Pioneers Passage

Are you seeking something more than just a traditional black diamond riding experience? This unique ride is much more of an adventure than a “ride” by itself. It involves technical hike-a-bike sections, two “sketchy” creek crossings, heavy cliffside exposure, and complicated rock features throughout -- with some of the hardest hill climbs in Red Rock Country. The ride provides impressive views panoramic of Mitten Ridge, Wilson Mountain, Steamboat Rock, Tisha Spire, The Fin, The Acropolis, Ship Rock, and Coffepot Rock throughout. 

The ride begins along the heavily hilled Huckaby Trail, where steep descents lead to even steeper ascents on loose scree and narrow trails. This section of the ride offers beautiful elevated perspectives of Oak Creek and a bounty of great red rock views above. The trails trends up and down before turning into a steep downhill descent along a fast & loose narrow trail, which leads to the creekside area below. This sensitive riparian habitat is cautiously navigated until just before the first creek crossing. 

At the first crossing, the riders will shuttle bikes across the creek and carefully navigate over slippery boulders and driftwood bridges. This section is a hike-a-bike area for several hundred yards as the rocks are too bouldery to ride and the area is protected for the narrow headed garter snake and other endemic plants, fungi, insects, and animals calling this lush paradise their homestead. After the second crossing, the trail begins an intimidating sufferfest and absolutely brutal uphill climbing along chossy switchbacks -- to eventually arrive at the sightly views below Midgley Bridge. 

While some riders might feel compelled to call a taxi and give up mountain biking forever at this point in the ride, a select few will delight in the challenge and literal cross country adventure they’ve embarked upon. This is no doubt about it a challenging endeavor and should not be attempted unless you qualify as a masochistic personality type and indulge in the sufferings of big days on your bike. 

The next stage of your challenge begins with a steady ascent up Wilson Canyon, which will lead into the steep ascent of Jim Thompson Trail. This path will involve fast and friendly roller coaster hills with dramatic views and some technical droppers, before arriving at the Jordan Trail crossing. Each of the trails ridden to this point is named after notoriously gritty, courageous, and blue collar Sedona pioneers who braved the wilds of Red Rock Country in its earliest days of settlement. Many of them commonly rode wagons, horses, and hiked these challenging trails often -- in adverse conditions and without the luxury of our modern 4x4 vehicles and full suspension mountain bikes to earn a living. Take a moment along this ride to connect and observe how rugged this landscape could be without roads, engines, and rubber (tubeless) tires and the suffering might relent for a moment. 

The arrival of Jordan Trail, marks the return of fun technical flow riding, and the trail then crosses the north side of the Adobe Jack Area to reach the coveted central trails of: Ant Hill Trail, Grand Central Trail, Coyote Trail, and Crusty Trail. This section of the ride will involve some excellently steep rollers, heavy drops, and cutty riding through tree slaloms and arroyo moguls -- to create a diverse moderate riding experience. The momentum through this section of trail will have you rooster tailing your way through intersecting arroyos, and ascending steep hills that pay heavy dividends with sporty descents. 

The conclusion of the ride engages you in some playful pump-tech riding, and a couple of unexpected hills to finally reach the Adobe Jack Parking Lot, and thus the ending of your most demanding, yet surprisingly enjoyable three hour ride to date. This hybrid adventure ride will deliver an epic experience you will never forget in Red Rock Country and is an unconventional ride for even the most seasoned Sedona mountain biker.

Outing Includes

Red Rock Pass

SmartWater

Ultima Electrolytes

LaCroix Sparkling Water

Osprey Backpack/Fanny Pack

1,300 Lumen Helmet Light (If Needed)

1,300 Lumen Bike Light (If Needed)

Fox Launch Knee Pads (Optional)

Riding Gloves (Optional)

50 UPF Sun Hoody (Optional)

30+SPF Sunscreen

Organic Insect Repellent

Organic Packaged Snacks

One Sliced Organic Fruit

Full Sedona Based Transport

MTB Rental Pick-Up & Transport

Private MTB Guide (First Aid & CPR Certified)

All Medical Supplies & Safety Gear Needed

Emergency Bike Repair Supplies

List of Supplies Included

Logistics

• Duration: 3 Hours of Biking & 1 Hour of Logistics
• Distance: 9.6 Miles
• Type of Tour: Private Only
• Capacity: 1 - 14 Riders
• Difficulty: Challenging 
• Transport: 1 Vehicle
• Type of Ride: Enduro Ride / One-Way Ride / Technical Ride / Black Diamond Ride 
• Trails Used: Huckaby Trail, Crossing on Oak Creek, Wilson Canyon Trail, Jim Thompson Trail, Jordan Trail, Ant Hill Trail, Grand Central Trail, Adobe Jack Trail, Coyote Trail, Crusty Trail
• Map of Ride Location: Uptown Sedona
• Best Season: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
• Start Times: 9AM, 9:30AM, 10AM, 10:30AM, 11AM, 11:30AM, 12PM
• Upcoming Availabilities: Three Hour: Pioneer Passage
• Cost: $245 + Tax/Rider (Private Group Calendar) & $375 + Tax (Private Solo Rider Calendar)*
• Rental Bike Options: Kids Full Suspension Bike (+$50/Rider), Standard Full Suspension Bike (+$80/Rider), Premium Full Suspension Bike (+$100/Rider), Dream Full Suspension Bike (+$130/Rider). Rental Pick-Up, Rental Transportation, and Basic Rental Bike Damage Coverage Included. You Can Add Rental(s) at Check-Out

*Two Person Minimum for Private Groups or Please Refer to Private Solo Rider Tour Pricing