Reprinted by permission of Outside Online.com – Author, Graham Averill
Motorcycles frame the historic downtown core of Patagonia, Arizona. Pop into Patagonia Lumber Company for a cup of Joe in the morning before you start your day’s adventure. (Photo: Matt Gush/Getty)
Patagonia, Arizona
Population: 789
Why I Love It
Start in Tucson, then head an hour south (almost to the Mexican border) and you’ll find tiny Patagonia, a former mining town that’s just starting to transition into a bonafide adventure town. This one-street village is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, and sits within striking distance of two state parks—Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek. But the real draw here is the myriad of gravel roads that extend from main street into the surrounding hills, traversing an endless sea of desert grassland.
You’ll hear both Spanish and English spoken throughout town, which also sports the tell-tale signs of a modern mountain outpost (like at the coffee bar with weekend food trucks), but is still hanging onto its blue-collar roots (and rooms are still relatively cheap).
Signature Adventures
The 800-mile long Arizona National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the state, can be found just outside of town. Head south for a meandering hike through rolling grasslands, or north and you’ll tackle the Santa Rita Mountains, where steep climbs and granite peaks await.
But you’re probably here for the gravel riding, too. The options are endless, and the terrain is rolling instead of grueling, so plan for big-mile days. Start with the 30-mile Alto Ghost Town ride, which climbs through a series of canyons on its way to the ruins of a former mining camp. The undulating grasslands turn gold in the fall but form mesmerizing, shimmering waves regardless of when you ride through them. Patagonia Bikes has rentals (from $125 per day).
Where to Eat
The Velvet Elvis Pizza Company has build-your-own pizzas, margaritas, and classy oil portraits of The King, while Patagonia Lumber Company brews coffee in the morning, beer in the afternoon, and hosts rotating food trucks on weekends.
Where to Stay
Grab a spot in the Gravel House’s nine-room hotel, which sits on Main Street within walking distance of everything, and has dedicated bike storage (from $125 per night).