At a Glance
Relish a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Arizona’s warm glamour. Witness the magic come to life from biking through the vibrant Sonoran Desert to hiking the enchanting landscape of Saguaro National Park to immersing in the UNESCO city of Gastronomy, Tucson, all on this 4-day active walk and bike adventure.
Your heart-stopping adventure begins in Tucson, after which we journey to Saguaro National Park West, covering 24,000 acres of desert terrain. Trek along a gorge and discover 800-year-old petroglyphs carved into canyon walls by the Hohokam people. Tour the unique Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Climb up Mt. Lemmon, where you will find an ethereal environment of rock formations and breathtaking views of the Tucson valley. Cycle to Saguaro National Park East, the larger side of the park that houses cougars and bears. Bike along ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3 nights accommodation in a hotel on a twin share basis
- Meals: 4x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner
- Professional guiding: two support vans and three expert leaders
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Van shuttles to support various route options
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 8 a.m. at AC Hotel Downtown Tucson at 151 East Broadway Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing water and anything else you may want for the day's activities (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Hello, Arizona! After our meeting in Tucson, we go on a scenic drive through Tucson Mountain Park as we head for Saguaro National Park West and the trailhead of today's hike. The park occupies over 24,000 acres of the Sonoran Desert terrains. It is one of the few places where the symbol of the American West and a keystone species in this diverse ecosystem, the giant saguaro, can thrive. We hike along a gorge to what is left of an old copper mine and are accompanied by views of giant saguaros, whose long arms reach for the Sonoran Desert sun. Hiking the ridgeline of the Tucson Mountains rewards you with breathtaking views on either side. As we descend and continue the final stretch of the hike, keep your eye out for 800-year-old petroglyphs inscribed into canyon walls by Hohokam peoples, who engineered the largest and most complex canal system in the Americas to provide water for their crops. |
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Afterward, we have enough time to tour the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a unique zoo, natural history museum, and a botanical garden. Then, we shuttle to our home for the trip, Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. This 4-star resort is located at the Santa Catalina Mountain Range's base and provides heart-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy the awe-inspiring views or take a refreshing dip by the pool before it is time for our welcome reception. Take a quick shuttle ride into Tucson for a delectable dinner featuring modern Mexican cuisine. |
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, Tucson
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: We start the day with cycling the quintessential Mt. Lemmon—one of the country's top 10 sustained distance climbs and a favourite of pro and novice cyclists alike. We warm ourselves up by covering a few miles through the neighbourhood streets north of McDonald Park. As you begin the climb and feel the thrill, you're propelled through forests of familiar saguaro cactus and mesquite bosques, surrounded by magnificent views of the Tucson valley and mystic hoodoos that make this "Sky Island" so unique. We descend, and our route levels out, taking us along a main thoroughfare and through peaceful neighbourhoods to Saguaro National Park East, the larger side of the park that houses cougars and bears. Savour lunch inside the park before trekking along the acclaimed Cactus Loop, a quiet one-way road of ups and downs that twists and turns through the heart of a saguaro forest. Not much has changed in this scenic loop since it was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). If you're up for more exploring, cycle back to the resort on the trafficked roads and along a section of one of Tucson's car-free bike paths. After the day's ride, you need some pampering! Hacienda del Sol has a range of tempting massages and facial treatments (at own expense). |
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, TucsonBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Prepare for an exciting day of biking that allows you to enjoy a bit of everything we love about this spectacular city! Set out on two wheels to the western side of Tucson, relishing a spin along a paved car-free route. Cycle through the foothills of the Tucson Mountain range, navigating urban areas with light traffic surrounded by striking cliffs. For those still feelong energetci for more mile can take on the daunting climb up Gate Pass. This gem of a stretch features some fantastic scenery, impressive views, and exciting ups and downs, sure to invigorate you for the rest of the day! At midday, we arrive at Mercado San Agustin, Tucson's vibrant market district. Park your bike and stroll through the open-air courtyard decorated with local shops and restaurants in search of a place to savour lunch at your own expense. Explore and soak in the casual artsy Tucson vibe before returning to our resort. We convene in the evening for an al fresco wine reception featuring a selection of over 800 wines and dinner at the hotel prepared by an award-winning culinary team. We draw the curtains on our desert sojourn with a night under the stars and toast to new friends and adventures. |
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, TucsonBreakfast, Dinner  |
Level 1, Approx 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft) To bring a close to our Tucson getaway, we take a short shuttle ride to our trailhead in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The hike takes you through the riparian zone of Sabino Canyon—a southern Arizona gem. The canyon overflows with a variety of wildlife and vegetation, which makes for a lovely morning adventure. Our trip ends after a delighful lunch, after which shuttles to AC Marriott and Tucson International Airport will be made available. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Tucson, Arizona
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Tuscon. The nearest airport to Tuscon is Tucson International Airport which is 14km (9 miles) from the center of Tucson.
Tucson enjoys a mild climate during the fall, winter and spring months. Temperatures don't typically soar until late May or June but sun protection including a hat with a wide brim is essential any time of year. A light sweater or jacket is recommended for the evening, when temperatures can drop abruptly. Due to this region's geography, winds can also become strong at times. Headwinds and tailwinds are not uncommon on this trip. Although Tucson is located in the desert, rain and cooler temperatures are possible at any time (it's even been known to snow in the spring and fall), so it's a good idea to bring breathable rain gear and warm layers. If you're joining us in December, the weather is chillier, so be prepared with extra layers.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
