LET’S EXPLORE THE SAGUARO VALLEY IN AZ – ON FOOT AND BY BIKE WITH BACKROADS!!
Join us February 22nd - 25th!
I am on a mission to get more people to embrace the Backroads active travel lifestyle. Why? Because true to their mission, they get you onto roads and paths that are well away from the normal crowds. They choreograph days that would be impossible to achieve by even the most seasoned and nimble traveler without help.
Backroads is flexible, highly service oriented, and singularly committed to making each and every person on each and every trip feel connected, accomplished, and in awe of the location they are exploring. All that, PLUS the food and wine and locations where food and wine are consumed are always just the best of the best. Here at Grab Your Group & GO we are BIG FANS of The BEST of The Best.
If you are looking for active adventures around the world, “Backroads is the only way to GO” according to Hanna B and I whole heartedly agree!
Having reviewed MULTIPLE itineraries and dates, we think this one is ideal for both the seasoned Backroads travelers and our brand new Backroads travelers. Here’s why…
- Tucson is relatively easy to get to with direct flights from NYC.
- The adventure offers just the right amount of distance.
- Excellent combo of activity.
- Gorgeous setting!
- A sublime hotel with over the top positive reviews.
Think you can’t handle the bike part? Two words: electric bike. Done! You can handle the bike part.
This specific trip is deliberately timed at the end of February when many (ME!) are keen for a warm weather break AND it is over a weekend to minimize the vacay days needed to take.
Cost: $2799/person
Price based on Double Occupancy. Single supplement is $500.
Southern Arizona. Where saguaro cacti, standing tall as North America’s largest cactus, defy nature’s extremes. Where you bike up rugged hills and hike down peaceful trails in magical landscapes. Where cougars and cactus flowers make appearances in the Sonoran Desert. And where you fall in love with Tucson, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
What’s Included:
- 3 Night Hotel Accommodations
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Snacks & Beverages Between Meals (SO MANY SNACKS!)
- Expertise & Services of Backroads’ experienced Trip Leaders
- Park and other entry fees
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants while with Backroads
- Use of Backroads bike, helmet and accessories
- Time with Old Friends and the opportunity to make New Friends, Amazing Experiences, Fun Photo Opps, a slew of Lasting Memories! And warm weather!
What’s Not Included:
- Pre & Post hotel nights & activities etc.
- Transportation to and from the tour start/end locations
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
Itinerary
DAY 1
From Tucson, we journey to Saguaro National Park West, comprised of over 24,000 acres of desert landscape. Hike along a ravine to find the remnants of an old copper mine and views of giant saguaros with their long arms reaching for the Sonoran desert sun. Find 800-year-old petroglyphs etched into canyon walls by Hohokam peoples. Explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a unique zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden. At the end of each day relax at our historic resort, perhaps poolside with vistas of the Santa Catalina Mountains..
Day 2
Get a taste of the climb up Mt. Lemmon, one of the country’s top 10 sustained distance climbs, where you’ll find an otherworldly environment of rock formations and incredible views of the Tucson valley. On your bike, take a spin to Saguaro National Park East, the larger side of the park and home to cougars and bears. Cycle along the acclaimed Cactus Loop, a quiet one-way road in the park. Enjoy a roller-coaster route that twists and turns through a saguaro cactus forest. Pedal back to our hotel along a main thoroughfare and a section of one of Tucson’s car-free bike paths.
DAYS 3 & 4
Head out to the western side of Tucson on two wheels and discover more of what we love about this city! Explore via paved roads, through lightly trafficked urban areas and along a car-free bike path. Climb up to Gates Pass for views of the valley below. Stroll through Mercado San Agustin, an open-air courtyard lined with local shops and restaurants that embody the casual and artsy Tucson vibe. In the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, hike through the riparian zone of Sabino Canyon, brimming with diverse vegetation and wildlife.
Adding ON at Miraval! Feb 25th-28th
We are also thinking – as long as we are in the desert, let’s add on a few extra days at Miraval Resorts and take in the varied activities they have available. After hiking and biking for 4 days, a few days of immersive and experiential wellness sounds perfect. Take in an Equine Experience! or Aerial Yoga! or Zip Lining! or a Cooking Class! or another Hike! And yes, there is a spa too. 🙂
Anyone who can swing the extra time away is welcome! More details to come. Please let us know our level of interest for this as well.
Additional Details
For more information, you can view this trip on the Backroads website or click here for the detailed itinerary.
We are happy to provide full travel planning services for this trip or any other including booking flights, pre and/or post tour hotel nights, airport transfers, travel insurance, etc.
Away We GO!
Terms and Conditions: It is the traveler’s responsibility to read and review the cancellation policies of the supplier and our agency. By purchasing this trip you agree to the Grab Your Group & GO Terms & Conditions.
Gifted Travel Network, Inc is registered with the following state licenses: California – Seller of Travel Registration No. 2113317-40, Washington – Seller of Travel Unified Business ID (UBI) # 603 308 394. Florida – Seller of Travel Registration No. ST39093.
