Saguaro National Mounument East

J2 proposed a "hill climbing".  From his house, out AND THROUGH, Saguaro East, and back - 28 miles.

I was a bit leery about the 8-mile loop especially after riding all the way there but thought, why not try it.  We each paid the $5 park entry and in we went.

It is 8.1 miles of incline just to get to the park entry from J2's house.  From the 8.1 mile mark, look at the map.  You can see that when you enter the park the fun begins right away.  3.6 miles of SCREAMING downhills! Then... you guessed it The Hills...  The first is a 1.5 mile hill (with a view point halfway) that makes you think the climbing is over.  It's not!  There are three more climbs, shorter but just as steep.  The steepest being a 5.8% grade.

We took a few photos but they don't do the monument justice.  You need to ride this loop yourself!

All in all it is a very doable 8-mile loop.  A bit tiring and could be hard on the knees if you are not spinning fast enough.  What makes it even more enjoyable is the pavement is "A+" and the scenery is beyond description.  This is not a ride you want to just do non-stop.  It is too nice an area to not stop and take in the spectacular views along the loop.

Here is a photo of the first climb.  Quite steep and long.  Enjoy the views, the perfect pavement and don't think the hills are done until you are ALL the back at the guard gate.

The view-point 1/2 way up the first climb.

The reward of the climb... the SCREAMING fast downhills!
Enjoy, you earned it!