Staff Reports
MOUNT GRAHAM — A collaborative trail maintenance project over the May 15-17 weekend has improved conditions on one of Mount Graham’s popular multi-use trails, thanks to dedicated volunteers from the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB) and support from the U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest.
The work focused primarily on Lady Bug Trail #329 on the Safford Ranger District. Crews improved tread, repaired corners, rerouted a 50-foot section for better sustainability and flow, and cleared several downed trees using hand tools. On the second day, volunteers shifted to a 1,000-foot section of the nearby Arcadia Trail, enhancing corners and drainage features.
The U.S. Forest Service noted that participants “earned those turns” after their efforts. The agency contributed six staff members on the first day of the project. Earlier in May, Forest Service crews had already cleared more than 15 large downed trees on the Arcadia Trail.
Background on the Partners and the Mountain
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB) is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the Tucson area. Dedicated to building, maintaining, and protecting multi-use single-track trails, SDMB advocates for mountain biking access while promoting sustainable recreation across southern Arizona. The group regularly organizes trail work events, rides, and educational opportunities, emphasizing responsible stewardship of public lands.
Mount Graham, the tallest peak in the Pinaleño Mountains and a prominent “sky island” in the Coronado National Forest, rises dramatically from the surrounding desert to over 10,700 feet. Its unique elevation gradient supports diverse ecosystems, from desert scrub at the base to lush mixed-conifer forests at higher elevations. The mountain offers extensive recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, birding, and mountain biking, with trails like Lady Bug #329 providing challenging descents and scenic views.
Increased multi-use traffic in recent years—spurred by growing interest in outdoor recreation—has heightened the need for ongoing trail upkeep. Downed trees, erosion, and wear on corners and drainage features can create safety hazards and degrade the trail experience for hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike. Maintenance projects like this one help sustain access while protecting the fragile environment.
Looking Ahead
SDMB expressed gratitude to its 11 volunteers who participated and to the Forest Service for its partnership. The group has additional work weekends scheduled on Mount Graham: July 24–26 at Shannon Campground (focusing on the Cunningham Loop #316 and Arcadia Trail #328) and October 2–4. Registration details will be announced on its Facebook page.
The May project aligned with broader National Trails Day celebrations. Those interested in similar events nationwide can visit the American Hiking Society website.
For more information on recreation opportunities on Mount Graham, the Forest Service’s Recreation Opportunity Guide is available here.
This collaborative effort highlights the strong partnership between local volunteer groups and federal land managers in preserving southeastern Arizona’s treasured public lands for future generations.
