Arizona Leisure vacation guide

Biking Trails and Guides in Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .

Arizona offers outstanding biking opportunities across some of the most diverse landscapes in the Southwest. Mountain bikers can explore desert singletrack near Phoenix and Tucson, red-rock trails around Sedona, and forested routes near Prescott and Flagstaff, while road cyclists enjoy scenic desert highways, mountain roads and bike-friendly urban routes throughout the state. With elevations ranging from low desert to high-country forests, Arizona provides places to ride during virtually every season of the year.

Mountain biking on a scenic trail in Arizona

Use the Arizona biking resources below to find mountain bike trails, road cycling routes, local clubs, guided rides and other information for planning a cycling trip. Before riding, check current trail conditions, seasonal closures, weather and route difficulty, particularly when heading into Arizona's desert or mountain backcountry.

Mountain Biking Trails In Arizona

Arizona mountain biking ranges from smooth desert singletrack to steep technical routes through red-rock canyons and high-country forests. Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson are among the state's best-known riding areas, while the Arizona Trail provides opportunities for longer backcountry rides across widely varied terrain.

Arizona Mountain Bike Trails - Singletracks
Browse Arizona mountain biking trails with rider reviews, ratings, locations and difficulty information.

TrailLink
Search Arizona trails by location and review information such as trail length, surface and permitted uses.

Mountain Bike AZ
Find Arizona mountain bike trail information and reviews with details covering difficulty, riding effort, mileage, trail type and recommended seasons.

Absolute Bikes
Find biking resources for northern Arizona, including the Flagstaff and Sedona areas, along with bicycle sales, rentals and service information.

Arizona Road Biking

Road cyclists can explore Arizona on routes ranging from relatively level desert roads to demanding mountain climbs. Greater Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson provide extensive cycling opportunities during the cooler months, while Sedona, Prescott, Show Low and Flagstaff offer scenic rides at higher elevations. Conditions can vary significantly with elevation and season, so riders should check local weather, road conditions and elevation profiles before starting a longer route.

Tucson Cycling Routes
Browse cycling routes in and around Tucson, including route maps, distances and elevation information submitted by riders.

Tucson Biking
Explore road cycling, mountain biking and other bicycle-riding opportunities throughout the Tucson area.

Arizona Biking Associations And Clubs

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists
A Tucson-area mountain biking organization providing trail information, events, advocacy, trail stewardship and resources for local riders.

Mountain Bike Association of Arizona
A statewide organization supporting Arizona mountain biking through advocacy, education, responsible riding, trail stewardship and racing.

Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
A Phoenix-area cycling organization offering organized rides and activities while promoting safe and legal bicycling.

Arizona Biking Guides

Guided biking trips can be especially helpful for visitors unfamiliar with Arizona's trail systems, desert conditions or technical terrain. Local guides can help match routes to rider ability and may provide bicycles, helmets and other equipment.

360 Adventures
Offers guided Arizona mountain biking experiences in areas including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona and the Verde Valley, with rides available for different experience and skill levels.

Arizona Biking Tips And Safety

  • Check weather, trail conditions and seasonal closures before beginning a ride.
  • Carry plenty of drinking water, especially when riding in desert areas.
  • Choose trails appropriate for your experience, fitness level and bicycle.
  • Stay on designated trails and avoid riding muddy trails that can be easily damaged.
  • Wear a helmet and carry basic repair, navigation and emergency supplies on longer rides.

Arizona Biking FAQ

Where are the best places to go mountain biking in Arizona?

Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson are among Arizona's most popular mountain biking destinations. Riders can choose from Sonoran Desert trails, Sedona red-rock terrain and high-elevation forest routes depending on location and season.

What is the best time of year for biking in Arizona?

Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable riding conditions in lower-elevation desert areas around Phoenix and Tucson. During warmer months, riders often choose higher-elevation destinations such as Flagstaff and Prescott where temperatures are typically cooler.

Does Arizona have biking trails for beginners?

Yes. Arizona has biking opportunities for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced riders. Trail difficulty varies considerably, so riders should review current trail ratings, distance, elevation change and technical difficulty before choosing a route.

Can you bike year-round in Arizona?

Arizona offers biking opportunities throughout much of the year because of its wide range of elevations. Desert destinations are generally more comfortable during cooler months, while mountain communities provide riding opportunities during the warmer season when trails are open and conditions permit.

Are guided mountain biking tours available in Arizona?

Yes. Guided mountain biking is available in several Arizona destinations, including Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona. Guided trips can be useful for visitors who need equipment or want help selecting trails appropriate for their skill level.

Most Popular Things To Do In AZ

Additional Arizona Activities

 

 

Top Arizona Destination Areas

Pleasant, Rainbow, Willow Springs, Big Lake, More...

Greer, Strawberry, Cabins, Heber-Overgard, More...

Peaks Drive, Map, Williams, San Francisco Peaks, More...

Javalinas, Bats, Bobcats, Tarantulas, Bear, More...

Oak Creek Canyon, Palatki Ruins, Map, Weather, More...

Map, Jerome, Weather, Camping, Cabins, More...

Apache Junction, Mesa, Chandler, Parks, More...

Parks, Map, Route 66, Cabins, Distance Guide, More...

Sledding, Painted Desert, Antelope Canyon, More...

Wahweap, Map, Facts, Houseboats, Distances, More...

Tucson, Nogales, Tombstone, Rocky Point, More...

Phoenix To South Rim, Wildlife, Weather, Falls, More...

Hoover Dam, Parker, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, More...

Most Popular Arizona Attractions