As mountain bikers trade their bikes for skis or snowboards this winter, a trip to the southwest desert means you can keep the rubber on the trails all year long.
The Arizona desert, while it might feel like the surface of the sun most of the year, is a mountain biking paradise come wintertime.
Lower temperatures and dryer conditions make the trails around Phoenix especially a rider’s dream. With an abundance of trails to choose from, mostly in the beginner to moderate difficulty range, riding here never gets boring.
Here are 8 of the best mountain bike trails in Arizona based on our experience and rankings by MTB Project, a user-generated web site that lists close to 17,000 trails worldwide. The group also offers a trail app that is indispensable for riders.
Photo credit: MTB Project
Arizona Mt Bike Trails
-
Hawes Trails Network
Outside of Mesa, Arizona south of Phoenix, the Hawes Trails Network ranks as the most popular trail in the state by users of MtBikeProject.com. This scenic sonoran desert trails offers lots of twists and turns through the cacti with one of the least rocky rides in the Phoenix area.
Stats: 11.2 miles with 1,000-ft elevation gain located in Mesa
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
Cathedral Rock Big Loop
Cathedral Rock is one of the most recognizable features in Sedona, Arizona. A popular attraction for hikers, mountain bikers can take in the scenery through the Cathedral Rock Big Loop trail. The ride features nice flowing sections with technical rocky terrain as well. You'll find plenty to challenge your riding skills in some intermediate to advanced sections.
Stats: 12.3 miles with 1,145-ft elevation gain located in Sedona
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
Chuckwagon - Mescal - Long Canyon
The Chuckwagon loop in the desert outside Sedona is reportedly one of the best introductions to the red rock desert. This smooth ready with plenty of single track offers spectacular views like only Sedonna can.
Stats: 9.1 miles with 805-ft elevation gain located in Sedona
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
Sonoran Figure 8
North of Phoenix toward Anthem, Arizona lies the Sonoran Desert Preserve's Figure 8 Loop Trail. Here a trail system winds its way up and around several buttes making for a fun up-and-down ride that's challenging but doable for any skill level. You can extend the ride for a 10-mile figure 8 loop or choose to cut it short whenever you like. There may be a few hikers on the trail, but this loop has some wonderful scenery.
Stats: 10.5 miles with 1,091-ft elevation gain located in North Phoenix
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
Cave Creek Classic Loop
For a long and challenging ride said to be among the best trails in the sonoran desert, the Cave Creek Classic Loop is a must-do trail for anyone experiencing Arizona mountain biking. This 24-mile trail is home to the Cave Creek Classic mountain biking race each year. While the ride is a long way, it's doable even for beginning riders as long as you stick with it. Ignoring the burning pain in your legs helps also.
Stats: 24 miles with 1,964-ft elevation gain located in North Phoenix
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
South Mountain
If you want to ride where the locals ride in Phoenix, visit South Mountain. The steep ridge soars out of the ground on the south side of the Phoenix area. Despite it being near the city, it's not the easiest place to ride as trails often include steep sections. For the easiest and most enjoyable route at South Mountain check out the Desert Classic trail.
Stats: 17 miles with 936-ft elevation gain located in South Phoenix
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
Papago Buttes
For a ride even closer to the city try the Papago Buttes located near downtown Tempe. This relatively small area offers other-worldly trails right in the city. You can even glimpse the zebras and giraffes at the nearby Phoenix Zoo before tackling another windy descent. This area has some 17.2 miles of trails, but they are all intertwined among each other so you can choose your adventure and make it as short or as long as you like.
Stats: 17.2 miles with 988-ft elevation gain located in Tempe
Photo credit: MTB Project
-
Grand Loop Trail
About half way to Tucson, the Grand Loop Trail in the Casa Grande mountains offers a spectacular ridge trail that's a great way to experience the Casa Grande Mountain Park. Americorps crews helped build much of the trails in this area which get more difficult as you get closer to the mountain.
Stats: 8.1 miles with 664-ft elevation gain located in Casa Grande
Photo credit: MTB Project
