Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
2 Reviews

Cascabel Road to Redington Pass

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By Brainsprain (36 McR Points) on Jun 22, 2013

Rider Reviews

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Sisyphus
21 McR Points
February 2, 2020
I did this ride in sections over the course of 2…
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AmberWhiskey
2 McR Points
January 1, 2018
I was really looking forward to checking out this…
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Written Directions

Start in Benson and head north on N Pomerene Rd which soon turns into N Cascabel Rd. Stay on that for 32 miles. There really isn't a sign, but there is a directional sign back to Cascabel and ahead to Manmouth. Then take a sharp left onto N San Pedro River Rd and follow this for about 27. Also if you have GPS on your phone or Garmin, San Pedro Rd will look like it goes acutely back to the SW. I didn't see evidence of when the rd changes from San Pedro to Reddington Gap Rd. but it does. The road crosses the mountains and enter the Tucson valley from the east. If you want you can easily get onto the Mt. lemon Trip from this rd.

Scenery

The Cascabel Rd travels through the valley of San Pedro River. There are a number of ranches. The people you see in cars or horses are very friendly. The ranches do not detract from the oasis nature of the river valley. I saw the largest Saguaro Cactus I remember seeing. Before the junction with San Pedro River Rd., there is a forest of Soya Cactus. Once you turn onto San Pedro River Rd. you are in high desert with mountains surrounding.

Drive Enjoyment

The Cascabel Rd is graded gravel in good shape for the most part. San Pedro River Rd to Tucson is not for cruisers or the faint of heart. It requires a lot of maneuvering, breaking and shifting. The last couple of miles down the west side into Tucson are steep downhill with no guard rails and lots of switchbacks. One may prefer to start on the Tucson side where many people know how to get to Reddington Pass Rd because it is a high use recreation park.

Tourism Opportunities

Once you leave Tucson or Benson there are no amenities. Take plenty of water and lunch. I stopped at River Ranch and asked for water and the young caretaker gave me to bottles of water and filled my bottle. There are no restaurants or services of any kind. I did see a bull in the middle of Cascabel highway, but he was unwilling to let me fix a steak sandwich out of him.:)

Motorcycle Road Additional info

I ride a Suzuki V-Strom. You could do Cascabel Rd easily on a cruiser but not the rest. Sometimes on San Pedro River Rd and Reddington Pass, you have to navigate steep, very rocky areas and washes. However, I had a fun day and enjoyed the challenges.
 

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Sisyphus
February 2, 2020
21 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
I did this ride in sections over the course of 2 days. First was Cascabel Rd. I did not make the turn to head into Tucson via Redington pass, deciding to continue north towards San Manuel and Oracle. The ride was fantastic, amazing views and scenery along an easy dirt road, becoming pavement shortly after the turn to Redington pass. think anyone who is comfortable doing so could do this ride on almost any bike. The following weekend I decided to ride the section I skipped. Went out Redington Pass from Tucson. I had a blast but this road is only for dirt or adv bikes. My bike has 50/50 tires, at times I wished for something with a more aggressive tread. As of February 2020 road conditions were difficult. Lots of small gullies crossing the road, potholes, sand and gravel. Me and my bikes suspension both got a workout. Continued on to Oracle, stopped for a burger and beer at the Ore House Tavern and then back to Tucson. A great day out, in my opinion this ride should not be missed.
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AmberWhiskey
January 1, 2018
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I was really looking forward to checking out this road, however I would warn anyone NOT on a dirt bike or adventure bike this road is over 30 miles of DIRT ROADS. In Dec 2017 the roads had a lot of washboarding, and sand that made navigating on my street bike VERY harrowing. I didn't event attempt the pass through the mountains.
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