The best MTB trails around St. Johns
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riders
6
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Mountain biking around St. Johns, Arizona, offers routes through arid desert landscapes, characterized by rocky trails, saguaro cacti, and undulating terrain. The region features a network of paths that navigate through low-lying hills and washes, providing varied elevation changes. These trails often present a mix of technical sections and smoother stretches, typical of desert mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around St. Johns
- The most popular mountain bike trail is National and Maricopa Trail Loop, a 19.2 miles (30.8…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
1
riders
30.8km
03:00
770m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
12.9km
01:23
460m
460m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
riders
20.1km
01:52
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Tips from the Community
You will have stunning views along this stretch of the National Trail in the western area of South Mountain. However, you'll need to be careful due to the terrain and the presence of other users, as it is a heavily trafficked trail.
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San Juan Lookout is the highest point in the South Mountain Preserve. It is found at the most western point of the preserve, and getting here by bike is a good ride.
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From this summit with breathtaking views, you should be able to see the Estrella mountain range to the west and a part of the South Mountain Preserve to the east. I would recommend to reach this point by following the trails in the clockwise direction as to avoid a steep uphill and turn it into a technical descent instead.
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Dobbins Lookout offers fantastic views of Phoenix. Many visitors come in the evening to watch the sunset over the city.
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This lookout building was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's as a watchtower platform. From this point you'll enjoy clear views of Phoenix and surrounding cities. Make sure to take advantage of the informative plaque, which points out the various nearby landmarks for an enriching experience.
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San Juan lookout is at the western end of the South Mountains and is usually accessible by the end point of East San Juan Road. It gets less traffic than nearby areas because it is farther out of the city. The scenery on the ride is great, and there is an unused shelter that provides some shade for visitors.
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This is a popular spot to watch the sunset but for the rest of the day it's not too busy. This is a great destination on its own or you can continue on to the summit of Mount Suappoa.
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If you want to tackle the National Trail, start at Pima Canyon Trailhead and climb the National Trail until you reach Buena Vista Lookout. Then turn around and enjoy the downhill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around St. Johns?
There are at least 6 mountain bike trails detailed in this guide, offering a range of experiences through the arid desert landscapes of St. Johns, Arizona.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in St. Johns?
Mountain bike trails in St. Johns, Arizona, are characterized by arid desert landscapes, rocky sections, saguaro cacti, and undulating terrain. You'll encounter a mix of technical sections and smoother stretches, with paths navigating through low-lying hills and washes.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in St. Johns?
Yes, there is at least one easy-rated mountain bike trail available. While many routes are moderate to difficult, options exist for those new to desert mountain biking.
What are some popular moderate mountain bike trails in St. Johns?
Popular moderate trails include the National and Maricopa Trail Loop, which is 30.8 km long, and the Alta-Bajada Loop, a 12.9 km path featuring a mix of climbs and descents.
Are there any challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the National Trail, South Mountain – National Trail (west side) loop from Bursera Trailhead is rated as difficult, offering a more strenuous ride through the desert environment.
What is the longest mountain bike trail listed in this guide for St. Johns?
The longest mountain bike trail featured in this guide is the National and Maricopa Trail Loop, spanning 30.8 kilometers and typically taking around 3 hours to complete.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in St. Johns?
Yes, many of the trails are designed as loops. Examples include the National and Maricopa Trail Loop, the Alta-Bajada Loop, and the San Juan Lookout loop from San Juan Lookout.
What kind of scenic views can I expect while mountain biking in St. Johns?
Mountain biking in St. Johns offers scenic viewpoints over the arid landscape, characterized by vast desert vistas, unique rock formations, and the iconic saguaro cacti. The trails provide diverse desert scenery throughout your ride.
What are some notable points of interest or trails to explore near the mountain bike routes?
While riding, you might encounter interesting sections like Summit Road, the Cool bike path, Alta Trail, Pyramid Trail, and T-Bone Ridgeline, which are popular highlights within the area's trail network.
Is there a specific trail that offers a good overview of the desert hills?
The San Juan Lookout loop from San Juan Lookout is a 20.1 km trail that leads directly through the desert hills, providing excellent views and a representative experience of the region's topography.
What is the typical elevation gain on mountain bike trails in St. Johns?
Elevation changes vary by trail. For example, the National and Maricopa Trail Loop features over 760 meters of elevation gain, while the Alta-Bajada Loop has around 450 meters of ascent, offering varied challenges.
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