The best MTB trails around Phoenix

The Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 offers a quintessential desert mountain biking experience, winding through the rugged landscapes of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. You'll navigate a mix of smooth and rocky terrain, with numerous wash crossings and impressive rock formations, particularly around Piestewa Peak. This moderate 21.6-mile (34.7 km) route, with 1886 feet (575 metres) of elevation gain, provides a solid 3 hours and 17 minutes of riding, making it ideal for intermediate riders looking for a varied and engaging ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with several access points. The Dreamy Draw trailhead is often recommended as a good starting point, while the Tatum trailhead can be more challenging for beginners. You'll find essential amenities like restrooms and water at key trailheads such as Dreamy Draw and the North Mountain Visitor Center. Always carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and consider riding in the cooler parts of the day to avoid the desert heat.

What makes the Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 truly notable is its accessibility and popularity within a major metropolitan area, yet it still offers sections that feel surprisingly remote. Its considerable length and connectivity to other informal trails provide endless options for different riding abilities. For easier navigation on this extensive trail system, keep an eye out for QR codes that provide useful information like elevation profiles and directions.

The Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 and Shaw Butte Trail 306 Loop offers a quintessential Phoenix desert mountain biking experience, weaving through classic saguaro-studded landscapes and rugged terrain. You'll navigate a mix of narrow singletrack and wider paths, with the reward of expansive city and desert views, especially from the summit of Shaw Butte. Keep an eye out for wildflowers if you ride between February and April, adding a splash of color to the otherwise starkly beautiful scenery.

This 11.1-mile (17.9 km) loop is rated easy, but don't let that fool you entirely; it includes 780 feet (238 metres) of elevation gain and some technical, rocky sections that will keep you engaged for the estimated 1 hour and 38 minutes. The North Mountain Visitor Center is a popular and convenient starting point, offering amenities like water and shade. Since it's a multi-use trail, be prepared to share the path with hikers and runners, particularly during busy times.

This route is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in Phoenix's North Mountain Preserve, known for its accessibility and varied terrain. It's a great choice for intermediate riders looking for a fun, relatively quick outing with plenty of scenic payoffs, or for adventurous beginners ready to tackle some challenging sections. The well-marked trails and proximity to the city make it an ideal escape into nature.

The Desert Classic Trail Loop offers a quintessential Sonoran Desert mountain biking experience, winding through a landscape dotted with iconic Saguaro cacti and providing expansive views towards South Mountain. You'll encounter a mix of hardpack, sandy washes, and rocky sections, with fun ups and downs that keep the ride engaging. It's a mostly flowy, easy route, but some arroyos and rockier patches add a touch of challenge, making it suitable for a wide range of riders.

This popular trail is easily accessible from multiple trailheads within South Mountain Park, such as Pima Canyon, which typically offer amenities like parking, restrooms, and water. While you can ride it year-round, be sure to plan for the Arizona heat, especially in warmer months, and carry ample water. Weekends can be busy, so consider an early start for a quieter experience.

As a staple in Phoenix's mountain biking scene, the Desert Classic Trail Loop stands out for its balance of accessibility and varied terrain. It connects with the extensive National Trail, offering options to extend your ride if you're looking for more mileage or a greater challenge. The immersive desert environment provides a great opportunity to connect with nature, making it a rewarding outing for both beginners and seasoned riders.

The Badger Sidewinder Ocotillo Loop offers a quintessential Sonoran Desert mountain biking experience, winding through Saguaro-studded hills and flat arroyos. You'll encounter classic desert flora like cholla and ocotillo, with the latter blooming vibrantly in season. The route, a moderate 19.1 miles (30.7 km) with 1324 feet (403 metres) of elevation gain, provides a varied ride over 2 hours and 46 minutes, featuring both smooth, hard-packed sections and some rocky terrain, particularly on the Sidewinder Trail. Expect plenty of dips as the trail navigates washes, and be rewarded with 360° viewpoints of the surrounding landscape, including distant peaks like Camelback Mountain. This loop is ideal for intermediate riders seeking a diverse desert challenge.

When planning your ride, be mindful of the desert conditions; there's very little shade, so carrying plenty of water is non-negotiable, and it's best to avoid the hottest parts of the day. The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, where the loop is located, is a popular spot, meaning the trails, especially the Ocotillo and Sidewinder sections, can get crowded. Consider an early start to beat both the heat and the crowds, ensuring a more serene experience on the trail. While specific trailhead parking isn't detailed, multiple access points are available within the preserve.

This multi-use loop is a significant feature of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, recognized for hosting the longest, most technical trail in the North Sonoran Preserve, the Sidewinder Trail. Its flexibility allows riders to combine different sections, creating shorter loops ranging from 5 to 13 miles, catering to various fitness levels and time constraints. The diverse terrain, from rocky climbs to smooth descents, showcases the unique geology and ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert, making it a notable destination for mountain bikers in the region.