The best cycling routes in Cave Buttes Recreation Area

Escape into the vibrant Sonoran Desert on the Apache Wash Trailhead loop, an easy 9.7-mile (15.7 km) touring bicycle route with a gentle 262 feet (80 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 58 minutes. You'll pedal through a landscape dotted with towering giant saguaros, various cacti, and palo verde trees, offering expansive desert views. The trail is mostly hard-packed dirt, with occasional gravelly sections and shallow sandy washes, providing a smooth yet engaging ride perfect for mountain, gravel, or hybrid bikes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking and restrooms available at the Apache Wash Trailhead, including space for equestrian trailers. Remember to bring all your water, as there are no potable sources on-site. This multi-use trail is popular with cyclists, hikers, and equestrians, so be prepared to share the path. For the best experience, aim for a sunrise or sunset ride, or visit in spring to catch the desert wildflowers.

This trail offers a fantastic gateway to exploring the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, providing a sense of wilderness just north of the city. It's known for being one of the greener areas in the region, supporting a robust critter population, though wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. The trail's easy difficulty and stunning scenery make it an excellent choice for family friendly cycling or beginners looking for a rewarding desert adventure.

The Central Arizona Project Canal ride offers a unique touring cycling experience along Arizona's extensive canal system. You'll pedal through varied landscapes, from urban green belts and golf courses to open desert, with potential views of distant mountains like the Superstition Mountains. The terrain is predominantly flat and non-technical, a mix of paved and compacted dirt surfaces, making it a pleasant journey for cyclists of all abilities.

This moderate 20.9-mile (33.6 km) route involves only 225 feet (69 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. It's a separated pathway, enhancing safety away from vehicular traffic. Remember to bring plenty of water and plan for limited shade, especially on warmer days, as amenities are sparse along many sections of the trail.

The CAP Canal trail is part of an ambitious project to create a continuous 336-mile pathway, already designated a National Recreation Trail. Its flat profile and multi-use design make it ideal for leisurely touring and connecting to other local trail systems. This route is a great way to experience a significant piece of Arizona's infrastructure while enjoying a relaxed ride.

The Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway and Cave Buttes Loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, blending urban pathways with the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert. You'll glide along paved sections of the Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway, then immerse yourself in the unique landscape of the Cave Buttes Recreation Area, characterized by striking limestone buttes and abundant saguaro cacti. This easy 16.1-mile (25.9 km) route, with only 322 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option for beginner touring cycling, providing a scenic ride that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

When planning your visit, remember that shade is limited in the desert, so bringing plenty of water is essential, particularly if you're cycling outside of the cooler seasons. The Apache Wash Trailhead serves as a convenient access point for this popular trails route. Early mornings are often the best time to enjoy the ride before the heat of the day sets in.

This route is notable for its ability to connect you with both the city's infrastructure and its natural surroundings. The Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway itself spans a significant portion of Phoenix, linking various areas, while the Cave Buttes Loop offers a close-up view of the distinctive desert geology and flora. It's a great way to experience the diverse landscapes of Phoenix, Arizona, on two wheels.

This easy 12.0-mile (19.3 km) touring cycling loop from Pinnacle High School offers a delightful ride along the Central Arizona Project Canal. You'll pedal through a varied landscape, often alongside lakes, golf courses, and green belts, particularly in the Scottsdale area. The path is largely flat and paved, making for a smooth experience, and you might even spot blooming flowers in season, enjoying a park-like setting as you go.

Starting directly from Pinnacle High School, this route is well-maintained with underpasses at busy intersections for safe, uninterrupted travel. The entire ride takes approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes, with a minimal 133 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer times, and consider riding in the morning or late afternoon.

The Central Arizona Project Canal system is part of a larger vision to create an extensive recreational trail network, with the Arizona Canal Trail being a key component in Phoenix. This interconnectedness means you can easily link to other paths like the Indian Bend Wash Trail for longer excursions, making it a versatile option for exploring the region's urban green spaces.

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.