9 Mountain Bike Trails to Check Out Here in Arizona
Published February 03, 2022 | Updated March 21, 2025
A big part of mountain biking is admiring all the amazing scenery along the way. It's always fun to find awesome new places to ride. Arizona has plenty of great trails to ride across the state. From Flagstaff to Tucson, there’s something for every skill level!
Pemberton Loop in Scottsdale
This popular XC trail at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park extends for over 15 miles of flowy desert riding. It has very few technical sections and no big climbs or drops, making it great for beginners. The desert trail is wide and fast, although it can be crowded since it's so popular.
There's a day-use fee for the park.
Black Canyon National Recreation Trail
The Black Canyon National Recreation Trail is an 80 mile long backcountry mountain biking trail in the Sonoran Desert, developed by the BLM in partnership with the IMBA. It's often ridden over 2-3 days as a bikepacking adventure, although if you're in excellent shape and looking for an extreme test of endurance, it can be done in one day. The trail is recommended for riding only from November through April, during the cooler season.
It's one of the BLM's "Top 20" mountain biking trails nationally, so you can expect a world-class adventure. It's designed to be challenging, but doable for the majority of somewhat experienced mountain bikers. It's a mixed-use trail shared with equestrians, hikers, and trail runners.
The trail is located just north of Phoenix. From Phoenix, take I-17 north and exit at Rock Springs/Black Canyon City Exit 242. Head west (left). At the stop sign, turn right, then a quick left onto Warner Road. Follow the road to the white tank and park at the Black Canyon City Trailhead.
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
The Hawes Trail network, between Mesa and Scottsdale, is a huge local favorite of our staff at the bike shop. There are over 120 miles of trails listed on TrailForks here, mostly singletrack, with a lot of fun twists and turns. You’ll even pass some abandoned mines. Again, just watch out for cacti. There are also a ton of parking options around the area so you can pick and choose where you want to ride each day.
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.