Top Arizona Bike Trails

by PJ Walker

Arizona is noted for its smooth, flat desert terrain which is great for working on your biking speed. There are also plenty of opportunities for biking up and down hills and rocky slopes too. That’s why Arizona is such a great place to ride your bike, plus you get to enjoy the beauty of nature in this scenic state.

A great easy trail for the entire family to enjoy is Buffalo Park near Flagstaff, Arizona. It is a mostly flat 2-mile loop that is well-maintained. You do have to keep an eye out for other bikers, hikers, and dogs though. There are several cool-down stations along the way if you are riding with children who might need a break.

The Dynamite trail near Scottsdale has some of the fastest singletrack in the state. Twenty miles of rolling terrain that is smooth can work up quite a speed. There are a lot of different trails to choose from that equal far more than the typical 20 miles listed. Just make sure to bring a map of the area and plenty of water in case you get a little too far out.

The Greaterville Trails have something for everyone of every ability. You can choose from several trails of varying levels of difficulty. This is a great place to practice and train for different types of biking all at the same place. These trails are somewhat secluded too which makes it a great place to have some solitude and ride just for fun.

Submarine Rock Trail is located near beautiful Sedona, Arizona. This desert trail will keep you on your toes. It offers plenty of dirt, sand, rocks and even some slickrock. The views along this trail are pretty awesome too.

The Sunset Trail is located near Flagstaff. This trail will give you a real workout. It covers a seven mile climb that increases your altitude by 2000 feet when you make it to the top. The real fun begins when you make the incredible descent back down to the bottom.

The 345-347 loop is one of the better trails for experienced riders. This trail is located near Prescott, Arizona and is a ten mile loop with a challenging steep climb that rewards you with a fun descent. The trail also surprises you with boulders blocking your path, wet creek crossings, dry sandy washes, and rocky and curvy technical sections. This trail has a lot of variety which makes your ride a lot of fun and tests your skills. It is very scenic also, particularly during the spring when the beautiful wildflowers are in bloom. If you get on the 345-347 loop at Granite Mountain recreation area you will have to pay a $5 fee.

The southern part of Arizona has some great national forests and some of the best and most overlooked bike trails in the state. As an added bonus you might be treated to some spectacular canyon views and a visit from local wildlife. No matter why you ride (pleasure, adventure, or just plain leisure) or how well you ride, Arizona has something to offer you. Happy Trails!

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