Southern Tier Bicycle Route #1
San Diego, California - Tempe, Arizona (413 miles)
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Description
From San Diego you'll ride on bike paths and residential streets on a steady climb into the mountains. Dry easterly winds predominate in the fall, blowing in from the central desert.
At In-Ko-Pah Pass the route joins I-8 for a short distance. El Centro and Brawley are situated in the Imperial Valley, an area famous for its agricultural bounties. Stock up on food and water here; services are extremely limited on the next stretch of the route. SR 78 heading to Blythe carries a moderate amount of traffic. To the north you will see the Chocolate Mountains, named for their distinctive deep brown color. The terrain from Ehrenberg, Arizona, to the section's end at Tempe remains flat, with the exception of a few gentle grades. After leaving I-10, the route follows US 60, which has good shoulders.
At Wickenburg the route turns south and approaches the metropolitan area surrounding Phoenix. Click on enlargement for detail.
ABOUT ADVENTURE CYCLING MAPS
Adventure Cycling maps are created by cyclists, for cyclists, and they are some of the best available for those in search of discovery and adventure in North America. The maps reflect the association's research as well as suggestions from thousands of cyclists who have explored the Adventure Cycling Route Network. Adventure Cycling develops the best cross-country, loop, coastal, and inland cycling routes available, with turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions for the tricky sections, and elevation profiles in the high country.
The maps are waterproof and designed to fit in a handlebar-bag window or jersey pocket. The maps provide information specifically for cyclists: the location of bike shops, sources for food and water, and listings of overnight accommodations including camping facilities, small hotels, and cyclists-only lodging.