The best cycling routes around Anthem

The Skip Rimsza Paseo offers a wonderfully smooth touring cycling experience through the heart of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. This easy 9.6-mile (15.5 km) paved route, with a gentle 238 feet (73 metres) of elevation gain, guides you past expansive desert vistas, showcasing diverse plant life like cacti and desert brush. Expect a relaxed ride that takes around 53 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick, scenic outing.

For logistics, the Apache Wash Trailhead is your primary access point, providing ample parking and essential amenities like restrooms and shelters. Remember to pack plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense and shade is sparse along the route. Riding in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, is highly recommended for a more comfortable experience.

This multi-use trail is a gem for those seeking an immersive desert experience without the challenges of unpaved terrain, making it ideal for family friendly Paseo touring cycling routes. Its entirely paved surface is perfect for road bikes, and its connection to other paths like the Ocotillo Trail allows for longer rides if you wish to explore more of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. The trail's accessibility and gentle profile make it a standout for beginner Paseo touring cycling difficulty.

The Sidewinder Trail – Ridgeback Overlook loop offers a fantastic touring cycling adventure through the heart of the Sonoran Desert. This moderate 14.0-mile (22.6 km) route, with its 1277 feet (389 metres) of elevation gain, guides you past vast fields of Saguaro and Cholla cacti, navigating varied terrain that includes flat arroyos, gentle ascents, and some more challenging, punchy climbs. The journey culminates at the Ridgeback Overlook, providing expansive panoramic views of distant landmarks like Camelback Mountain and Four Peaks, making the 2-hour estimated duration fly by.

To access this loop, many riders start from the Desert Hills Trailhead at 705 W. Carefree Highway, which provides direct entry to the trail system. Since the route is largely exposed, remember to bring ample water, especially during warmer periods, and consider starting early to avoid the midday sun. This multi-use trail is shared with hikers and mountain bikers, so always be aware of others on the path.

This trail system stands out for its accessibility from northern Phoenix, offering a convenient escape into nature. The Sidewinder Trail itself is recognized as the longest and most technical mountain biking trail within the North Sonoran Preserve, though this loop is adapted for touring cycling. Its less rocky terrain compared to other Phoenix mountain trails makes it a popular choice for those seeking a smoother, yet still engaging, desert ride.

The Apache Wash Trailhead loop from Bobcat Trailhead Parking offers a quintessential Sonoran Desert cycling experience. You'll navigate a mostly hard-packed dirt trail, winding through vibrant cactus gardens filled with saguaros, cholla, and barrel cacti. The route provides expansive, unrestricted views of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, with the Apache Wash area often appearing greener due to available moisture, creating a picturesque backdrop for your ride.

This easy touring cycling route covers 11.7 miles (18.9 km) with a gentle 365 feet (111 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 11 minutes. Access is convenient from the Bobcat Trailhead Parking, which has ample space, though the lot closes at 7 p.m. Vault toilets are available, but remember to bring your own water as there are no other facilities.

Part of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, this multi-use trail is well-marked and offers a sense of remote desert immersion despite its proximity to the city. It's a versatile loop that can be combined with other trails for varying experiences, and during wildflower season, you might even spot poppies and lupines bursting with color. It's best enjoyed on a mountain, gravel, or hybrid bike.

The Sidewinder Trail loop from Horse Trailer Parking offers an easy touring cycling experience through the diverse landscapes of Little Bennett Regional Park. This 5.0-mile (8.1 km) route, with its 490 feet (149 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along natural surface singletrack through forests and open meadows, providing a pleasant immersion in nature. Expect a ride that takes around 48 minutes, suitable for those with a robust touring or gravel bike looking for a straightforward, non-technical outing.

To plan your visit, head to the Horse Trailer Parking area within Little Bennett Regional Park, which serves as the convenient starting point for this loop. The park is a multi-use area, so you'll be sharing the trails with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians; always be mindful of others. Checking the park's official website for any current access rules or seasonal advisories is a good idea before you go.

Little Bennett Regional Park spans 3,700 acres, offering a significant natural escape with a rich variety of habitats and abundant native plants and animals. Its backcountry feel, despite being close to urban areas, makes it a unique destination for cycling. The park's trails, including the Sidewinder, are well-regarded for their natural beauty and provide a great opportunity to explore Maryland's varied terrain.