I’m currently planning on doing a version of the [Sky Islands East Loop](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42692528) in mid to late April.
I enjoy bike traveling on paths less traveled by cars, but I wouldn’t consider myself a technical rider. My partner and I had just returned from a trip in Anza Borrego desert near San Diego, and going about \~25 mi a day felt very effortful (we’ll blame the sand for that ha!). As such, we’re considering to take the [gravel-friendly version.](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41836554)
Most of the information out there pertains to the normal version of the route, and the gravel route is a little less well-annotated.
I’d like to know if any of you have ridden either (or perhaps both!) routes, and if there are any insights to share. If there are parts of the normal route that cannot be missed, camping tips with the gravel route (it looks like it goes through less of the BLM lands), anything else in mind.
Thank you!
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by PATotkaca
1 Comment
What’s the difference between the Gravel Friendly route and the standard route when you reroute due to the current closures?
The “Gravel Friendly” route still includes the most technically challenging part of the loop, Salero Canyon Road (the stretch after you turn S from Pavement and head SE towards Patagonia, highlighted in black on the route).
The rest of the standard route as I road it would be cruiser on a gravel rig, but prepare to hike a bike on that stretch. It’s really rutted out, loose, and rocky. It’ll take longer than you think…. I was on my MTB with 29×2.4 and definitely struggled at times on that section.
We did a figure 8 in Nov. 2022 that encompassed both loops, which meant coming down that stretch twice. Was rough duty both times, especially on loop two.
ETA: spotted the differences. The gravel route does cut off some other rutted, rocky shenanigans, but I don’t remember that stretch being as rough as or challenging. There were some really nice camp spots and trickling water to filter on the stretch that the gravel version cuts out.
I’m a PNW rider that’s used to loam and stationary rock, so if you’re used to desert riding it probably won’t be as bad for you.