Arizona: Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert

Make your own arrangements for travel to Arizona and to our first hotel in Tubac. VBT offers a complimentary shuttle from Tucson International Airport, departing at 1:30 p.m. This shuttle operates on a “show and go” basis—no reservations are required. Travel time to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is approximately one hour.

Upon arrival at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, take time to change into your biking clothes if needed. At 2:30 p.m., meet your group and VBT trip leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride. At 5:30 p.m., gather with your fellow travelers for a tour orientation and welcome reception. Enjoy your welcome dinner at the resort and begin getting to know your traveling companions as you kick off your VBT vacation—one of the most highly rated Arizona bike tours.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 9 miles

What to Expect:

Get acquainted with your bicycle during a leisurely warm-up ride from Tubac, following a scenic route along quiet, paved roads.

Cumulative Distance Range: 9 miles

Included Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic cycling route through the countryside, crossing the Santa Cruz River. On your return ride, you may choose to stop at the family-owned Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. Next, visit Tumacácori National Historical Park, home to a 17th-century mission. Explore the mission grounds, museum, orchard, garden, and walking trails on a self-guided tour. From here, continue cycling to the town of Tubac.

After lunch on your own in Tubac, the afternoon is free for further exploration. Take time to experience Tubac’s vibrant arts scene—this colorful artists’ colony is home to talented sculptors, painters, potters, jewelers, and artisans who draw inspiration from the surrounding desert landscape. At 2:00 p.m., meet at the Tubac Center of the Arts for an included 45-minute docent-led tour that offers deeper insight into the town’s creative spirit and cultural heritage.

Later, unwind at the resort. If you’d like to schedule a tee time or spa appointment during your stay, we recommend contacting the resort in advance.

Settle into your private hacienda and enjoy a relaxing evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Tubac to Tumacácori — 22 miles

Afternoon: Tumacácori to Tubac Resort — 4 miles

What to Expect:

This morning, bike from the resort past Tubac and across the Santa Cruz River into the scenic southern Arizona countryside. Along the way, visit the Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company and Tumacácori National Historical Park, where you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour of the mission grounds and have time to explore the museum and bookshop. After your visit, cycle back to the center of Tubac to discover the town and explore its galleries—or return to the resort to relax.

Cumulative Distance Range: 4 – 26 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today, shuttle from Tubac to South Ruby Road near Arivaca Lake for a memorable cycling experience through the high desert landscape of southern Arizona’s Sonoran region. Along the way, pause at the historic Arivaca Mercantile, serving the community since the early 1900s. This ride showcases some of the most stunning and diverse desert scenery in southern Arizona—evoking the spirit of early settlers as you pedal through this rugged terrain.

At the end of your ride, enjoy a hearty lunch, including homemade desserts, at a well-known local landmark. Afterward, board a shuttle to your hotel in Tucson, a warm and authentic hacienda-style retreat. This evening, gather on the terraza for al fresco dining, with views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and, perhaps, live music to enhance the ambiance.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Arivaca and Creek Trailhead to Amado — 33 miles

What to Expect:

Start your day with a 55-minute shuttle from Tubac Resort to the Arivaca Lake area, then cycle to the Arivaca Creek trailhead for an optional walk. Continue riding past the historic Arivaca Mercantile and along scenic Arivaca Road—ranked among Arizona’s top cycling routes—for a descent into Amado with rolling hills, open range, and sweeping views of cacti, ranches, and distant mountains. Expect light traffic, mostly from border patrol and local ranchers. After your ride, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a one-hour shuttle to your Tucson hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 33 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast this morning, then shuttle to Oro Valley to begin your ride on Tucson’s legendary Loop—a network of more than 150 miles of dedicated bike paths winding through Sonoran Desert scenery beneath the Santa Catalina Mountains. Starting at Tangerine Crossing, follow smooth, well-maintained multi-use paths that connect seamlessly with the Loop trail system. As you pedal southward, the route gently descends, transitioning from open desert landscapes to riparian corridors and shaded stretches near the Rillito River.

At the river, meet your shuttle for a short ride to Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens, one of Tucson’s most beloved desert sanctuaries. Set on 49 acres, the gardens showcase the diversity of Sonoran Desert plants through thoughtfully designed pathways, shaded courtyards, and tranquil water features. Enjoy a relaxed patio lunch surrounded by native flora, then, if you wish, take an optional stroll through the gardens to learn more about desert ecology, regional history, and the cultural significance of the plants you’ve been riding past all morning. Afterward, return to the hotel either by bike or by shuttle.

Dinner is on your own this evening. Choose from the resort’s acclaimed restaurants or explore Tucson’s vibrant culinary scene; your Trip Leaders and hotel concierge will be happy to offer recommendations.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Tangerine Crossing to Rillito River — 21 miles

What to Expect:

After a shuttle to Oro Valley, your morning ride begins at Tangerine Crossing and follows smooth, well-maintained bike paths. You’ll travel along the Tangerine Road multi-use path before joining Tucson’s renowned Loop trail system. The route features a gentle downhill grade, making for a relaxed, mostly traffic-free ride. Desert scenery gradually gives way to greener riparian areas and shaded sections as you approach the Rillito River, where the ride concludes. Carry water, wear sun protection, and be prepared for warm afternoon temperatures; support stops are provided throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 21 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast

For the final ride of your Arizona bike tour, set out directly from Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Begin with approximately 10 miles along The Loop before continuing on the Old Spanish Trail toward Saguaro National Park East.

Once inside the park, follow the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, a spectacular one-way scenic road featuring gentle rolling hills, sweeping desert vistas, and forests of towering saguaros. Along the way, keep watch for desert wildlife such as roadrunners, Gila woodpeckers, and—if you’re lucky—javelinas. Ambitious riders may choose to complete the nine-mile loop a second time.

At the Javelina Picnic Area, enjoy a hearty picnic lunch prepared by your Trip Leaders. If you’d like to stretch your legs, the nearby Freeman Homestead Trail offers an easy one-mile walking loop highlighting the area’s desert homesteading history.

After lunch, continue cycling to the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at the park entrance, where exhibits and a short film provide insight into the park’s unique ecosystem. From here, shuttle back to the resort.

This evening, celebrate your week’s adventures with fellow travelers during a farewell dinner at The Grill, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant, where regional flavors and desert views provide a fitting finale.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park East — 26 miles | Saguaro National Park East Loop — 9 miles

Afternoon: Saguaro National Park East to Rincon Mountain Visitor Center — 2 miles

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle from Hacienda del Sol to The Loop for a 10-mile ride through Tucson, then continue along the Old Spanish Trail toward Saguaro National Park East. Stop at the Visitor Center to learn more about the park before riding the one-way Loop Drive. Eager cyclists may choose to complete the scenic nine-mile loop a second time before enjoying a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders. After lunch, ride or shuttle to Broadway Bicycles—a great spot to browse or pick up cycling gear. From there, everyone will shuttle back to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 2 – 43 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early to-go breakfast from your hotel, shuttle to Sabino Canyon for a one-hour round-trip ride aboard an electric tram—or enjoy a hike in one of southern Arizona’s premier natural areas. Your Arizona bike tour concludes following this final experience. VBT’s complimentary shuttle will depart Sabino Canyon at 10:15 a.m., arriving at Tucson International Airport approximately 35 minutes later. If you are flying out of Tucson, we recommend booking a flight no earlier than 12:30 p.m. Guests needing to reach the airport earlier or later will need to make their own transportation arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast