Compare Historic Press Traverse by Wildland Trekking vs Arizona: Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert by VBT
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0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,675 | $ 3,145 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 524 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
10 meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Description |
Follow the course of the original Press Expedition’s traverse of the Olympic Mountains (1889-1890). This 44 mile south-north traverse of the Olympics took the Press Expedition 6 months over one of the worst winters on record, but we’ll take 5 days (or 6, with a layover to explore in the middle). We’ll climb through primeval rainforests, ford deep rivers, and relax in wide open alpine valleys. This traverse will take us through some of the most remote parts of Olympic National Park, and you’ll earn your bragging rights for traversing the entire park! |
Desert meets artistic heritage on this unique Arizona cycling vacation. Spin through southern Arizona’s high desert landscape as you pedal the Arivaca Road toward Buenos Aires National Wildlife Rescue Park. There, discover the ciénega, an unusual desert oasis with spring-fed pools, graceful willows, and rich bird life. Experience the vibrant artists’ community of Tubac—and the remarkable golden light that has inspired generations of local artisans. Learn about the natural history of the region as you explore the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum—discovering the plants, land animals, and aquatic species that call this region home. Cycle sections of “The Loop” in Tucson, rated as the #1 bike path in America. As you pedal through fields of towering succulents at Saguaro National Park, you’ll see why there’s no other place like this on Earth. |
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 2.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 6.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
This multi-day Olympic National Park hiking trip begins with pick up at your hotel in Olympia. After a 2.5-hour scenic drive, we’ll begin hiking along the North Fork of the Quinault River. We’ll start with gentle grades along the river bottom, and then weave back and forth across many shallow creek crossings before climbing up above the river floor. Big leaf maples give way to Sitka Spruce as we wind further into the wilderness, before reaching our first camp at Elip Creek.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 9.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2660 feet
Day two is our big climb day. We’ll cross swift creeks and ford the Quinault river, climb through ancient old-growth forests, and keep an eye out for blazes and marks from the original Press Expedition. We’ll eventually make our way up the Low Divide—the separation between the Quinault and Elwha rivers—and enter a beautiful sub-alpine meadow, with lakes and views of Mt. Seattle. We’ll make camp here, swim in icy alpine lakes (if we dare) and relax in the wide open meadows at the summit of our hike.
Day 3 (6-Day Itinerary only)
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000-2000 feet
If you elect for the 6-day itinerary, we’ll take a lay-over at the Low Divide, with plenty of time to lounge, swim, and go for day hikes. After a lazy morning and a hearty breakfast, we’ll head up towards Martin’s Lakes and Martin’s Park on the flanks of Mt Christie, pushing into the alpine with views of mountains, glacial cirques, and wildflower-studded meadows.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 8.1 miles
Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
On day 4, we’ll drop quickly into the Elwha River basin, and then wind our way along the Elwha River. Open meadows, maple flats, and river views will accompany us along our way, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for black bears, elk, and deer as we go.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Loss: 600 feet
Day 5 brings us past more river fords, more old growth, and more beautiful river valleys. The glacial blue-green of the Elwha will deepen in colour, while the vegetation changes as well as we continue to drop into warmer, more temperate climates. Finally, as we approach our camp, we’ll get a view of spectacular Mary’s Falls.
Day 6
Hiking Mileage: 8.75 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Shuttle to Olympia: 3 hours
Our final day will bring us out of the wilderness and into the recovery zone of the Elwha River. Two recent dam removals are changing the landscape of the Elwha River, and restoring it to a balanced ecosystem. Salmon and riparian plants are returning, and as we approach the old dam sites we’ll see how much has changed in just a few years. We’ll also stroll past the turbulent whirlpools of Goblin Gates, the historic Humes Ranch, and other signs of early settlement along the Elwha. Finally, we'll emerge at Whiskey Bend, having completed the Press Traverse in a fraction of the time of the original explorers (and hopefully avoiding most of their trials, tribulations, and blizzards as well). We’ll drive through Port Angeles and get some views of the Hood Canal as we drive back towards Olympia, before delivering you back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a real bed.
DAY 1: Arrive in Tubac / VBT Bicycling Vacation begins / Warm-up ride / Welcome reception and dinner
Make your own arrangements for travel to Arizona and to our first hotel. VBT offers a shuttle that departs from Tucson International Airport at 1:30 p.m. The shuttle works on a “show and go” basis. Reservations are not required. Your Top Shelf Transportation driver will meet you at the bottom of the escalator leading to the baggage claim carousels. The driver will be holding a VBT sign next to the seating area by baggage claim 2. The travel time to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is approximately one hour.
