Ruta del Jefe Returns to Patagonia, Arizona, in 2027

Photos by John Montesi

Created by Sarah Swallow, Ruta del Jefe is a binational festival celebrating adventure, education, community, and advocacy. The first event was held in 2019 at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch in Elgin, Arizona, and was held every other year or so until a two-year hiatus from 2025 to 2026.

Ruta del Jefe was never an annual event, according to Sarah, and because it changes locations each year, it takes time to build partner relationships with the nonprofit organizations that host it and to develop routes that fit the event’s mission. In her words, “I think the fact Ruta del Jefe doesn’t happen every year makes the impact of when it does happen even more special, and after it takes a hiatus, people are excited it’s coming back. It’s not being organized from a place of obligation or burnout, but more passion, momentum, and excitement.”

We’re excited to share that Ruta del Jefe is making a comeback next year, taking place in Patagonia, Arizona, from April 1st to 4th. The four-day event features immersive rides through the Sky Islands, educational programming, community camping, and fundraising for organizations working throughout the borderlands. Registration opens this fall, and the weekend is limited to 200 participants.

You can learn more about the event at RutadelJefe.com and by reading some of the stories from previous years in the Further Reading section just below.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

4

Bikepacking Videos

Ruta del Jefe (video)

2

Culture

Chasing the Jaguar: Reflections on Ruta del Jefe 2022

11

Inspiration

Ruta del Jefe 2024: Connecting People, Places, and Ecosystems

130

ROUTE

Sky Islands Odyssey (East Loop)

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