This isn’t your average weekend spin. With over 44,000 feet of elevation gain, climbing from a low of 2,000 feet all the way up to 8,000, this 400 mile route is a serious challenge. But the reward is an unforgettable experience, riding through the very landscapes that witnessed one of Arizona’s most brutal historical conflicts: the Pleasant Valley War.
From 1882 to 1892, this region was torn apart by a decade-long feud between two ranching families, the Grahams and the Tewksburys. What started as a dispute over cattle rustling and grazing lands exploded into Arizona’s bloodiest range war. This wasn’t just a disagreement; it was a saga of ambushes, lynchings, and murders that became the stuff of legend. The Pleasant Valley War had the highest number of fatalities of such range conflicts in United States history, with an estimated total of 35 to 50 deaths, and the near annihilation of the males of the two feuding families.
As you pedal through this rugged terrain, you’ll be tracing the footsteps of history. The route passes through or near key towns embroiled in the conflict. You’ll traverse Pleasant Valley itself, now known as Young, which was the epicenter of the fighting. You’ll ride near places like Holbrook and Globe, where cowboys and sheepmen clashed in saloons. The story even extends to Tempe, where the final, fatal act of the feud played out with the ambush of Tom Graham.
The conflict’s origins trace back to communities like Snowflake and Woodruff. It all began when a major rancher, James Stinson, accused both families of stealing his cattle after he sold his ranch to Mormon settlers who founded Snowflake. Tensions escalated when a warrant from Woodruff was issued for Jim Tewksbury, which the family saw as a setup by their rivals. This fueled the paranoia and bitterness that led both sides to arm themselves, igniting the deadliest phase of the war.
Riding this route, you can almost feel the history in the air. The vast, empty spaces and rugged canyons haven’t changed much since the days of the Graham-Tewksbury feud. It’s a powerful way to connect with the past while pushing your own physical limits.
So, when is the best time to tackle this beast? The desert heat can be brutal, so fall and spring are ideal. For more info on the route email ridingazgravel@gmail.com.
