Honeybee Canyon and Rail X Ranch Mountain Biking Guide (Tucson, Arizona)
Ah, Honeybee. If every mile at 50 Year gets harder to earn the higher you go, at Honeybee you just pile on the miles.
Smooth, buff singletrack rolls through endless desert views, with just enough punchy climbs and rocky descents to make it one of Tucson’s most beloved “any day, any rider” rides.
Located on the northwest side of town (Oro Valley/Catalina), Honeybee trails are mostly undulating, non-technical desert singletrack. You’ll get big Sonoran skies, sweeping views of the Catalinas, and enough miles to keep your legs spinning for hours.
It’s a great contrast to Tucson’s more abrupt zones—ideal for intermediate riders, fitness junkies, or anyone who wants more natural flow, less stop-and-go.
And there’s just enough of a grade out there to make for some nice extended climbing and descending.
| Trail System | Honeybee Canyon |
|---|---|
| Location | Oro Valley and Catalina, AZ (north of Tucson) |
| Distance | 10–30+ miles depending on loops |
| Elevation Gain | Gradual (500–1,200 ft per 15 mi) |
| Difficulty | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Terrain | Natural desert singletrack, sandy washes, rocky sections |
| Best Bike | XC or short-travel trail bike |
| Permits | Depends on the trailhead (see FAQ) |
| Season | October–April all day, year-round early and late |
| Recommended Trailheads | Big Wash, Missile Church, Edwin Road (not Honeybee Canyon) |
The Vibe
- Terrain: Smooth desert singletrack, fast rollers, short climbs.
- Style: Fitness + flow. Rocky sections come and go quickly—this is about spinning out miles and smiling through the saguaros.
- Scenery: Panoramic Catalina Mountains, untouched desert all around, endless horizon.
- Best for: Riders who want a big, scenic ride without tech stress. Perfect for intermediate to advanced XC-style riders.
Locals will tell you: Honeybee is a go-to “winter base miles ride” and the perfect trail to introduce friends to desert riding.
Sampler Ride: Honeybee Loop (18 mi, 850 ft gain)
(Full GPS, POIs, and alternative routes available in the Tucson MTB Ridebook, coming soon.)
- Route: Honeybee Trailhead → Honeybee Canyon Loop → Honeybee South → Honeybee North → return loop
- Distance: 18 miles
- Elevation Gain: 850 ft (mostly mellow, rolling)
- Surfaces: 100% singletrack
- Style: XC flow, minimal tech
Why ride it?
Because sometimes you just want to spin. Honeybee is a Tucson classic for days when you want fast miles, huge views, and desert zen. There are no big moves to worry about—just smooth lines through the saguaros, rolling singletrack, and a couple of punchy climbs to keep it interesting.
Pro tip: Bring plenty of water—shade is nonexistent. A hardtail or short-travel XC bike is perfect here, but anything will do.
Other Ride Options
Honeybee’s charm is its flexibility. You can spin an easy 8–10 miler near the trailhead, or commit to the full 30+ mile system for a bigger day. It links seamlessly with Big Wash if you want more distance, or you can loop smaller sections if you’re short on time.
This is true Sonoran desert riding: golden light at sunrise and sunset, saguaros stretching forever, and the Catalinas glowing in the distance. Many riders say it’s the perfect trail to “get their head right” before tackling Tucson’s gnarlier terrain.
Want the Full Arsenal?
The Tucson MTB Ridebook will include:
- Vetted ride routes in Honeybee Canyon
- 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 Honeybee Canyon, 50 Year, and every other must-ride Tucson trail. Coming Soon!
FAQ
Do I need a permit to ride Honeybee?
For Big Wash trailhead, no permit required. For the other two trailheads further north (off Oracle Road between Wilds and Golder Ranch, and off Edwin Road), an Arizona State Trust Land permit is required. Note: Honeybee Canyon Trailhead is primarily for hiking and walking (you can ride, but it’s not an ideal starting point).
What is the best season to ride Honeybee?
October through April is prime. Summer at midday is a no-go unless you like heatstroke. Early mornings year-round are fine if you’re local and acclimated, and summer is also the perfect time for night riding here.
What types of mountain bike is best at Honeybee?
XC bike or short-travel trail bike is perfect. Hardtails fly out here — it’s fast, flowy desert singletrack without too much chunk.
Are Honeybee trails beginner-friendly?
Yes. Wide-open sight lines, mellow grades, and very little tech make it one of the best beginner rides in Tucson. Just be mindful of distance — it’s easy to tack on miles and overcook it.
Anything else I should know about mountain biking at Honeybee?
Bring plenty of water — there’s minimal shade and no refills unless you count cattle troughs. Watch for sandy sections in the washes. And remember: this is an active neighborhood trail system, so be cool with hikers, runners, and other riders.
Tucson Mountain Biking
For a complete overview of Tucson’s top trails, riding tips, and what to expect, check out the MTB Diaries Tucson Mountain Biking Hub.
Last Modified: 11 October 2025
