From Pie Town all the way to the Mexican border the route toys with the Continental Divide, crossing it no fewer than 11 times. After skirting the barren Plains of San Augustin, then climbing across the exceptionally steep and rugged mountains of the Gila National Forest, where each steep descent is followed by an equally steep climb, the route pulls into Silver City. Here the mountains end and the desert begins.

South of Silver City the route enters true desert, rich with lizards and road runners. For several miles north of Separ the route follows directly along the Continental Divide, providing stunning views of the empty country stretching away in every direction. The exceptionally low-traffic State Highway 81 leads to the international border at Antelope Wells, through a wild-western landscape that provides a memorable end to the world's longest mountain bike route.

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.