The Ultimate Phoenix Metro Trail Guide: Where to Ride (And What You're Getting Into)
- Kirby Wisdom
- Jun 20
- 11 min read
Let's be real: Phoenix has some of the best mountain biking in the country. We've got year-round riding, incredible desert scenery, hundreds of miles of trails, and everything from mellow family cruises to genuinely terrifying technical descents. If you can't find something to ride here, you're not trying.
But here's what we see at The Shad Co constantly: people show up from out of town (or are new to the area) asking "where should I ride?" and we need to play twenty questions to figure out what they actually want. Are you looking for flow? Technical challenge? Views? A workout? Something your kids can ride? Because "best trail" means completely different things to different riders.
So let's break down the Phoenix metro trail scene properly. We'll cover the major trail systems, what they're actually like (not just what the marketing says), who they're good for, and what you need to know before you go. This is the guide we wish existed when we started exploring the area—honest, detailed, and actually useful.
Hawes Trail System: Our Home Trails (And The Default Answer)
Location: East Mesa, Usery Pass area (10 minutes from The Shad Co)
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Miles of Trail: 15+ miles (and growing!)
Why It's Our Favorite: Technical playground, legitimate challenges, real mountain biking
Let's start with Hawes because it's our default answer when people ask "where should I ride?" It's the closest system to our shop, it's what we ride most often, and honestly, it's some of the best technical riding in the metro area.
Hawes is where you go to actually mountain bike—not cruise on buff flow trails (though we love those too), but to test your technical skills, pick lines through rocks, and prove you can handle challenging terrain. This isn't beginner territory, but if you've got solid intermediate skills and want to push yourself, Hawes is where it's at.
Trail Character: Rocky, technical, demanding. Lots of mandatory features you can't ride around. Exposure in places that'll get your attention. Off-camber sections. Rock gardens. The kind of riding that makes you better because it demands precision and commitment.
Notable Sections:
Hawes Loop: The classic. Technical singletrack with rock gardens, exposure, and genuinely difficult features. Ride it clockwise for the intended direction.
Silly Mountain: Adjacent area with similar technical character and stunning views
Goldfield Loop: Connector that adds mileage and variety
What You Need to Know:
Parking is currently limited—arrive early on weekends (but this is changing!)
This is not the place to learn technical skills—build your foundation elsewhere first
Crashing here hurts (rocks, cacti, exposure)
Summer is rough (east-facing, full sun exposure)
Trail conditions are generally excellent despite the technical nature
The BIG News: The Hawes Trail Alliance has major expansion plans over the next couple of years. We're talking additional parking lots to solve the weekend crowding issue, plus new trail construction that will add significant mileage to an already awesome system. The future of Hawes is incredibly bright, and we're stoked to watch it grow.
If you're in Mesa or East Valley, this is your spot. If you're visiting Phoenix and want to ride real technical desert singletrack, this is where we'll send you. And if you want company, we're probably riding Hawes this weekend.
The Shad Co Take: Hawes is a reality check for riders who think they're better than they are, but it's also where you go to level up your skills. If you can ride Hawes confidently, you can handle most technical terrain anywhere. We ride it constantly and still find new lines and challenges. With the upcoming expansion, it's only going to get better.
South Mountain: The Accessible Classic
Location: South Phoenix, multiple access points
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Miles of Trail: 50+
Why It's Great: Massive trail system with something for everyone, right in the city
South Mountain is probably Phoenix's most famous trail system, and for good reason. It's huge, it's accessible from multiple points, and it offers trails for literally every skill level. You can ride mellow dirt roads or legitimately technical singletrack, sometimes on the same ride.
Beginner-Friendly Options:
Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley: Dirt road climb (yes, it's a grind) that rewards you with great views. Wide, safe, good for building fitness. About 5 miles one-way.
National Trail (easy sections): The easternmost sections near the main parking areas are relatively mellow. Good flow, minimal exposure.
Intermediate Terrain:
National Trail (full loop): The classic South Mountain ride. About 15 miles of desert singletrack with great flow, some technical sections, and incredible city views. Hardpack corners, some rock gardens, occasional exposure. This is the trail that makes people fall in love with Phoenix riding.
Desert Classic Trail: 7+ miles of buff, flowy singletrack. One of the best intermediate flow trails in the metro area. Technical enough to be engaging, smooth enough to be fun.
Advanced Challenges:
Telegraph Pass Loop: Technical climbing and descending with some genuinely difficult rock sections. Good stepping stone before tackling Hawes-level terrain.
What You Need to Know:
Gets crowded on weekend mornings (especially National Trail)
Parking can be a nightmare—arrive early or go on weekdays
Summer is brutal here—south-facing slopes in full sun
Trail conditions are generally excellent
Watch for hikers on shared trails
The Shad Co Take: South Mountain is where we send people who want variety or are building toward Hawes-level riding. National Trail is mandatory riding for anyone in Phoenix—it's genuinely great. Desert Classic is perfect for when you want flow without technical challenges.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park: The North Side Gem
Location: Northeast of Scottsdale
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate+
Miles of Trail: 50+ miles
Why It's Great: Scenic, well-maintained, varied terrain, less crowded than South Mountain
McDowell Mountain is where you go when you want quality singletrack without fighting crowds. The trails are well-designed, well-maintained, and offer great desert riding with views of the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks.
