Fantasy Island North Singletrack aka FINS
(Don’t mistake this for the original Fantasy Island trail in Tucson.)
The anticipation of a new ride…you search the internet, MTBR trail review, the forums, and MTB Joe’s personal site looking for info about the new trail. I heard about F.I.N.S. after reading about a group ride on MTBAZ.net, aka: Kristi’s rides. That’s where my fascination with FINS began.
Living on the east side, I don’t get many chances to head out west to ride so it took a few months for the opportunity to partake of the new singletrack. I set out for an evening ride armed with a couple of maps, a Google Earth layout of the land, 100 oz. in the HAWG and the quest for adventure.
First impressions. These trails are loads of fun. I rode for 13 miles, cruising through nearly the entire system. The north/east loops are fast, with moderate climbs and lots of twisting and turning. They are all fairly short and you can ride them up and down all you want. I especially liked Harv’s Howl, Hurt’s Donut, and Boneyard.
For me the best of FINS though is Grunt trail and the new section that traverses the length of the mountain up to Jim’s Ascent. Definitely the most technical riding on the Island with some decent exposure and climbing to satisfy the uphiller in me.
Bottom line: FINS is an XC riders’ paradise. If your tastes are more geared for National, Mormon, Geronimo, Holbert, Corona Loma, you won’t find much challenge on FINS but you surely could have fun. If you’re a weekend warrior and frequent Hawes, Usery, Casa Grande Mountain, or the race loops at McDowell, FINS is for you.
FINS is built on private land in the Estrella Mountain Ranch development. There have been a lot of questions about its legality the past few years. Although it’s not an official trail system, I’ve never heard of any trouble with the land owners. There is no doubt the land will be developed soon. How soon? I saw flags marking new lots out near the north/east loops. If I were you I’d get out and ride FINS before the bikers are booted off the Island. Developers are there, the land is parceled, flags are drawn. Its’ very likely that these trails will be gone or at least shortened soon and some awesome riding will be history. My advice: Ride ‘em while you got ‘em!
Thanks to Harv and all the other locals who built the system. They group ride on Thursday evenings if you want a grand tour of this Island paradise. If you’re going to ride solo Harv suggests parking at Westar Elementary School and riding to trailhead about 1/2 mile. Left turn off the sidewalk where the left turn lane turns in to a roadblock. See Picasa photo album for a shot of the TH.
Estrella Mountain Ranch MTBR Thread (Thread removed from MTBR due to the “non-official” status of the trail system)
Harv’s map of FINS (Already outdated though. Does not include Jim’s Ascent)
Other Trails Nearby
Estrella Competiitive Race Loops, Goat Camp Loop
Reader Reviews
Review from James
Time: November 19, 2007, 12:05 pm
Rode this trail for the first time on 11/18/07 and loved it. As you make your way out to the main system of trails, you pass by two small 1 foot jumps. Kinda fun to warm up on.
The trails are well marked with degrees of difficulty. Most trails if not all are very narrow and tight in certain places. The trails are lined with cactus everywhere so be careful to not go too fast on the way out and loose it.
From the trailhead, it’s all up hill - some gradual, some steep. However, there’s a lot of switch backs, some medium rocks and minor technical stuff to overcome which make the trail fun.
There’s some loose dirt and rocks along the way, especially on some of the climbs near edges - but that’s totally expected, this is Arizona. However, if you’re a novice, you might want to take it slow, especially on the way back.
Overall, this trail is great for the entire family of all ages and I expect to be back weekly.
Review from Harv
Time: January 29, 2008, 3:45 pm
Tanx for the props.
Nice - looking web-page too.
The rider dropping in / off that chunk of “North-Star” is David.
Will tell more on the legality / longevity of FINS when I/we know more.
* A good friend sent this link to me and this made my day!
Harv out.
Review from MTBikeAZ
Time: January 29, 2008, 4:28 pm
Glad you found my review Harv. Drop me an email or make a comment when you hear news on the trails. Long live FINS!
Review from Dragger
Time: March 8, 2008, 8:15 pm
WOW! These are possibly the best trails in the valley! There are a couple of small jumps, excellent trail signs, smooth rock gardens, and lots of beautiful rolling hills! I can’t wait to go back!
Review from wighty
Time: March 29, 2008, 1:21 pm
i rode this bundle of trails last winter and had a blast! like you said, not the most techinal, but we spent a good 4 hours out there just exploring - thanks for the review, this site is a blessing!
Review from Adrian
Time: May 10, 2008, 8:16 pm
I rode this trail for the first time the other week and its easily my mostly enjoyable riding experience west of Phoenix. Even the drive down was pretty good!
I’m hoping to get up in time for an early start there tomorrow too.
I plan on taking plenty of water for lots of exploring to get to know the trails some more.
I really hope these trails stay for a very long time :-|
Review from Jim
Time: July 10, 2008, 5:58 pm
Yes FINS is a great play ground. I have been riding there for 2 years and never board with the layout. 99% of the trails can be ridden ether direction except Donut if your good even it can be done backwards.
the Tuesday Night Group Rides are a blast.you if like climimg take Jim’s Starpass up to to the North Shore Summit. at the top there is a nice 360 view of the area. then turn down for a hair raising desent with optional jumps on the way down.
Review from MTBikeAZ
Time: August 6, 2007, 11:42 pm
This trail Rocks. Best in the West Valley!