50 Year Trail & Golder Ranch Mountain Biking Guide (Tucson, Arizona)
If you’re looking for a true Tucson mountain bike classic—chunky granite, desert slabs, and the kind of riding that makes you earn your post-ride beverage—look no further than the 50 Year Trail and Golder Ranch area.
One of the most iconic Tucson mountain bike rides, the 50 Year Trail (which technically runs from Catalina State Park to the Coronado National Forest, across federal and state lands), and adjacent Golder Ranch trails, are a must for riders who want slabby granite, technical play, and big desert views.
Located just north of the city on the flanks of the Santa Catalina Mountains (Mt. Lemmon/Sanmaniego Ridge), this zone blends raw high desert (3,000 fasl) riding with surprisingly playful lines. It’s not wide-open like Honeybee. It’s not volcanic like Starr Pass. It’s granite slabs, techy moves, and plenty of chances to test your skills.
If you park at the Golder Ranch trailhead (recommended) or beyond, you need an Arizona State Trust Land permit. Available as individual ($15) or family ($20), good for one year.
The Vibe
- Terrain: Cattle-cruised flats give way to granite slabs, ledgy climbs, and chunky singletrack.
- Style: Progressive—beginners can play on the lower trails, while advanced riders head deeper/higher for full value.
- Scenery: Sonoran goodness everywhere and Sanmaniego Ridge looming overhead.
- Best for: Riders who want to push themselves and come away with a sense of accomplishment.
Locals will tell you: this is where you come to have some fun–if you’re up for the challenge.
Sampler Ride: For Punch (12 mi, 1,098 ft gain)
(Full GPS, POIs, and alternative routes available in the Tucson MTB Ridebook.)
- Route: Golder Ranch (trailhead) → North Equestrian → 50 Year → The Chutes → Chutes Acc 2 → Upper Fifty Year → Slab City → Upper 50 Year → 50-Year Slabs → Middle Gate → 50 Year → Golder Ranch Road
- Distance: 12 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,098 ft (you’ll earn it)
- Surfaces: 98% trail, 2% access road
- Style: Increasing technicality as the ride progresses
Why ride it?
This loop hits all the highlights: the rollicking flow of the Chutes, a good grunt up Slab City (with a killer view at the top), then the classic tech puzzles of Upper 50. It starts approachable, then gradually layers on the spice until you’re grinning (or grimacing) at the slabs and even a ledge or two up high.
Pro tip: bring mid-travel+ bikes, a little extra grit, and keep your eyes up—lines here reward good vision and balance. Roll through.
More Than Just One Ride
The beauty of 50 Year and Golder Ranch is how many options you have once you’re out there. From the smoother entry-level trails near the trailhead to the true desert testpieces deeper in, you could spend a full day exploring.
Hit green to double black. Session natural tech features like rock rolls and ledges. Find family friendly options near the trailhead. 50 Year and Golder Ranch has a litte bit of everything.
Plenty of the upper sections flaunt B lines, and more. Between that and the lack of trail markings, this is a network that rewards familiarity.
So, yes: dialing the right ride for your time, skills, and crew can be tricky. That’s why we’re pulling together the Tucson MTB Ridebook—to make sure you don’t miss the classics, the hidden gems, or the all-important logistics.
Want the Full Arsenal?
The Tucson MTB Ridebook will include:
- Vetted ride routes in the 50 Year / Golder Ranch area
- GPX files for every route
- Points of interest (where to stop, what to see)
- Tactical notes to help you ride it like a local
👉 Get the Tucson MTB Ridebook for GPX, route guides, and insider tips on 50 Year, Golder Ranch, and every other must-ride Tucson trail.
Tucson Mountain Biking
For a complete overview of Tucson’s top trails, riding tips, and what to expect on your visit, check out our Tucson Mountain Biking Hub.
Last Modified: 28 August 2025
