When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Overview
That dreamscape starts with the year-round enjoyable winter climate. Then the tire meets the endless back-roads on vast expanses of wide-open desert. Looming above the desert landscape, cyclists savor some world-class ascents: Mount Lemmon, at 9,157-feet, represents the high point in the Santa Catalina range on the cities’ northern edge. Broad in the shoulders (for enhanced safety-passing) with curves for excitement, Lemmon’s 7000-ft of elevation gain features dramatic otherworldly rock formations and breathtaking views. Since our tour is fully supported, choose to shuttle half way up (or to the top if you like) and simply enjoy the descent.
Our tour de Tucson builds out with stages in Saguaro National Park, on gorgeous loops through the 95,000-acre wilderness. At the Tumacacori National Historic site, we glide into the Long Ago: a beautifully preserved 17th century adobe mission set atop a high, golden plain. Another stage takes us through glorious tall grass prairie and rolling hills in and around Sonoita. Here we visualize old Tucson, and what’s known as Arizona’s Mountain Empire: the Santa Rita, Whetstone, Huachuca and Patagonia ranges. Besides the great stands of Saguaro cacti, the rich and diverse habitat of Javelina and Roadrunner, we course through the neighborhood of “El Jefe”. He’s a Tucson celebrity and one of the last remaining non-captive jaguars roaming the wild.
By virtue of Tucson’s progressive light pollution codes, fantastic stargazing lights up our evenings. Likewise, each meal here gets across the board- five stars.
Day 1: Meet in Tucson: a city of gastronomy and a year-round outdoor playground. After an authentic Mexican meal, we carve into a local favorite: the Tucson Loop. This loop a network of shared-use paths in metropolitan area
Day 2: On Gates Pass, at 3172-ft, we pedal one of the most scenic rides in The West. On Tucson’s west end, we wind it on a narrow road, through rich High Desert environs; Saguaros standing watch on the steep hillsides. Closing out at Tucson’s Mountain Park, we stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, an innovative presentation of flora and fauna in region-specific ecological exhibits.
Day 3: We ride the high-altitude grasslands around Sonoita, Arizona’s wine country. Drinking in the crisp air at 5,000-ft., we follow the scenic road around “vineyard alley”. Continue to Patagonia Lake and the village of Patagonia: a one time mining/railroad hub turned arts-crafts and superb coffee habitué. On riverside roads, we revel in magnificent High Desert scenery: adobe houses mixed in with gracious, Old Spanish style ranches. Next: a drop into the Spanish mission of Tumacácori, now a National Historic Monument. At the adjacent village of Tubac, we decompress amidst a former Spanish fort turned vibrant arts colony.
Day 4: The following day we meet the challenge: the 30-mile Mount Lemmon route, the very centerpiece of our tour de Tucson, if not a route beyond categorization. Here we cycle up what biologists call a “sky island”: by turns isolated and richly diverse mountaintop habitat.
Day 5: More of the same world-class/signature rides. From a warm-up ride on the Old Spanish Trail, we merge onto Pistol Hill. A signature Southern Arizona ride, Pistol Hill offers 40-miles of bike dedicated lane—with scant motorized traffic—through Saguaro National Park/East. Expect upwards of 1600-ft of climbing, an equal amount of descent just beyond the reach of long-armed Saguaro cactus, (which grow nowhere else on Earth). Closing out a magnificent adventure, we shuttle back to our hotel and then to the airport.
Lodging
Accommodations may vary depending on your departure date. Call us at 1.800.596.2953 for more details.Luxury Inn: Hacienda Del Sol | Tucson, AZ
5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd
Tucson, AZ 85718-5122
Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, Hacienda Del Sol is a relaxing refuge with breathtaking views and a storied history. Hacienda Del Sol is included in the National Registry of Historic Places in Arizona and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Each room, suite and casita is designed to mirror and complement the natural opulence of the Sonoran Desert. Room amenities include Cable TV, Custom Bath Amenities, Flat Screen TV, Free Local Calls, Free WiFi, Hair dryer, High Speed Internet Access, Ipod Docking Station, Ironing Board, Pillowtop Mattress, Compact Refrigerator, Robes, and Complimentary Signature Coffee/Tea Service.
“We stayed in a catalina room and it was fabulous. Large quiet room – immaculate and comfortable. Huge bathroom, large closet area, roomy patio. Twice a day service was thoughtful so you felt your needs were anticipated. Nightly live music was also fun. The grounds were beautifully landscaped and groomed perfectly. The resort excelled in comfort, cleanliness and service.”
-Gene P.
Activities
This Trip is Rated Fitness Levels 3-4While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
| Day | Activity | Easy | Moderate | Seasoned | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | ||
| Day 1 | Road Biking | Easy: Take Shuttle At Any Time Miles | Ft. Gain | Moderate: 59 Miles | 1158 Ft. Gain | ||
| Day 2 | Road Biking | Easy: 33 Miles | 1152 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 47 Miles | 2832 Ft. Gain | ||
| Day 3 | Road Biking | Easy: 20 Miles | 242 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 41 Miles | 1525 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 52 Miles | 2310 Ft. Gain |
| Day 4 | Road Biking | Easy: 28 Miles | 1272 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 36 Miles | 2817 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 57 Miles | 8005 Ft. Gain |
| Day 5 | Road Biking | Moderate: 33 Miles | 1686 Ft. Gain | ||||
Find out more about Choosing a Tour.
All-Inclusive Prices
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Also Included on This Tour:
Specialized Road Bike Rental or, Specialized Como Electric BikeFree With Every Tour
Tour Bike
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Nite Ize Wraptor Smart Phone Mount
NiteRider Lumina Micro 650 and Sabre 80 Combo
Specialized Roubaix Disc (Included)
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized Sirrus Hybrid (Included)
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
Specialized Tero Hybrid E-Bike (Included)
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Specialized Turbo Creo E-Bike ($100/day)
Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Escape Adventure’s Electric Road Bike. The new road e-bike from Escape Adventures now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
Why travel with Escape Adventures?
Our Commitment to You
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our Commitment to the Environment
Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
The Best Support Vehicles
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain vehicles are specifically designed for the Canyonlands region of Utah, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our Trip Leaders is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced Trip Leaders make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, gear and plenty of drinking water to any location.
The Best Bicycles and Gear
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have ebikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
The Best Food
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food represents a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. On our inn tours most dinners and breakfasts unfold at local favorite restaurants. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you’re enjoying a ride. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! An increasing number of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we not only accommodate but also pleasantly surprise. Should you possess special diet requirements and/or limitations, just let us know at sign-up. We’ll work with you to meet those critical needs.
Scheduled Departure Dates
Luxury Inns & Restaurants: $3,999
eBike Available September 2024
9/23 9/30October 2024
10/7 10/14 10/21Private & Custom Tours
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
- Clubs and co-workers
- Family reunions
- Corporate retreats
- Friends
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
Rates on Private and Custom Departures:
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
- 10+ GUESTS Price as advertised*
- 8-9 GUESTS +$400 per person to trip price*
- 6-7 GUESTS +$900 per person to trip price*
- 4-5 GUESTS +$1,900 per person to trip price*
- 2-3 GUESTS +$2,500 per person to trip price*
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
