Visitor Guide
Phoenix Area Trailheads
For trial info and suggested rides, visit the MTBR Arizona Forum sticky Local Riding Advice
If you like epics, Chad Brown has chronicled the top 10 places to visit in AZ (on your bike of course). The pictures alone will make you want to get here.
A great thread popped up on MTBR asking all to rate the difficulty level of the trails in the valley. I think it’s a good place to get a feel for what to ride if you are visiting. Take note that this is MTBR posters collectively rating the trails. They (we) tend to give trails easy Green levels, when in fact a real beginner would think it tough. Case in point. If you are a beginner, do not go off and ride the Long Loop at the Estrellas… it may be Green but it’s long, remote, and has more than beginner sized rocks.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=492455
Rental Shop | nearby trails:
AOA Adventures | McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Cactus Bikes | South Mountain
Trailhead Bike Shop and Cafe
(They Rent Pivots!) | Phoenix Mountains Preserve and the famous Trail 100
Slippery Pig Too | McDowell Mountain Park
Good luck. Email me if you’d like recommendations
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi MtBAZ- I’m visiting from Canada and have gotten lots of great advice from your site- thanks a ton. I’ve had a chance to ride the McDowell Mt trails and National Trail. They were both great. I’ve only got time to get out once more on Monday. I was hoping that you might recommend something for me. I’m looking for more great single track, in the 20 mile’ish range. Since it’s my first time to AZ and really, first time in the desert, I’m also interested in local topography, and seeing different areas. Is there anything that jumps out as a “you gotta do this” kinda thing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. bk
Brent,
One more rid eh? One of the best little singletrack secrets is the Alamo Canyon section of the AZ Trail. It starts at the Picketpost TH just west of Superior off the US 60. It’s an 11 mile out-n-back that is amazing. I’ve done 5 miles of the out-n-back and it was gorgeous riding.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=392228
Here are my links with trail info:
http://delicious.com/MTBikeAZ/alamo-canyon
Another option is the Black Canyon Trail. I still gave not ridden it yet, but I hear it is the greatest trail on earth. Beautiful flowing singletrack. Start at Table Mesa TH and head North to Black Canyon City or start at Black Canyon City and head south. There are other options too, heading north from Black Canyon City to Bumblebee. I just haven’t ridden it so I can’t recommend the best route.
Either of these and you will have a great day with great views.
Hey Mike- I’m staying near Pima & Dynamite, so BCC is much closer so I’m going to give that a try. Your advice and efforts on your site are much appreciated. If you’re ever looking for suggestions for shreddin’ Canadian dirt, drop me a line. Thanks again. BK
Hey Mike- I rode the BCT from the TH on Warner Rd, south around the Little Pan loop and back. Great trail. Amazing wild flowers right now. Gila Monster and a 4 ft Rattler- what a treat! Thanks once again. Brent