Top 10 Biking Trails in Arizona

Top 10 Biking Trails in Arizona

Biking is one of the best forms of steady-state cardio there is. When you consistently do steady-state cardio, your body switches from burning glucose to burning fat. Biking in Arizona can be challenging at times because of the intense heat we have here, especially in the summer. Before you go on your next bike ride, make sure you have the trail planned out before time so you know how much water and electrolytes to bring with you. Sometimes, water alone is not enough to keep you hydrated on long distance rides. Drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte’s are great to bring with you on these trips to help you replace your lost salt and potassium levels, keeping you alert and fresh throughout the entire ride.

1. Willow Lake Trail: Try this 5.4-mile loop trail near Prescott, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash

2. Buffalo Park Trail: Check out this 2.2-mile loop trail near Flagstaff, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

3. Sabino Tram Road: Experience this 7.4-mile out-and-back trail near Tucson, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 53 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are September through April. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

4. Big Butte Loop: Try this 2.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

5. Papago Park to Golf Course: Experience this 2.8-mile loop trail near Tempe, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 55 min to complete. This is a very popular area for mountain biking, road biking, and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

6. Baldwin and Templeton Trail: Enjoy this 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 38 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, road biking, and trail running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.

7. Tempe Town Lake Trail: Enjoy this 7.4-mile out-and-back trail near Tempe, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 10 min to complete. This is a very popular area for road biking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

8. Sentinel Peak Paved Loop: Explore this 1.7-mile loop trail near Tucson, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for road biking, scenic driving, and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

9. Javelina Trail: Check out this 5.8-mile out-and-back trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are October through March. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

10. Peoria New River Trail: Head out on this 15.4-mile loop trail near Sun City, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 h 34 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, road biking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.