Bicycling Phoenix: 10 Best Bike Trails

Having miles of unfettered desert surrounding your city has its advantages, and hundreds of trails are among them. Phoenix bike trails are as varied in their terrain as they are their difficulty. You can take a leisurely Sunday ride through a neighborhood park or a calf-busting journey through a black diamond trail. Here are 10 of the top trails in and around PHX:

1. Papago Park

Distance: 3 Miles

This beginner-friendly network of trails contains two loops that are 3 miles a piece. Looping around this park in Tempe is a good way to get in a short yet satisfying ride on the weekend. 

1. Indian Bend Wash Trail

Distance: 11 miles

This path runs along the Indian Bend Wash, and it covers 11 miles of terrain that includes trees, rocks, and green golf courses. About half-way through the journey, you can stop at Eldorado Park for a swim or picnic. 

1. Murphy’s Bridle Path

Distance: 1.5 miles

If you’re looking for a quick jaunt, this paved trail is a great option in the city. It’s also heavily shaded, making it ideal for hot days.

1. Brown’s Ranch Perimeter Loop

Distance: 15.5 miles

When you’re up for a challenge, this mountain loop answers the call. You’ll see desert vistas from the top before enjoying the sight of Balanced Rock and greater Scottsdale on the way down.

1. Scottsdale Greenbelt

Distance: 13 miles

If the brown hues of desert life are starting to get to you, this flat trail in Scottsdale will be a welcomed changed. Much of the trail is surrounded by green maintained lawns and the wide path is great for biking in groups.

1. National Trail

Distance: 14 miles

Located in the South Mountain Park and Preserve, the National Trail is an adventurous one. Save this scenic route for when you need to blow off some steam or prove you’ve achieved expert status.

1. Desert Classic Trail

Distance: 9 miles

Also located in the South Mountain Park and Preserve, the Desert Classic Trail is good for intermediate riders. You’ll enjoy smooth trail way and plenty of sweeping views.

1. Moonlight Trail

Distance: 1.3 miles

Proving that not all the best bike trails in Phoenix are the longest, the Moonlight Trail in San Tan Regional Park offers up a short enjoyable ride. When you’re ready to leave your phone in the car and give your legs a quick workout, set out on this fun loop.

1. Sonora Trail

Distance: 12 miles

If smooth and hilly is your terrain of choice, look no further than the Sonora Trail. This easy-to-navigate single-track trail is well marked and a good cardio workout.

1. Deem Hill

Distance: 5 miles

Deem Hill is rocky but it offers up a variety of trail loops. You’ll begin with a tough uphill climb, but switchbacks and places to pull off for a breather make the experience fun and achievable. It’s a great place for a secluded ride.

Phoenix Bike Trails and Cycling Tips 

Phoenix offers more than scenic desert landscapes and challenging mountain routes. Its combination of urban pathways, recreational spaces, and natural surroundings makes it an interesting destination for cyclists with different riding preferences.

After discovering the popular trails around the city, understanding how to choose the right riding environment can help you enjoy even more cycling opportunities. Whether you prefer relaxed recreational rides or more adventurous outdoor experiences, a little planning can make a significant difference.

Discover Different Phoenix Cycling Routes

When exploring Phoenix cycling routes, consider the type of experience you want before choosing your destination. Not every cycling route offers the same riding conditions.

Some routes feature paved pathways that are suitable for comfortable recreational cycling, while others include uneven surfaces, loose gravel, and rocky sections that require more experience.

If you enjoy casual rides, look for established paved paths with relatively gentle gradients. These can be particularly enjoyable when riding with friends or family.

For riders interested in more adventurous terrain, designated mountain biking routes offer a different experience. Always review the route description and difficulty rating before setting out so that the riding conditions match your abilities.

Understand Paved and Unpaved Bike Paths

One important part of planning a ride is understanding the difference between paved and unpaved surfaces.

Paved paths generally provide a smoother riding experience and are suitable for many traditional recreational bicycles. Unpaved routes can vary considerably, ranging from compacted dirt to loose gravel and rocky terrain.

When comparing paved vs unpaved bike paths, consider the following:

• Paved surfaces: Often suitable for cruisers, hybrid bicycles, and recreational e-bikes where permitted.
• Compacted dirt: May work well with certain hybrid bicycles designed for mixed-surface riding.
• Loose gravel: Requires additional attention to tire traction, balance, and braking.
• Rocky mountain trails: Generally require bicycles specifically designed for technical off-road conditions.

Choosing a bicycle that matches your intended riding surface can make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Follow Phoenix Bike Trail Rules and Etiquette

Sharing outdoor spaces responsibly is important when exploring natural areas around Phoenix. Following local Phoenix bike trail rules helps protect other visitors and the surrounding environment.

Before visiting a trail, check its posted signs and regulations. Some routes allow bicycles, while others have restrictions on particular vehicle types.

On shared trails, be considerate of pedestrians and other visitors. Slow down when approaching someone, provide a clear warning before passing, and give other trail users sufficient space.

In Phoenix desert preserves, cyclists generally yield to hikers and horseback riders. Riders should also stay on designated routes rather than creating new paths through natural areas.

These simple habits help preserve the landscape while making outdoor recreation more enjoyable for everyone.

Check E-Bike Regulations Before Your Ride

Electric bicycles can make everyday cycling more accessible, but their use is not permitted everywhere.

If you are considering an e-bike for your next adventure, research the local e-bike rules on Phoenix trails before choosing a destination.

The City of Phoenix prohibits electric bicycles and other motorized vehicles on trails or away from established park roads within its desert and mountain preserves. Rules may differ on other public pathways, so always verify the regulations for your intended location.

Understanding these restrictions beforehand can help you select an appropriate riding destination without unexpected interruptions.

Choose a Bicycle That Matches Your Adventure

The right bicycle depends on where and how you plan to ride. A comfortable beach cruiser can be a great choice for relaxed neighborhood cycling and suitable paved pathways. Hybrid bicycles offer additional versatility for riders who want to combine pavement with some hard-packed surfaces.

For more demanding off-road adventures, consider a bicycle specifically designed for mountain biking rather than assuming every recreational bicycle can handle technical terrain.

At sixthreezero, you can explore different bicycle styles designed around comfort, everyday transportation, and recreational riding preferences.

Ultimately, discovering Phoenix by bike is about finding routes that match your interests, experience, and equipment. With thoughtful planning and respect for local trail regulations, every cycling adventure can become an opportunity to experience more of what the city has to offer.

Golfing and hiking get a lot of attention in Arizona, but biking in Phoenix is growing more popular and the trails are helping. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro seeking out new challenges, the city delivers a trail experience up your alley.

If you’re looking for a new ride for short city routes to get started, consider one of our stylish beach cruisers:

Sixthreezero Classic Edition 3 Speed Women's 26" Beach Cruiser Bike

Sixthreezero Scholar 3 Speed Women's 26" Beach Cruiser Bike

Do you want to find new and exciting places to take your bike on an adventure? Join our Journey Club to uncover new locations around the globe.