Mount Bigelow

Length: 1.0 miles (one-way)
Elevation Gain: -579 ft (downhill)

Overview

This quick downhill ride begins with one of the best views on Mount Lemmon, switchbacks through a shaded glen, and pops out near Palisades Visitor Center.

Ride Options

Two-Vehicle, One-Way Ride: With two vehicles, bikers can take Mount Bigelow as a downhill, one-way trip, parking at Butterfly Trailhead and staging a second car at Bigelow Trailhead.

One-Vehicle, Out-and-Back: If you only have one car, you will either need to complete an out-and-back on Bigelow Trail (2.0 miles) or bike up Catalina Highway to return to your vehicle (3.9 miles).

Driving Directions to Butterfly Trailhead (Start)

From Palisades Visitor Center, take a right out of the parking lot. Follow Catalina Highway 1.2 miles up the mountain until you reach Mount Bigelow Rd on your right. Turn onto Mount Bigelow Rd and then turn right at the next junction, when the road “T”s. Mount Bigelow Rd will wind through several dispersed camping sites. Eventually you’ll pass some radio towers to your right. The Butterfly Trailhead and small parking area is at the apex of the road, also on your right.

Driving Directions to Bigelow Trailhead (End)

From Palisades Visitor Center, take a right out of the parking lot. Almost immediately (.1 miles down the road) take a left into the Mount Bigelow Trailhead parking lot.

Ride Description

The ride begins at the top of Mount Bigelow. Please take a minute to enjoy the view before you descend! The beginning of the ride offers some rocky, technical features across an open, fern-filled slope. Quickly, you’ll move into the shade and come to your first junction. Take a left, going down trail. The trail will ride near the ridge and soon come to a 4-way junction with Butterfly Trail #16 and Kellogg Trail #45. Take a right at this junction to stay on Bigelow Trail. From here the trail starts a series of switchbacks which end at the Bigelow Trailhead parking lot. This parking lot has restrooms and a water faucet.

Safety

This trail is also open to hikers. Please be mindful of other users as you enjoy your descent.

The mileage and elevation profile for this ride is one-way. Please make arrangements to get back to your vehicle, or be prepared for the climb back to your car.

Be sure to visit the Know Before You Go page for additional safety information.