The best cycling routes around Paradise Valley

There are over 120 touring cycling routes around Paradise Valley, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy, flat rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes.

The terrain in Paradise Valley is diverse, characterized by the unique Sonoran Desert landscape. You can expect a mix of well-maintained paved roads, dedicated bike paths along canals, and routes with scenic desert views. Some routes feature gentle slopes, while others, particularly those around landmarks like Camelback Mountain, include short but steep climbs.

Yes, Paradise Valley offers numerous easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Sun Circle Trail and Canal Path Loop is an easy 13.1-mile (21.1 km) path providing canal views and perspectives of Camelback Mountain. Another great option is the Indian Bend Wash – Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt loop, which is also rated as easy.

Paradise Valley is an excellent destination for touring cycling due to its impressive average of 294 sunny days per year. The mild weather, especially in spring and fall, makes it an ideal location for extended rides. While cycling is possible year-round, the cooler months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the desert environment.

Many routes offer stunning views of iconic natural landmarks. You'll frequently see Camelback Mountain, which provides a dramatic backdrop. The expansive Phoenix Mountains Preserve and the broader Sonoran Desert offer diverse desert flora and fauna. Routes like the Arizona and Grand Canal Loop provide canal views and varied desert scenery.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Paradise Valley are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Arizona and Grand Canal Loop, the Sun Circle Trail and Canal Path Loop, and the Camelback Mountain loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 78 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique Sonoran Desert landscapes, the well-maintained canal paths, and the stunning views of prominent desert hills like Camelback Mountain. The variety of routes catering to different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely! Paradise Valley and its surroundings offer several interesting attractions. You can find natural monuments like the Papago Park Red Rock Formations and Hole in the Rock. Other notable spots include Tempe Town Lake and Arizona Falls, which can be incorporated into your cycling adventures.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are routes with more significant elevation gain. The Cholla Trailhead loop from Scottsdale, for example, is a moderate 22.5-mile (36.2 km) route with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, offering a more strenuous ride around the Camelback Mountain area.

Among the top routes, the Arizona and Grand Canal Loop is one of the longer options, covering 23.8 miles (38.3 km). This moderate route takes approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete, offering extensive canal views and varied desert scenery.

Yes, Paradise Valley's location allows for routes that blend urban amenities with natural beauty. The Arizona Canal Path, for instance, provides smooth paths and bike lanes with canal views, connecting to other trails and urban areas. Routes like the Dreamy Draw Paradise Valley Loop also feature paved bikeways with incredible scenery, including panoramic views of Scottsdale and the northeast Valley.