Ben's and Phil's Trail Loop

The Ben's and Phil's Trail Loop is approximately 19.7 kilometers (12.2 miles) long. Most riders complete it in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but this can vary based on your pace and how often you stop.

The trailhead for this loop is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Bend. You'll find ample parking available at Phil's Trailhead, which also offers restrooms and clear signage.

Yes, this loop is often considered an excellent introduction to Central Oregon's mountain biking scene. While the overall difficulty is rated as easy to intermediate, it features smooth, flowy singletrack and ride-arounds for more challenging sections, making it very beginner-friendly. Ben's Trail, in particular, is a green (easy) rated climbing trail.

You can expect predominantly smooth and flowy singletrack winding through an open pine forest. Ben's Trail offers gentle climbing with some rocky sections, while the descent on Phil's includes fun microberms and can also have rocky parts. Be aware that later in the season, the trail can become dry and sandy, leading to 'moon dust' conditions.

The loop immerses you in a picturesque open pine forest, dense with Ponderosa pines and Manzanita bushes. This provides a refreshing atmosphere with fresh mountain air and scenic views throughout your ride.

Yes, a distinctive feature you might encounter on Phil's Trail is the 'Flaming Chicken' roundabout, a unique piece of trail art. The loop also passes through sections of the popular Marvin's Garden Trail.

Yes, this route is part of an extensive network. It utilizes sections of Marvin's Garden Trail, Ben's Trail, Phil's Trail, and also intersects with paths like Voodoo Trail, Kent's Trail, and Expressway, offering many options for extending your ride.

The trail is generally enjoyable from spring through fall. However, conditions can vary: later in the season, it can get very dry and sandy ('moon dust'). In winter, lower sections might have frozen ruts, while higher elevations could offer smoother riding with snow. Always check local conditions before heading out.

While the trail is within the Deschutes National Forest, specific dog regulations can vary. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Ben's and Phil's Trail Loop itself. However, if you park at certain developed trailheads within the Deschutes National Forest, a recreation pass (like a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass) might be required. Always check signage at the trailhead for current requirements.

Absolutely. While the loop is beginner-friendly, the broader Phil's Trail network, which this loop is part of, includes advanced areas with jumps, huge berms, and technical features. Riders looking for more challenge can explore these sections or connect to trails like 'Lower Whoops' for a full-blown flow-style jump trail experience.

To optimize your ride flow and safety, remember that Ben's Trail is often designated as an uphill-only climbing trail, while sections of Phil's are downhill-only. Following these directional guidelines helps manage traffic and enhances the overall experience for everyone.