AZBDR: 2023 Riding Season Route Updates
Updated March 31, 2023
March 21st, 2023
Important Notice – Winter Snowfall may delay the 2023 riding season
The west has seen a record-breaking season of snowfall this winter which could impact the start to the riding season on many of our routes.
- Plan to start your rides later than expected this year. Some mountain passes may be impassable until mid-July in certain areas.
- Refer to our interactive map to display current snow levels before departing HERE
- Join and follow our official Facebook group pages for updates from other riders. Links are at the bottom of each Route Updates page.
- Check back here for updates, and reach out to local USFS offices for up to date information on gate and road closures.
March 31, 2023
Section 1 – Temporary Road Closure Montezuma Canyon Road
Repairs to the two-mile dirt road section of Montezuma Canyon Road within Coronado National Memorial are scheduled to start on Monday, April 10, 2023.
The temporary closure will take place from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, April 10 – April 15 to all vehicle, foot, and bicycle traffic. Each day, through vehicle traffic will be allowed to pass from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. A high-clearance vehicle may be necessary during that half hour break. During all other construction times the gates on either end of the work zone will be closed and locked. Heavy equipment carrying water and materials will be moving into and out of the work zone during this time as well.
The road has been in rough condition due to heavy use and monsoon rains over the last two years. Much of the road base has eroded away leaving large holes and exposed rocks in the road. In addition to grading, work crews will be adding surface material to the road.
- This closure is a major but temporary impact to the start of the AZBDR, and you do not want to miss this part of Section 1 and the ride along the border.
- Our recommendation is simply to avoid this area during the closure dates of 4/10-4/15 and plan your trip around this time.
- If you are riding the route North to South, you will need to depart from the route at Highway 82 to make it around to the official start of the route. If you wish to go as far as the border, you’ll need to backtrack essentially the way you came back to Highway 82 as you cannot bypass this area via the Fort Hauchuca military base. Again, it is best to plan your trip around these dates.
- For more information please click HERE
October 11, 2022
Section 2 – Washout between Mammoth and Dudleyville
Due to a washout on the main AZBDR route, this section is open but still rather rocky and torn up.
If you choose to bypass this section:
- After arriving in the town of Mammoth, riders should stay on Rt. 77 for approximately 18 miles and rejoin the track north of the town of Dudleyville.
April 11, 2022
Section 2 – Updated GPS Tracks – Minor Update on Camino Rio Rd
Please download the latest AZBDR tracks before riding the BDR!
The route passes through the Lower San Pedro River Wildlife Area along the San Pedro River at the confluence with Aravaipa Creek, near Dudleyville. Arizona Game and Fish made some access changes recently to this area.
Prior to these changes, riders would travel east off of Camino Rio Rd just before hitting Putnam Wash, then go through a gate and across the wash to continue north along Camino Rio. This gate is now closed has prohibited vehicle traffic to the confluence area, so riders would just need to continue north on Camino Rio to cross the wash, rather than turning east to go through the gate. See the map, red dots indicate the updated route.
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official AZBDR Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE
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