The Ridgeline + Wild Burro Loop is a hidden gem in the northern Tucson mountains. It is a bit off the beaten path, but it is not to be missed. It is easily a top-five ride in the Tuscon area that connects together sections of the Honeybee trail network into two main loops, which form a figure eight. They provide fun, smooth, and curvy singletrack through the low desert vegetation of palo verde and mesquite trees, prickly pear, and choya cactus. The views span the Catalina, Tucson, and Rincon mountain ranges.
The Honeybee trails are easy to intermediate, mainly sticking to the valley floor. The Ridgeline + Wild Burro Loop is an intermediate to advanced lollipop loop addition to the main Honeybee network. It provides an exposed ridgeline high above the valley among saguaro forests. The recommended route rides out the Honeybee East Trail to where it meets Honeybee West, which is about halfway around the loop. It is also the terminus of East Edwin Road. At that point, pick up the class four road (the second right after a cattle guard) heading toward a retired chalk mine. The trail is on the right.
Climb through steep bedrock sections for about a mile. At the top are beautiful 360-degree views of Tucson. The trail then descends down about a half-mile. The Ridgeline + Wild Burro Loop crosses the road and is well marked with signs. A clockwise loop is recommended. This provides moderate climbs that pay off with fast and smooth singletrack descents.
Upon completion of the loop, backtrack to the Honeybee trail network, finishing the ride on Honeybee West.
Given the intense heat of the summer months, this trail is best ridden between October and April. The Ridgeline + Wild Burro Loop can be accessed through the Honeybee trailsystem in Oracle. Trailhead parking is on the northwest corner of Miravista Lane and Oracle Road. The trail is accessed a few hundred yards up the road on the left. In about a mile, there is a metal fence on the right, which you pass through to access the main loop trail.
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