How about some epic biking trails in Phoenix? Urban and Mountain Bike Trails for Every Skill Level

Laura Williams

Updated on:

Photo by Carl Winterbourne on Unsplash

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links for Amazon, meaning we may get a commission if you click on our links, at no additional cost to you.

Looking for some great places to go biking in Phoenix? You’ve come to the right place! This blog will share some of our favorite urban and mountain bike trails in and around the city. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, we hope you’ll find something new to explore!


Biking in Phoenix

Phoenix is quickly becoming a hot spot for urban and mountain biking alike. The city has worked hard to create many trails to accommodate all types of riders, and the results are impressive.

Whether you’re looking for an easy, flat trail to take the family on or a more challenging route with hills and curves, you’ll find it in Phoenix. And, with the city’s mild climate, you can ride year-round!

Here are some of the best trails Phoenix has to offer:


The Best Urban Bike Trails

-The Papago Buttes Loop is an excellent trail for beginner or intermediate riders. It’s about 2.5 miles long and features stunning views of Papago Park, the buttes, and downtown Phoenix.

Salt River Shore and Rio Salado Pathway - <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/salt-river-shore-and-rio-salado-pathway/photos">Photo Source</a>
Salt River Shore and Rio Salado Pathway – Photo Source

-If you’re looking for a longer ride, try the Salt River Shore and Rio Salado Pathway. This 18-mile-long trail takes you along the Salt River from Tempe to Mesa. You’ll see some incredible desert scenery and maybe even some wildlife along the way!

Desert Breeze Park Loop - <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/desert-breeze-park-loop/photos">Photo Source</a>
Desert Breeze Park Loop – Photo Source

-The Desert Breeze Park Loop is a unique trail that follows an old railroad bed. It’s wide and flat, making it perfect for families with little ones. The path is just over 1 mile long and winds through the park that gave it its name.

Grand Canal Trail - <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/grand-canal-trail/photos">Photo Source</a>
Grand Canal Trail – Photo Source

-The Grand Canal Trail is a 12-mile trail along the canals of the Salt River Project that offer scenic views of the city. This path follows an old canal bed and is flat and easy to ride. It’s an excellent trail for families with young children.


The Best Mountain Bike Trails

-For a strenuous workout, try riding up South Mountain. This is one of the most popular trails in Phoenix, and it isn’t for beginners! The trail is about 7 miles long, with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the city at the top. terrain. It’s also one of the less crowded trails, so you can enjoy peace and quiet while you bike. South Mountain Park in Phoenix has over 16,000 acres of the desert landscape to explore, with over 50 miles of different trails ranging from easy to very difficult.

See also  Why you should hike Shaw Butte Mountain

-If you want to stay closer to town, ride Camelback Mountain. This iconic Phoenix landmark is a popular hiking destination, but it also has some great trails for mountain biking. You can take several different routes, ranging from easy to very difficult. Camelback Mountain is a popular spot for hikers and runners, it has a few different trails ranging from moderate to very difficult. The summit trail is the most challenging option, with an elevation gain of over 1,400 feet. It offers stunning cityscape views and is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail - <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/piestewa-peak-summit-trail-300/photos">Photo Source</a>
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail – Photo Source

-For something in between, try Piestewa Peak Summit Trail. This 3-mile-long trail will take you to the top of Piestewa Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Phoenix. The Piestewa Peak Loop is a 2.4-mile loop near Phoenix’s Dreamy Draw Recreation Area that offers fantastic views of the city skyline. Challenging climbs and fun descents make this trail a favorite among experienced riders. This is a more challenging trail with some hills, but the views at the top are worth it! The views from the top are incredible.

 -The McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale has over 36 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult. It is a great place to escape the city and explore the desert landscape.

-The North Mountain Preserve – This is an excellent trail for mountain biking enthusiasts. It’s also a beautiful trail to hike if you’re not up for biking. The North Mountain National Trail is a 7-mile loop trail that is considered one of the most challenging in the city, with steep sections and rocky

 -The White Tanks Regional Park in Waddell has over 30 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate.

See also  The must-haves for your Phoenix packing list

South Mountain Park – This park has over 50 miles of trails, so you’re sure to find one that’s just right for your skill level.

Sedona is just a short drive from Phoenix, Sedona offers some of the most stunning scenery in Arizona. And there are plenty of trails to explore, whether you’re into mountain biking or just want an easy hike with amazing views.

Usery Mountain Regional Park – This 3,000-acre park has over 50 miles of trails to explore, many of which are suitable for mountain biking. There are several loop options of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so you can choose your own adventure.</p>

When many people think of Phoenix, they picture a sprawling city peppered with cacti, golf courses, and sunny blue skies. However, many people don’t know that Phoenix is home to some of the best urban and mountain biking trails in the country!

The mountain biking trails around Phoenix are genuinely world-class, with something to offer everyone from beginner to expert. In fact, the area has even been featured in National Geographic as one of the best places to mountain bike in the world!

Whether you’re looking for a challenging workout or a leisurely ride with stunning views, you’ll find it on one of these trails. So dust off your bike and explore the best Phoenix offers on two wheels!


Biking Tips for Beginners

There are many things to consider when you’re just starting out biking. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are some tips to get you started on the right track.

1. First and foremost, invest in a good quality bike. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive bike on the market, but it should be a bike that’s going to be comfortable for you to ride and that’s going to last.

2. Get a helmet! This is non-negotiable. A good helmet can literally save your life.

3. Learn the basics of bike maintenance. You don’t need to be a mechanic, but it’s essential to know how to change a flat tire and make minor adjustments to your bike.

See also  Discover the Desert Oasis: Papago Park Adventures in Phoenix, Arizona - Hiking, Golf, and Wildlife Await!

4. Plan your route before you go. If riding in an urban area, stick to streets with bike lanes or trails. If you’re riding in a rural area, make sure you know the terrain and are prepared for any obstacles you might encounter.

5. Be visible! Wear bright clothing and/or reflective tape on your bike so drivers can see you.

6. Ride defensively. Assume that drivers don’t see you and always be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

7. Have fun! Biking is a great way to exercise and explore your surroundings. Enjoy the ride!


Biking Tips for Experienced Riders

Here are some great tips for experienced riders who want to enjoy some of the best bike trails in Phoenix:

1. always wear a helmet when biking, no matter how experienced you are.

2. be aware of your surroundings and yield to pedestrians.

3. obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and red lights.

4. be extra cautious when riding in bad weather conditions or at night.

5. carry a cell phone or other form of communication in an emergency.


Essential Biking Gear

No matter how experienced a rider you are, some pieces of gear are essential for every ride. Here’s what you need to stay safe and comfortable on the trails:

1. A good-quality bike that’s comfortable for you to ride.

2. A helmet that fits properly.

3. Bright clothing or reflective tape for your bike, so you’re visible to drivers.

4. A cell phone or other form of communication in an emergency.

5. A water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated during your ride.

6. Snacks and a small first-aid kit if you run into any problems on the trail.

7. A map of the area so you can plan your route.

8. A bike lock to secure your bike when you’re not riding it.


Now that you know all the essentials, you’re ready to hit the trails! Phoenix is home to some of the best mountain biking in the country, so get out there and explore!

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.