If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport after the shuttle’s departure or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi at your own expense. For guests driving to the tour, we recommend that you park your vehicle at the Tucson International Airport and take the shuttle, as our tour ends in Tucson. Parking at the airport costs approximately $10 a day in the garage, or $4.50-$6 a day in the economy lot offsite. Or you can park at Hacienda del Sol for the week at no charge (please notify the hotel’s valet), and taxi to the Tucson International Airport to catch our shuttle to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Please contact the first hotel if any travel delays or changes occur; they will inform your VBT trip leaders. Please note: check-in time is 4:00 p.m.
Upon arrival at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, take time to change into your biking clothes if you have not already done so. At 2:30 p.m., meet your group and your VBT trip leaders for the first day of your Arizona bike tour. After a safety and bike-fitting session, enjoy by a short warm-up ride. At 6:30 p.m., meet your fellow travelers during a tour orientation and welcome reception. Enjoy your welcome dinner at the resort. Get to know your traveling companions as you anticipate your vacation, highly rated among Arizona bike tours.
Today’s Ride Choices
Afternoon: Warm-up — 9 miles
What to Expect:
Get acquainted with your bicycle during a leisurely warm-up ride from Tubac. The ride is on paved roads.
Cumulative Distance Range: 9 miles
Included Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Discover Tubac / Visit Tumacácori National Historical Park
After breakfast, a scenic cycling route delivers you to the town of Tubac, crossing the Santa Cruz River for a leisurely ride in the beautiful countryside. On your way back, you may stop to visit the family-owned and -operated Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. Next, discover Tumacácori National Historical Park, a mission dating to the 17th century. Enjoy a self-guided visit of the mission, museum, orchard, garden, and walking trails.
After lunch on your own in Tubac, the afternoon is free for you to explore. There’ll be time to experience Tubac, a colorful artists’ colony where talented sculptors, painters, potters, artisans, and jewelers perfect their craft, drawing inspiration from the magnificent desert landscapes.
Relax at the resort. If you desire a tee time or spa appointment during your stay, we recommend that you contact the resort prior to traveling.
Settle into your private hacienda and enjoy the rest of the evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Today’s Ride Choices
Morning: Tubac to Tumacácori — 20 miles
Afternoon: Tumacácori to Tubac — 3 miles | Tubac to Resort — 1 mile OR Anza Trail Hike to Tumacácori to Tubac Resort — 5.2 miles
What to Expect:
This morning, bike from the resort past Tubac and across the Santa Cruz River to the southern Arizona countryside. Visit Santa Crus Chile Factory and Tumacácori National Historical Park. Here, enjoy a self-guided visit of the mission grounds and explore the museum and bookshop.
After your visit of Tumacácori, cycle back to the center of Tubac to discover the town and explore the galleries or return to the resort. Another option is to hike back on the Anza Trail with one of your trip leaders.
Cumulative Distance Range: 4 – 24 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Shuttle to Arivaca / Cycle Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge to Amado / Shuttle to Tucson
Today, shuttle from Tubac to South Ruby Road near Arivaca Lake for a ride experience in the southern Arizona Sonoran high desert. Pause at Arivaca’s Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and wander the trails through semi-desert grasslands, cottonwoods, and willow-lined riverbanks before you begin your ride. The ride offers some of the best and most varied desert scenery in the southern part of Arizona. You can imagine being a settler trying to tame this rugged land when cycling here. Enjoy lunch at a local landmark. From there, board a shuttle to your Tucson hotel, a warm and authentic hacienda. Gather at the Terraza for al fresco dining, gazing out at the Santa Catalina mountains, and perhaps live music entertainment.
Today’s Ride Choices
Morning: Arivaca to Amado — 28 miles OR Arivaca and Creek Trailhead to Amado PLUS — 42 miles
What to Expect:
Start this morning with a 55-minute shuttle from Tubac Resort to Arivaca Lake area. From here, cycle to Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge in Arivaca. Take a stroll on the trails. A longer ride option takes you to the Arivaca Creek trailhead for an optional walk to the refuge. Continue cycling on paved roads, descending to Amado with some rolling hills and open range. The ride on Arivaca Road is ranked one of Arizona’s favorite road bike rides. This narrow, windy, curvy road offers views of desert cactus, ranches, and mountains off in the distance. Border patrol and local ranchers will constitute the majority of the traffic. At the end of your ride, enjoy a hearty lunch, including homemade desserts, at a local restaurant, before shuttling (one hour) to Tucson to your hotel. Settle in and regroup for dinner on the terrace.
Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 42 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Shuttle to Saguaro National Park West / Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
This morning, shuttle from Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park West, home to the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This unusual museum boasts more than 300 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. There’ll be ample time to observe wild animals and desert plants, attend lectures, visit an art show, and take a self-guided tour along the two miles of walking trails. Enjoy lunch on your own in either of the museum’s two restaurants. After your explorations, you can start pedaling directly from the museum past the saguaro, the distinctive giant cacti that grow here and nowhere else on Earth. It is pure pleasure to cycle this classic Arizona landscape that has come to epitomize the Southwest. Take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Your ride continues to the stunning Gates Pass in the dramatic Tucson Mountains. Then, an exhilarating descent returns you to Tucson and onto “The Loop,” a shared-use path rated the #1 bike path in America. The breathtaking Tucson Loop winds through vibrant Tucson back to your hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Today’s Ride Choices
Afternoon: Sonora Desert Museum to Hacienda del Sol — 35 miles
What to Expect:
Shuttle (45 minutes) this morning to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for a morning of exploration and lunch on your own. After lunch, start your ride from the museum in the Saguaro National Park West, with its endless views of large saguaro cacti. Ride a challenging climb on Gates Pass Road (at 6.6 miles), a winding, hilly ride. This climb follows a road with no shoulder and blind corners for 2.4 miles so it is only for more comfortable riders. An optional shuttle in the VBT van will be available for those who prefer to shuttle up the pass from mileage 6.6. Descend into Tucson to join The Loop, a multi-use path along Tucson riverbeds. You will ride 15 miles on The Loop along the Santa Cruz and the Rillito Rivers, with views of the other three mountain ranges surrounding the city – the Santa Catalina Mountains to the northeast, the Rincon Mountains to the east, and the Santa Rita Mountains to the south.
Please note: The rules in Saguaro National Park are strictly enforced. You must wear a helmet at all times when cycling in the park, and you must obey the speed limit and any traffic signs. Park rangers will issue tickets to offenders, including those speeding on downhill slopes.
Cumulative Distance Range: 35 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Saguaro National Park East / Farewell dinner
For the final ride of your Arizona bike tour, cycle from the hotel. Today’s ride is a scenic route first on The Loop for 15 miles along the Rillito River and Pantano Wash and then along the Old Spanish Trail into Saguaro National Park East. Once in the park, follow the one-way Loop Drive for a thrilling cycle through the park. Your morning ride ends at the Javelina picnic area for a picnic lunch in a spectacular setting, gazing upon a desert terrain dotted with stunning saguaro cacti. Saguaro National Park, spread over 92,000 acres on the edge of the modern city of Tucson, protects some of the most impressive forests of these giant subtropical plants.
After lunch, continue cycling through the park to Broadway Bicycles. Be sure to leave time to stop and purchase an Arizona cycling jersey! Then hop a ride to Hacienda del Sol.
Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at Hacienda del Sol’s renowned restaurant, The Grill.
Today’s Ride Choices
Morning: Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park East — 26 miles | Saguaro National Park East loop — 8 miles
Afternoon: Saguaro National Park East to Broadway Bicycles — 8 miles
What to Expect:
This morning cycle from Hacienda del Sol to The Loop for 10 miles through in Tucson. Continue on the Old Spanish Trail toward Saguaro National Park East. In the park, follow the one-way Loop Drive. Eager cyclists sometimes ride the eight-mile in-park loop a second time before lunch. Stop for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders. After, you may ride or shuttle to Broadway Bicycles. Visit the bicycle shop, a great place to purchase cycling gear. Everyone will shuttle from here to the hotel.
Please note: The rules in Saguaro National Park are strictly enforced. You must wear a helmet at all times when cycling in the park, and you must obey the speed limit and any traffic signs. Park rangers will issue tickets to offenders. BEWARE of the first downhill after the ranger tollbooth on the left.
Cumulative Distance Range: 8 – 42 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: VBT Bicycling Vacation ends / Departure
Your Arizona bike tour concludes after an included breakfast at your hotel. VBT’s complimentary shuttle is available to take departing guests to the Tucson International Airport at 9:00 a.m., arriving approximately 40 minutes later. If you are flying out of Tucson, we suggest a flight no earlier than 12:00 p.m. Guests who need to get to the airport earlier or later must make their own arrangements.
Included Meals: Breakfast
