Patagonia: Temporal Gulch Loop

 The dust had settled at Parker Canyon Lake as the last riders of the 2022 Arizona Trail Race rolled through. A few of us loaded up and made our way over to Patagonia for lunch where we planned to ride a loop utilizing the new AZT in Temporal Gulch.

Shannon, Beto, Mike S. & some Muppet, aka Dave from Down Under would be the cast of characters on this outing. I was looking forward to finally checking out the Train Track trail which links town to the Arizona Trail, AZT, by paralleling SR82.

The Patagonia Train Track trail follows the old alignment of the New Mexico and Arizona railroad.

Thanks to a local trail group: the Dirt Bags, the trail was trimmed and clear.

Beto approves!!

Please close the gates.

We linked up with the AZT as it crosses under SR82. I spotted a rider ahead who had just gone through a gate, but couldn't tell who it was. I had to sprint to catch him!! The others didn't see him as I took off in chase and thought I was just picking up the pace of our ride! Haha. Nope.

It was the AZT300 leader, Alex Schultz. He would go on to win the 300.

Alex peeled off the AZT soon after and we continued on the trail. This section will be added to the AZTR in 2023 as the construction of the new trail wraps up this winter/spring.

Shannon speeding through the tree groves.

Dave still recovering from his AZT800 attempt a few days prior.

The trail crosses a wash then begins a seemingly endless contoured climb.

Stunning views of Mt. Wrightson around every bend in the trail.

It's a quite pleasant climb and I can't wait to add it to the AZTR next year.

Near the high point we change direction on a new piece of trail connecting to another trailhead.

The scenery and riding terrain out here is amazing.

Mike taking in the views.

The shadows grow long, but lights shouldn't be needed.

The pesky velcro caterpillar weed.

New signage at the trailhead.

Dirt roads back to Patagonia.

This fella was catching some late day rays in the middle of the road. Beto encouraged him off the road with a branch.

While this may be a dirt road in town, Patagonia is blessed with a tremendous amount of gravel friendly opportunities.

Shannon coasting to town after another 'meh' #locorides board meeting.

Fun crew!! Myself, Mike, Shannon, Beto & Dave.

Put Patagonia on your list of places to ride. Lots of gravel routes, cool town and soon to be more singletrack looping options!!

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