Perimeter Trail

The Huachuca Mountains tower over the San Pedro Valley's western rim and form Sierra Vista's dramatic backdrop. With forested slopes and rocky ridgelines, deep canyons and tall peaks, they are prime for exploration. Mountain biking is a great way to experience the landscape and earn fantastic views over the valley, but it isn't easy going. Rocky surfaces, steep inclines, and hazardous plants are standard for all trails here. The Perimeter Trail provides a taste of the terrain without too much elevation gain, but it sacrifices nothing in scenery.

Traveling between Miller Canyon Road and Carr Canyon Road, the route rolls along the hillside at the foot of the Huachucas and a few hundred feet above the valley floor. You can easily see all of Sierra Vista and Hereford and straight across to the mountains around Bisbee. 

This trail is rocky and technical, but it doesn't have huge climbs or descents. The net difference in elevation between its two ends is effectively zero, so the direction of travel does not matter much. The climbing is more gradual if you start from the south (Miller Canyon). Either way, you will face uneven scattered rocks, small stairs and drops, and many ups and downs. If that's your thing, you will love this trail. If not, you may still find it worthwhile for the views. Ride it as an out-and-back, by setting a car shuttle, or as part of the longer Cooper Loop.

Rocky terrain and prickly plants are rough on bikes and riders, so bring proper supplies to keep yourself and your rig healthy and happy. There is no water available at either trailhead, so bring more than you think you need. This trail gets a lot of sun, but eastern exposure means it can be tolerable even in summer during the late afternoon.