Arizona Trail questions for upcoming ride

[tictac778]

Hey, folks. I was planning on doing part of the Arizona trail Dec 19-22. My route will be from the traditional start to Tucson, which I'm hoping to complete in 2 days. I'm trying to plan carefully, as I have to fly out of Phoenix for X-mas the morning of the 23rd. Once to Tucson, I was thinking I would take roads back to Parker Canyon Lake. Can someone suggest a good route? I'll sacrifice *some* safety for expedience, i.e wide shoulder paved over less trafficked dirt. Or would anyone be willing to give me a lift? I'd be willing to pay gas plus a negotiated fee (could pay in CO micro-brews if that's your thing). Thanks!

[AZTtripper]

Parker to Tucson in 2 days seems very feasible I will be out of town on a river trip or I would offer you a shuttle. If you don't find a ride you should be able to get back to Parker on the same route you drive out on. Also it would be easy to bail back to Parker by riding the AZT south from Box Canyon, this is the point where the 300 course rejoins and heads north. 

[ScottM]

Check out the AZT network in the routes section here on bp.net.  There are a few different options that are faster than the AZT that you could use to get back.

You could take Pistol Hill to Hwy 83 (which is OK, not a whole lot of shoulder though) to Sonoita.  From Sonoita Hwy 83 continues and is not a bad ride.  Unless it's a weekend morning there shouldn't be much traffic and it'll take you right to Parker Lake.

We might be able to find someone to shuttle you.  I may be out bikepacking at the time, though.  It would be the 22nd afternoon/evening I take it?

[tictac778]

Thanks for the info , Scott. Is your route suggestion the same as the previous poster, i.e. go back the way i drove out? I'd prefer *not* to shuttle back - but only would consider that option if i was likely to miss my flight. Anyway, don't go out of your way to arrange for a shuttle - I should be fine. Thanks for the info and good luck on your excursion.

[ScottM]

Yep, it's the route you'd use to drive out, except that you might take I-10 when driving and there are frontage roads, or you are coming from Pistol Hill Road.