There’s much more to Arizona than saguaro studded deserts and the Grand Canyon. Segment 8 of the Western Wildlands Bikepacking Route (WWR) took us through cool pine forests, remote volcanic fields, and along the 200-mile cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. As we cycled across these lesser-known landscapes, we found ourselves endlessly surprised and charmed by the beauty and diversity of the state. It’s no wonder that this segment of the WWR is the one most likely to leave cyclists exclaiming, “I didn’t know Arizona was like this!”

We’re ready to get back out on the road, and decided to tackle the Western Wildlands Bikepacking Route. How hard can it be? Well… it’s shaping up to be the most rugged and wild cycling trip we’ve ever taken. But with some extra planning and precautions, the rough terrain, few services, remote wilderness, and potentially dangerous wildlife (did someone say, bears?) just add spice to the sense of adventure that lies ahead.