Golder Ranch and the 50 Year Trail offers mountain bikers a really fast, fun trail with some technical challenges.
Located north of Oro Valley in Catalina, Arizona at the end of Golder Ranch Road. This is certainly one of the nicest areas to ride. Plenty of good conditioned single track, some technical areas along with a whole bunch of beginner to intermediate rides. This area has something for everyone. This ride can be a fun short ride or an all day adventure. Riders start out with a two mile, introductory fun ride, up to 30miles of killer climbs and technical challenges. Like Honeybee, the views of the Catalinas are incredible. Golder makes you feel like you are RIGHT next to it. If you park at the main trail head, you will need a State Land Permit. This trail head is the ideal location for beginners. 50 Year Trail: To start the popular loop, find the single track that starts just to the left, past the cattle guard. It is mostly flat, fast, and curvy.Eventually, you will come to a wide open area near another cattle guard. Stay straight to start the intermediate level riding, or take the Jeep road to the left to take the easy route to The Chutes. Hikers and equestrians use this trail.
Directions to Golder Ranch 50 Year Trail: Located about 20 miles north or downtown Tucson, you will take Oracle Road to East Golder Ranch Road, hang a right and follow the road east 3.7 miles until it turns to dirt. The trail head is a dirt lot just short of a cattle guard. Once on your bike, cross the cattle guard and pick up the single track of the other side of the road and head north.