Mountain biking is all about the thrills of the trails and the amazing scenery you take in along the way. You always want to find new places to ride. Arizona has plenty of great spots to get around on two wheels. From Flagstaff to Tucson, there’s something for every skill level!
Pemberton Loop in Scottsdale
This singletrack extends over 15 miles. It has very few technical sections and no big climbs or drops, making it great for beginners. There are many places to start. For a shorter trip, take the Bluff Trail or Tonto Tank Trail. The desert trail is wide and fast. Super trails will make your ride even longer.
Black Canyon Trail in Phoenix
There’s 80 miles of terrain to explore in Black Canyon City north of Phoenix. Begin on the Table Mesa Trailhead or the Back Canyon City Trailhead near the Rock Springs I-17 exit. The singletrack section is for advanced riders. You should follow a map to navigate the many trails off the main route. Also be careful around the cacti.
Sonoran Desert Loop in Cave Creek
The second loop on this list is just over 13 miles and part of the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. Start north at the Apache Wash Trailhead. The trek will be balanced and not super technical. It’s a multi-use area, so be respectful of hikers and horseback riders.
Hawes Trail Network in Mesa
This is part of the Sonoran Desert Trail System. It’s about 11 miles long, mostly singletrack, with lot of fun twists and turns. You’ll even pass some abandoned mines. Again, just watch out for cacti. Park near Power and Recker Roads for access.
Hangover Trail in Sedona
Drive north for an intense 3-mile ride through Sedona. You’ll make your way to a saddle between two sections of red rocks. Then keep going along the narrow edge of a canyon. The last section is on a steep cliff just a few feet above the canyon floor.
Cathedral Rock Big Loop in Oak Creek
It’s another Sedona trail for intermediate and advanced cyclists. Get going at the Bell Rock Vista Trailhead and travel along the Slim Shady Trail and Templeton Trail. The hardest part is the descent from Cathedral Rock. You’ll ride along Oak Creek to the Baldwin Loop and end up back on Templeton.
Schultz Creek Trail in Flagstaff
Venture further north for this popular 4-mile ride. You’ll kick off at the bottom of Schultz Pass Road and bike up the valley on a steady climb. Then you’ll pass Schultz Creek, which runs through pines and fir trees. You can even get a little air on the way back down.
50-Year Trail in Tucson
Tucson has a 6-mile trail with open landscape, great for all skill levels. Begin on Oracle Road across the street from Catalina State Park. Or drive to the park and leave your car in the equestrian area. The first section is easy flat singletrack. The second is more technical and you might have to hike-a-bike.
Honeybee Canyon Loop in Oro Valley
This is also near Tucson. It’s an almost 17-mile easy singletrack trail, but it does require some endurance. Park along Oracle Road in the dirt lot. You’ll enjoy smooth terrain with a few uphill sections. When you hit the end of the loop, it’s all downhill fast and smooth.
New Mountain Bikes in Scottsdale, AZ
You might be shopping around for your first MTB. Or you want to add to your growing collection. Get one at Airpark Bike Co in Scottsdale! We have a huge selection of models from brands like Yeti, Santa Cruz, and Rocky Mountain. Different frame sizes and price ranges to fit your lifestyle. You can shop on your own or with the help of our team. Don’t forget cycling gear and spare parts, which you can also get from us!