Cycling Through Sierra Vista: 5 Days Following El Tour de Zona Bike Race

Experience Southern Arizona like never before with this 5-day biking adventure, featuring El Tour de Zona. From exploring Sierra Vista’s charming local spots to biking through the picturesque Ramsey Canyon Preserve, historic Bisbee, and Tombstone, this itinerary captures the essence of Southern Arizona’s natural beauty and rich history. Whether you’re cycling through the Sky Islands or enjoying local scenes, this trip offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

American West Arizona Biking History and Culture Southwest Sustainable Travel Wildlife Watching

Prepared By:

Sydney Rasmussen

Adventurer & Creator

Five Days in Sierra Vista, Arizona

States Covered

AZ

TOTAL DISTANCE

113 miles (181.9 kilometers)

SUGGESTED DAYS

5 SUGGESTED SEASON

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

#ThisIsMyRoute

Overview

El Tour de Zona is a three-day, fully supported cycling event held annually at the end of March. Based in Sierra Vista, Arizona, the route takes riders through the historic towns of Bisbee and Tombstone, as well as the beautiful Ramsey Canyon Preserve. With its mild weather and abundant wildlife, late March is an ideal time to explore this vibrant region of southern Arizona.

This itinerary mirrors the El Tour de Zona’s structure, with an additional day before and after the event. This route is flexible and can be adapted year-round as a personal guide to experiencing the area’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. Each year’s official race route is posted online, making it easy to customize your adventure.

Five Days in Arizona’s Sierra Vista

Pro Tip: Gear Up Locally

If you’re cycling this route, consider visiting one of Sierra Vista’s excellent bike shops, such as Sun & Spokes or M&M Cycling, for any gear or assistance you may need. For those embarking on their adventure without their bike, outfitters like B Active Bisbee offer daily rentals, including e-bikes, perfect for exploring each destination at your own pace.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SIERRA VISTA

Kick off your adventure in Sierra Vista, the heart of Cochise County and the hub for El Tour de Zona. Arrive at Veterans Memorial Park, where the festival begins at 1 pm. Pick up your race packet, cool off in the community pool, and enjoy live music, food trucks, and beer garden accompanying the festival over the entire weekend. Meet fellow riders and locals while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Want to check out some more of the town? Head over to Pizzeria Mimosa for some delicious carb loading. As the night winds down there are a number of great hotels to stay close to the park. Rest up for the big days ahead!

DAY 2: RIDE TO RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE

Your first ride takes you to Ramsey Canyon Preserve in the Huachuca Mountains. This stunning area is part of the Sky Islands biome of Southern Arizona, which is known for its plant and animal diversity, notably the hummingbirds. Sierra Vista is, after all, the Hummingbird Capital of the US. Winding through the foothills and up into the canyon, you will see the changing ecosystems of southern Arizona. The higher elevation of Ramsey Canyon and abundant trees make this a great place to cool down at the halfway point of your ride. If you’re looking for a break from the saddle, explore lush sycamore groves, historic sites, and well-maintained trails. After the return ride, relax back at Veterans Memorial Park or fuel up at Bam Bam BBQ, where Texas-style barbecue meets Southern Arizona.

DAY 3: BIG RIDE TO BISBEE

Get ready for the tour’s longest and most thrilling ride—63 miles to the historic town of Bisbee, a quirky mining town tucked in the Mule mountains south of Sierra Vista. Known for its vibrant community of artists and colorful Victorian homes, Bisbee has a colorful past and present. If you’re looking to explore some of the history of this unique place, head down to the Copper Queen Mine for their daily underground mine tours. There’s plenty to see above ground, too. Wander the charming streets, enjoy local art galleries, or simply soak in the creative vibe of this one-of-a-kind town. Treat yourself to lunch at Screaming Banshee Pizza to fuel up for your ride home. After returning to Sierra Vista, unwind with live music and a hearty meal at Doc’s Watering Hole, or savor authentic Vietnamese dishes at Indochine.

DAY 4: TOMBSTONE ADVENTURE

Step back in time with a ride to Tombstone, the legendary town of the Wild West. Explore iconic landmarks like the O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, and Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. Daily performances, gunfight shows, and stagecoach tours will teleport you back into the 1800s. Stop for a hearty lunch at Big Nose Kate’s or grab a quick pick-me-up at Undertakers Espresso before getting back in the saddle. Giddy up and head back to Sierra Vista to end the day with some well-deserved beer and American cuisine at Tombstone Brewery. Live music, yard games, and fire pits make this the perfect spot to relax.

DAY 5: REST & RECOVERY DAY

Day five calls for some well-earned rest and recovery! Take a dip at The Cove (if you haven’t been already); it’s free for registered festival goers throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Landmark Cafe, sharing stories and laughter with new friends as you relive the highlights of your journey. Congratulations, you did it! Over 100 miles of blissful biking on El Tour de Zona.