.

Nate passes under SR82.

We were then greeted by a local from Patagonia, Tomas Jonsson, who was out taking photographs of the riders while also doing much needed trail trimming. Thank you, Tomas!! It was great chatting with him and he is a true AZTR superfan. He also mentioned the Railroad trail leading back to Patagonia had been cleared recently. He warned us of overgrowth about 3 miles up the trail. We thanked him for the info and began our ride on the new singletrack.

Surprise, surprise!! A welcoming gate along the AZT.

Mike takes off into the parched landscape.

The well graded climbing began almost immediately.

My turn on the same turn. Photo by Mike.

Gaining a bit of higher ground, the view back towards Patagonia.

The first of many stunning views of Mt. Wrightson.

We were surprised to see so much water in this stock tank.

We are but a speck in this landscape.

The grass was mighty, yet the trail corridor was relatively clear.

The trail crossed over the bottom of Little Casa Blanca Canyon, then began a series of meandering contoured climbing.

What is this??

A rocket? There HAS to be an interesting story here. Photo by Mike.

The goodness just didn't let up, neither did the burrs & stickers!!

Boom!! I can't wait to add this to the AZTR!! Probably not until fall 2023 though.

The closer we rode to Mt. Wrightson, the more it unveiled.

Almost 8 miles up and we reached the end-of-trail.

Golden hour begins to take hold as we make our way down.

Mike leapfrogged ahead of me when I accidentally followed a well trampled cow path, not pictured.

The ride down flowed as good as we anticipated. Photo by Mike.

Sure is some beautiful countryside around Patagonia.

I swear, there is a trail!! It was there and easy to follow. Photo by Mike.

Returning to the trailside rocket.

Mike bringing it home on the final turns.

Grasshoppers were out in force today.

We debated taking the Railroad trail into Patagonia before nightfall settled in, but we noticed a few riders approaching on Trackleaders and decided to hang around while they rolled through.

Dan was first through.

Steven was next, a local bud from the Phoenix area.

The always upbeat Alexandera, sprained ankle and all!!

Niko was enjoying himself out here.

Shawn was about ready to call it a day.

Brie rounded out the gang as the sun sank low.

It was cool to see the riders pass through, most seemed to be enjoying the ride so far, the Canelo Hills are tough on a good day and the added overgrowth this year only upped the challenge.

This new trail at Temporal Gulch is going to be a real highlight of the route when complete. A huge thanks to the ATA and those involved with building this masterpiece. In the meantime, check out what's been built if you're in the area, it'll put a smile on your face. Please consider becoming an ATA Member as membership funds and donations go a long way in bringing these projects to completion.

In the future, probably 2023, the AZTR will replace the paved riding on SR82 & Hog Canyon with the new singletrack: Green & dark blue on the map. This will make a direct connection to the trail in Gardner Canyon. This also will put the bike route on the AZT from Sunnyside Canyon all the way to Hope Camp near Saguaro Nat'l Park by Tucson!!

Flyover via Ayvri.com

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