The best MTB trails around Tempe

This easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) mountain bike route, with just 183 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, offers a quick 26-minute ride through the unique Sonoran Desert landscape. You'll pedal past distinctive red butte formations and enjoy the varied terrain, which includes smooth dirt sections alongside some loose sand and embedded rocks. Don't miss the chance to see the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock, offering panoramic views of the city.

Papago Park is easily accessible from downtown Phoenix, making it a convenient spot for a ride. The park's multi-use trails are shared with hikers, and you can link various sections to create longer mountain biking routes if you're looking for more mileage. It's an excellent choice for beginner mountain bikers, providing a gentle introduction to desert riding.

What makes Papago Park stand out is its blend of urban accessibility and wilderness feel, offering a taste of the Sonoran Desert without venturing far from the city. It's a fantastic place to hone your skills on beginner mountain bike trails, with enough variety to keep intermediate riders engaged through its technical sections and short climbs. The park's proximity to attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden also makes it a great stop in a day of exploring.

The Pima East Loop Trail offers a quintessential Sonoran Desert mountain biking experience, winding through rugged, rocky landscapes with generally gravelly terrain. As you ride, you'll enjoy gradual elevation changes and distant views of the City of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains, making for a scenic and engaging journey. This route is a great way to immerse yourself in the desert's unique beauty without overly technical challenges, though it connects to more advanced trails for those seeking them.

Starting from the Pima Canyon Trailhead, you'll find excellent amenities including restrooms, water filling stations, and ample parking, making your visit convenient. This moderate 17.1-mile (27.5 km) mountain biking route involves 874 feet (266 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Given the minimal shade, it's wise to plan your ride for cooler parts of the day and bring plenty of water.

This trail is part of the extensive South Mountain Park/Preserve network, providing diverse riding experiences from easy loops to challenging technical descents on trails like the National Trail. The multi-use trail system means you'll share the path with hikers and equestrians, so always be mindful of other users. It's a fantastic option for mountain bikers looking for a well-maintained route with the flexibility to extend their adventure into more demanding terrain.

The National Trail – Pima Canyon Trailhead loop from Baseline Rd & 44th St offers a fantastic mountain biking adventure through the rugged Sonoran Desert. You'll ride past towering saguaro cacti and navigate varied terrain, from smoother sections to technical rock gardens, all while enjoying expansive views of the Phoenix valley. This 13.9-mile (22.4 km) route, with 930 feet (284 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes, making it a rewarding ride for those looking to experience South Mountain's iconic trails.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Pima Canyon Trailhead provides ample parking, restrooms, and water fountains. To ensure a pleasant experience, aim to visit during the cooler winter or shoulder months, and consider riding on weekdays to avoid crowds. Always carry sufficient water, especially during warmer periods, and be mindful of hikers, as they have the right of way on shared trails.

This area is part of the extensive South Mountain Park and Preserve, known for its unique geological features and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stonework visible throughout. While the loop itself is rated easy, sections of the National Trail are renowned for their technicality, including challenging drops and steep climbs, offering a taste of advanced mountain biking within this accessible route. It's a great way to explore the desert's natural beauty and test your skills.

The Papago Park – Hole in the Rock loop from Veterans Way/College Ave offers a unique urban mountain biking experience, weaving through striking red sandstone buttes and diverse desert vegetation. You'll navigate a mix of smooth dirt and rocky sections, with the route culminating in spectacular views from the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock, overlooking lagoons and the Phoenix skyline. This easy 14.7-mile (23.6 km) ride, with 696 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to explore the desert in about 1 hour and 46 minutes.

This highly accessible park is ideal for a quick ride, especially if you're coming from downtown Phoenix. You'll find ample parking, drinking fountains, and picnic areas, making it easy to plan your visit. The trails are multi-use, shared with hikers and runners, and dogs are welcome on a leash. Consider an early morning start to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people on the paths.

Beyond the scenic riding, Papago Park holds historical significance, with the Hole-in-the-Rock once used as an ancient calendar by the Hohokam civilization. The park's interconnected trails allow for customized routes, catering to various skill levels from beginners to intermediate riders looking for some technical challenges. It's a true mountain bike playground with something for everyone.

The Hidden Valley Tunnel – Fat Man's Pass loop from 13660 offers an expert-level mountain biking experience through the rugged Sonoran Desert landscape. This difficult 17.2-mile (27.6 km) route features a significant 1471 feet (448 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete. You'll navigate challenging rocky sections and sandy washes, passing through the unique natural rock formation of Hidden Valley Tunnel and squeezing through the memorable Fat Man's Pass, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline.

When planning your ride, remember this is a challenging route best suited for experienced mountain bikers. The desert environment means carrying ample water is crucial, especially during warmer periods. Night rides are a popular choice for cooler temperatures and stunning city light views. Be mindful that hikers also frequent parts of these trails, so always ride with awareness.

This loop stands out in South Mountain Preserve for its distinctive geological features, including the natural tunnel and the tight squeeze of Fat Man's Pass. The area is rich with saguaro cacti and other desert flora, and you might even spot Hohokam petroglyphs near the tunnel. It's a truly unique ride that combines natural beauty with an adventurous challenge.