The best MTB trails around North Bellemont

North Bellemont's mountain bike trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find yourself riding through vast ponderosa pine forests, experiencing unique volcanic landscapes, and navigating challenging boulder fields. The area is part of the San Francisco volcanic field, providing a varied and engaging ride.

While the guide highlights two moderate and two difficult routes, the broader North Bellemont area, including nearby Flagstaff, offers a range of trails. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park in Flagstaff, for example, caters to all skill levels with flow trails, pump tracks, and a dedicated skills area, making it a good option for beginners.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy panoramic views of majestic peaks like Humphreys Peak and Kendrick Peak. Keep an eye out for Bismarck Lake, a natural watering hole, and Aspen Corner, especially beautiful in the fall. The area is nestled within the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, offering stunning forest scenery.

Yes, there are several loop options. For instance, the Mussenden Temple loop from Coleraine is a difficult 32.1-mile route, and the Castlerock Beach – Mussenden Temple loop from Castlerock offers a moderate 29.5-mile ride. The Arizona Trail also features scenic loops, such as the Arizona Trail Intersection – Bismarck Lake loop from Moto Trail.

North Bellemont, situated at an elevation of around 7,200 feet, offers cooler summer temperatures, making it an excellent escape from the heat. Spring and fall are also ideal, with vibrant wildflower fields in spring and golden leaves at Aspen Corner in the fall. Winter brings snow, transforming the area into a skiing destination, so mountain biking is best outside of the snowy months.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, trails like Mussenden Temple loop from Coleraine and Mountsandel Fort – Downhill Beach loop from Coleraine are classified as difficult. Additionally, the Flagstaff area, a short drive away, has recently added downhill-only trails like Full Sail and Meteoride, accessible from the Schultz Creek Trailhead, offering technical descents.

Beyond mountain biking, the surrounding Coconino National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and off-roading. You can also explore nearby attractions such as the historic Dunluce Castle Ruins, the scenic Magheracross Viewpoint, or the intriguing Mussenden Temple.

While the routes in this guide are moderate to difficult, the nearby Fort Tuthill Bike Park in Flagstaff is an excellent family-friendly option. It features various trails and skill areas designed for all ages and abilities, making it a great place for families to enjoy mountain biking together.

The trails in this guide vary significantly in length and duration. For example, the Causeway Coast Cycle Route is a moderate 22.4-mile path, typically taking around 2 hours 18 minutes. For a longer ride, the difficult Mountsandel Fort – Downhill Beach loop from Coleraine spans 42.7 miles and can take approximately 4 hours 57 minutes.

Many trails in North Bellemont wind through dense ponderosa pine forests, offering shaded rides. However, the region's high elevation and volcanic features also provide opportunities for panoramic views. Trails within the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System and those offering vistas of Humphreys Peak and Kendrick Peak combine forest sections with open viewpoints.

Mountain bikers often praise the extensive forest trails, the varied terrain ranging from smooth paths to challenging volcanic rock sections, and the significant elevation changes that provide a good workout. The scenic backdrops of majestic peaks and the cooler temperatures in summer are also frequently highlighted as major draws.

North Bellemont is primarily accessed by car, being 11 miles west of Flagstaff. While Flagstaff has some public transport options, direct public transport to specific trailheads in the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests around North Bellemont is generally limited. It's advisable to have personal transportation for convenient access to the trails.