Editor’s Note: This post is written by a member of LTV’s sponsored content team, The Leisure Explorers. Do you own a Leisure Travel Van and enjoy writing? Learn more about joining the team.
Every January, as the temperatures drop along the St. Vrain in Lyons, Colorado, we’re faced with a decision: stay and settle in for winter or pack up our Unity Corner Bed and migrate south toward sunshine, warmth, and two months of world‑class cycling. With average daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 70s (Fahrenheit) and cooler nights dropping into the low to mid-40s, Arizona makes for the perfect escape from Colorado’s winter chill.
Three years ago, we made the leap—thanks to some cycling friends who insisted we join them at a 55+ RV resort in Tucson, Arizona, called Far Horizons. We left Lyons with a touch of reluctance, unsure whether we were truly “winter‑escape people.” But by the time we rolled into the Sonoran Desert and felt that first warm breeze, we understood exactly why they loved this place.
Now, three winters later, we’re the ones trying to convince other friends and LTV owners to join us.
A Community That Feels Like Coming Home
Far Horizons is one of those rare RV parks that becomes more than a winter landing spot—it becomes a community you’re genuinely sad to leave.
Over the years, we’ve built friendships with fellow cyclists and snowbirds from all over. These are the kinds of friendships where you share morning rides, spontaneous happy hours, and heartfelt goodbye hugs.
Far Horizons’ social energy makes that possible. The resort is known for its active 55+ community, long list of daily activities, and a mix of long‑timers and newcomers who make connecting easy. Amenities include a pool and spa, fitness center, woodshop, lapidary, pottery studio, craft rooms, library, bingo, line dancing, live music, organized hikes, and cycling—plus dozens more offerings. If you’re interested in pickleball, there are options for beginners to competitive players.
Cycling Heaven: The Loop, National Park Rides and Beyond
If there’s one reason we keep returning to Tucson—besides the sunshine—it’s the cycling. Tucson is simply built for riders.
The Loop: 130+ Miles of Car‑Free Bliss
Far Horizons has direct access to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, Tucson’s famous 130‑mile paved, car‑free multi‑use path. It’s one of the best cycling networks in the country.
From the RV park, you can head:
- North toward Sabino Creek and Oro Valley
- West toward downtown Tucson and the Mercado District
- South toward quiet desert stretches and agricultural areas
Some days we choose a short out‑and‑back. Other days, we ride the entire loop and stop at the Mercado for fresh pastries, tacos, or a good espresso before cruising home.
Saguaro National Park East: An Iconic Desert Ride
Just a short drive (or a solid ride) away lies the Cactus Forest Loop — an 8‑mile, one‑way paved road winding through towering saguaros in Saguaro National Park East. It’s stunning, quiet, carefully protected, and one of the most unique desert cycling experiences in the U.S.
Mountain Biking Options
If mountain biking is your passion, there are numerous nearby trails. Some require a 30-60 minute drive (like Catalina State Park), but several options are easily reachable right from Far Horizons, including:
- The Fantasy Island trail system
- Sweetwater Preserve
- Tucson Mountain Park
The desert terrain is fast, flowy, and surprisingly diverse.
A Winter Full of Riding Friends
The best part? We meet up with cycling friends from all over the country each winter. There’s nothing better than rolling out in a group at sunrise and watching the desert light shift from pink to gold over the mountains.
Beyond Bikes: Tucson’s Winter Magic
Even if cycling is the heartbeat of our winter, Tucson offers a lot outside the saddle.
The Annual Tucson Rock & Gem Show
In February, the city becomes home to the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, one of the largest in the world, with thousands of vendors spread across the city. It’s unlike anything we’ve experienced, and it brings an international vibe to the entire region for weeks.
Pima Air & Space Museum
One of the largest aerospace museums in the world, with historic aircraft, a massive outdoor display, and the famous “airplane boneyard” next door— a must‑see for aviation lovers.
Food, Glorious Food
Tucson offers a variety of options, but for us, the essentials include:
- A Sonoran hot dog (a Tucson rite of passage)
- The Mercado District for coffee and pastries
- Countless taco spots
Breweries and outdoor patios are perfect for winter evenings. Our favorite—and within cycling distance—is BlackRock Brewers.
There’s more good food than we could ever work through in two months.
Planning and Practical Tips for Future Visitors
How Far Ahead Do We Book
We typically reserve our site a year in advance. Far Horizons is popular in winter, especially for longer stays, and booking early lets us choose the exact site we want. Short-term reservations are possible, but prime winter months can fill quickly.
Security and Convenience
Far Horizons is gated, well‑lit, and meticulously maintained. The facilities—clubhouses, laundry, showers, and fitness center are clean and welcoming. There are always activities, classes, or meetups happening.
Location, Location, Location
The proximity to:
- The Loop
- Grocery stores & restaurants
- Bike shops
- Saguaro National Park
- And the airport
…makes life simple.
The Only Downside? Leaving.
We genuinely love our hometown of Lyons—the people, the trails, the mountains—but there’s something magnetic about Tucson in winter. The desert sun, the ability to bike every day, the friendships we’ve grown here, it all makes driving back to Colorado feel a little heavier each year.
Why We Keep Coming Back
If we had to sum it up?
“Tucson gives us two months of sunshine, friends, and unforgettable cycling—all from the comfort of our little home on wheels.”
We arrived skeptical in our first year. Now we can’t imagine winter without this ritual—the familiar drive south, the warm desert air, the Loop just outside our doorstep, the friends waiting with open arms, and the promise of endless blue‑sky riding.
To any LTV owner considering a winter escape: Tucson and Far Horizons might just become your favorite place, too.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://leisurevans.com/blog/pedalling-into-winter-our-tucson-escape/