The Adventure Cycling Routes team is updating Southern Tier Section 1 (San Diego, CA to Tempe, AZ), and we want to hear your ideas!
Hello there, adventure cyclist! We are trying something new and
requesting reroute submissions to be considered for the upcoming 2025 map update.
Section 1 of the Southern Tier Route begins in San Diego, CA and ends in Tempe, AZ. It was last updated in 2019. In January of 2021, we created a new digital-only alternate between El Centro, CA and Peoria, AZ that follows the I-8 corridor/Gila River (view a map of the alternate here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35085849). In the 2025 version of this map, this routing will
remain a digital-only alternate. The main route printed on the paper map will continue to travel through Blythe and Wickenburg to the north.
For obvious reasons, I can't post the entire detailed route in this thread, but you can view the areas that the route goes through on our Interactive Network Map (
https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/interactive-network-map/). If you have ridden the Southern Tier route previously, and still have copies of the 2019 paper maps, gpx files, or Bicycle Route Navigator app, feel free to use those to help determine your rerouting suggestions.
Please explain why you think your routing is better than the existing routing. The better the argument, the more likely we are to adopt it! Inclusion of maps (like RidewithGPS) is greatly appreciated. The Routes Team will review every suggestion and determine if we will officially change the route.
Please don't post negative comments about the route unless you can also provide alternate (and better) routing. Let's keep this space productive!
We do have 3 reroute ideas already and would like to request feedback from folks more familiar with the areas:
Reroute #1 is located in Santee/Lakeside, CA. The new routing would make use of residential roads and the Walker Preserve Trail along the San Diego River. See a map here:
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/3032602?privacy_code=08vLMjYYBwPZz8tZBmXdsSfPn0Gq7KKpPROS: The reroute uses the multi-use Walker Preserve Trail (hardpacked dirt) with views of the San Diego River. Riparian and wetland habitat offer opportunities for birdwatching. A bike stand, bike repair station, picnic tables, and drinking fountain are available. The reroute also uses Carlton Oaks Dr. (2/3-lanes with partial bike lane) instead of Mast Blvd. (4-lanes with bike lane).
CONS: The Walker Preserve Trail is unpaved and may become muddy when wet, but rain is infrequent in the area. The bike lane disappears on Carlton Oaks Dr. between Carlton Hills Blvd. and Willow Pond Rd.
Reroute #2 is located in Calexico, CA. The new routing would use residential and frontage roads instead of Highway 111. See a map here:
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/3032626?privacy_code=vQjWgbYmuDTCte21CP8SzGn6MFw4vCgePROS: The reroute uses less-trafficked residential and frontage roads for 6.5 miles instead of busy 4-lane Highway 111, which includes truck traffic but
does have shoulders.
CONS: The pavement quality of the frontage road doesn't look great. It is cracked and could be a bumpy ride. It also doesn't have shoulders, but will have significantly less traffic than the highway.
Reroute #3 is located in Palo Verde/Blythe, CA. The new routing would use county roads through agriculture lands instead of Highway 78. See a map here:
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/3032639?privacy_code=6zvvNDgaUETLZkMxZ4MRU0guMJ1razZePROS: The reroute uses back county roads through farmland instead of the main vehicle thoroughfare (Highway 78) through the valley.
CONS: The pavement quality of the reroute is not as good as Highway 78. It also may have increased agricultural traffic during harvest time.
Please comment your opinions and suggestions below! You can also email (awally AT adventurecycling DOT org)
The deadline for response is December 6th, 2024.
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