Patagonia, AZ Gravel
March 25-29, 2025 w/ Transrockies Gravel Royal
Location: Patagonia, Arizona
Airport: Tucson International Airport
Price: $2,440 - $2,950, depending on lodging
*Upon booking this trip, we’ll email a list of suggested hotels for guests planning to arrive early to Tucson or Patagonia. TCM does not provide a shuttle from Tucson to Patagonia but we are here to help you with all logistics to make it as smooth as possible. We have a local shuttle driver here in Patagonia who we work very closely with - or - you can rent a private vehicle. Uber/Lyft does not operate in Patagonia.
Our home base
Patagonia is where it all started for this outfitting and guiding company. A town of 850 people, Patagonia sits in the heart of the Madrean Sky Island ecosystem; one of North America and the World's most diverse landscapes and home to the last remaining short grass prairie systems, hundreds of species of migratory birds, and an eclectic community of ranchers, hippies, artists, and athletes. Our lodging at The Gravel House is 12 miles from the San Rafael Valley; our gravel road venue for 4 nights and 5 days of high desert fun. All of your meals are included, and hosted on the deck at the Straw Bale House. Team chef, Zander Ault serves breakfast to order, a picnic style lunch while riding, and plated, family style meals under the stars each night.
Highlights:
Riding through the San Rafael Valley (90,000 acres of open space on the border of Mexico)
95% of your food is directly sourced from our partners at Pivot Produce and Forbes Meat Company, to name a few
Enjoy Arizona’s oldest wine country & Patagonia’s only winery: Queen of Cups
Private bedroom/bathroom at The Gravel House Hotel
Food
Farm direct at its best. We do not try to serve local food, it’s the only ingredients we work with, and your attendance directly supports southern Arizona’s food network. Team chef, Zander Ault prepares 3 meals a day, each one sharing a story of the season and the travels he's experienced over the course of his 15 years in the business.
Accommodations
Get comfortable at The Gravel House Hotel. Newly renovated in 2023, the hotel has 9 bedrooms, each equipped with its own bathroom, ac/heat, queen bed, and lots of natural light.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Shakedown Spin
20 miles, 1,500’
Welcome to The Gravel House Hotel! After getting settled into your rooms for the week at noon, we’ll all enjoy a light lunch prepared by Chef Z while our mechanic builds and fits your bike. Then we’ll head out for our 20 mile shakedown spin up to The Boomshakalaka. Afterward, enjoy happy hour as the sun sets over Mount Wrightston. Dinner under the stars by Chef Z to follow.
Day 2 - The Spirit World
48–80 miles, 2,400–6,500 feet
After breakfast we’ll hop on our bikes and cruise into the magical San Rafael Valley to adventure for the day. We’ll ride all the way to the border of Mexico and enjoy lunch under a massive cottonwood tree in the old town of Lochiel. After lunch, we’ll head through the middle of the San Rafael Valley, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Spend the afternoon relaxing with massage therapy available. Optional happy hour at The Patagonia Lumber Company. Dinner by Chef Z will be served tonight back at The Gravel House HQ.
Day 3 - Wine Country Cruiser
38–60 miles, 2,400–4,400 feet
Patagonia sits 12 miles below Arizona’s wine country and today we’ll depart Patagonia and skirt the top portion of the San Rafael Valley as we climb Canelo Pass and descend into wine country from there. Chef Z will meet us at Deep Sky Wine Vineyard with a beautiful lunch spread to help us celebrate another amazing day on the bike. Bring some money to purchase any wine and a change of clothes. We will shuttle back to Patagonia in vehicles from here. Enjoy an open afternoon with massages available. Happy hour by the bonfire at The Gravel House HQ followed by another beautiful dinner by Chef Z.
Day 4 - Ride to Tacos
30–70 miles, 2,500–6,000 feet
We’ll hit the dusty roads after another delicious breakfast by Chef Z and head back through the valley, up and over Duquesne Road, and descend all the way into Nogales, AZ. Lunch will be at our crew’s favorite family taco spot with the option to shuttle home in a vehicle or catch a 17 mile spin on the road back to Patagonia. The afternoon is open with massages available. For guests departing early tomorrow, our mechanic will box your bike up this afternoon. Happy hour at 5 tonight, followed by our final dinner all together.
Day 5 - Departure Day
This is our last morning all together. We’ll all enjoy a wonderful breakfast and then those who are able can take part in a one-hour recovery spin. Your bikes will be packed up after the ride in time for the 11am checkout.
What people are saying…
“The level of care that Heidi and Zander, and their entire staff, put into ensuring each person had a great experience was first rate. The addition of The Gravel House as the meeting place, food stop, fun camp, etc., has really upgraded the experience and gives everyone a place to congregate, find some peace and quiet, and make you feel right at home. My trip with The Cyclist Menu was amazing!!! My experience was one that I will not forget!!! – Sean J.
What’s included
4 nights/5 days accommodations
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Mechanical support, including bike build and breakdown
Professional cycling guides
Daily support vehicle
Ride nutrition
A gallery of professional photographs of the trip
What’s not included
Airfare
Bike rentals
Gratuity for guides
Personal shopping
Massage therapy
Ready to have an adventure of a lifetime?
Bike Options
Rent a bike:
We are proudly partnered with Patagonia Bikes for our Patagonia Gravel Trip! They have Giant Gravel Bike for rent for $400/duration fo the trip.
Bring your own:
It’s so comfortable to arrive on your bike adventure and hop onto your own bike and feel at home. We highly recommend getting a good bike tune at your local bike shop before using it on this trip. Please make sure you have 35c or bigger tires (with thick sidewalls) with sealant that have low miles on them.
Flying with your bike: This is a great way to travel with your bike these days because a lot of airlines charge a low rate (sometimes as low as only $30!), which is much more affordable than shipping your bike. Our mechanic will build your bike up upon arrival, take care of it throughout the week, and box it up for your to fly back home with.
Ship your bike: You can ship your bike straight to us via BikeFlights. If you are new to this we recommend dropping your bike off at your local shop and have them box it and ship it to us. At the end of our trip, our mechanic will ship it straight back to your shop for them to build back up for you.