AZBDR Section 1

This is the first section of the mighty Arizona BDR, a route that I helped create in 2014. Here is the description of the route from the official BDR website:

“Rocky, remote and hot are three words that come to mind for Arizona. Blessed with a surprising number of mountain ranges, the Arizona BDR is more green and mountainous than many people expect. Starting on the US/Mexico border, the 750- mile route stays east of Tucson and Phoenix and explores the historic Empire Ranch, Sierra Ancha Cliff Dwellings, Mogollon Rim, Saguaro Cactus Forests, Navajo Nation, wild horses, Vermillion Cliffs and options to see the Grand Canyon from vantage points most people never see.”

Section 1 is 128 miles from the Mexico border to Benson, AZ. The entire route from the Mexico border to the Utah State Line is 745 miles.

Details

  • Location: Southeast Arizona
  • Distance: 128 miles
  • Cities: Sierra Vista, Sonoita, Whetstone, Benson
  • Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
  • Road Surface: paved, gravel, cand, rocks
  • Time: full-day
  • Gas, Food & Lodging: The Jonquil Motel
  • Camping: Coronado National Forest

Highlights

  • Coronado National Memorial
  • Montezuma Canyon Road
  • US/Mexico border wall
  • San Rafael Grasslands
  • Canelo Pass
  • Sonoita, AZ
  • Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
  • Benson, AZ

Section One | Arizona BDR

AZBDR