Trail Highlights:
Pemberton Trail: 15+ mile loop that's become iconic. Great flow, technical enough to be interesting, stunning scenery. Clockwise is the preferred direction. This is intermediate territory—expect rocks, some steep sections, and commitment (it's a long loop).
Competitive Track: Despite the name, it's actually a fun, flowing intermediate trail. Good warm-up or cool-down option.
Scenic Trail: The name doesn't lie. Beautiful views, moderate difficulty, good for intermediate riders wanting a shorter option.
For Beginners: The outer loop trails can work for stronger beginners, but this isn't really a beginner-focused park. If you're new to mountain biking, South Mountain might be a better starting point.
What You Need to Know:
$7 entry fee per vehicle (or annual park pass)
Can be 5-10 degrees cooler than Phoenix proper (higher elevation)
Rattlesnakes are common—watch where you put your hands and feet
Minimal shade—bring plenty of water
Trails are directional on certain days—check the schedule
The Shad Co Take: McDowell Mountain is great for intermediate riders who want mileage and flow. Pemberton is a must-ride, but when we're looking for technical challenge, we're heading to Hawes instead.
Papago Park: The Urban Starter
Location: East Phoenix/Tempe
Skill Level: Beginner
Miles of Trail: Limited singletrack
Why It's Great: Accessible, safe for learning, close to everything
Papago isn't a mountain bike destination—it's where you go to introduce someone to mountain biking or when you want a quick, easy ride near downtown.
What's Here:
Easy dirt trails around the distinctive red rock buttes
Minimal technical challenge
Great for kids, beginners, or recovery rides
Beautiful photo opportunities
What You Need to Know:
Very limited mileage
Gets HOT in summer (minimal shade)
Can be crowded with hikers, runners, tourists
More of a cruising spot than a workout
The Shad Co Take: Papago is perfect for absolute beginners or casual family rides. If you're progressing beyond beginner level, you'll quickly outgrow this and be ready for South Mountain or eventually Hawes.
Dreamy Draw/Phoenix Mountain Preserve: Central Location Gold
Location: Central Phoenix, North Mountain area
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Miles of Trail: 40+ miles
Why It's Great: Right in the city, multiple trail systems, varied difficulty
The Phoenix Mountain Preserve includes Dreamy Draw, North Mountain, and connected trail systems. It's a huge resource right in central Phoenix.
Trail Systems:
Trail 100: The connector trail that links everything. Mostly cruising, some technical spots. Good intermediate ride.
Charles M. Christiansen Trail (Trail 100): Can be ridden as loops or point-to-point. Flow varies—some sections are buff, others are rocky.
Dreamy Draw Area Trails: Various loops and connections. Generally intermediate terrain.
For Advanced Riders: Some trails in the preserve offer technical challenges, but this isn't primarily a technical riding area. For that, head to Hawes.
What You Need to Know:
Multiple access points make planning important
Shared with hikers—be courteous
Trail signage is generally good
Can be confusing to navigate first time—bring a map or GPS
Urban location means you're never far from civilization
The Shad Co Take: Great for locals who want quality trails without driving far. Good option for intermediate riding when you want mileage without technical demands.
Brown's Ranch/McDowell Sonoran Preserve: North Scottsdale Showcase
Location: North Scottsdale
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Miles of Trail: 200+ miles in full preserve system
Why It's Great: Pristine trails, stunning desert scenery, impeccable maintenance
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is Scottsdale's crown jewel—a massive, protected trail system with world-class trail maintenance and gorgeous Sonoran Desert scenery.
Access Points: Multiple trailheads including Brown's Ranch (popular), Sunrise (good intermediate riding), Tom's Thumb (advanced, technical)
Trail Character: Generally well-designed, sustainable trails with good flow. Varies from mellow cruising to technical challenges depending on which trails you choose. Not quite Hawes-level technical, but Tom's Thumb area gets close.
Notable Rides:
Brown's Ranch Loop Options: Multiple configurations possible, from short beginner loops to longer intermediate adventures
Sunrise Trail System: Good intermediate singletrack with nice flow
Tom's Thumb Area: More technical, rockier terrain for advanced riders
What You Need to Know:
Some of the best trail maintenance in the metro area
Can be crowded, especially near Brown's Ranch
Watch parking lot closure times
Rattlesnakes are common
Trail etiquette is heavily enforced—be respectful
The Shad Co Take: If you want to show out-of-town visitors "fancy" Phoenix riding, take them here. The preserve system is world-class and the scenery is stunning. Just expect crowds at popular trailheads.
Trail 100 (Full Length): The Epic Connector
Location: Traverses Phoenix from South Mountain to Dreamy Draw
Skill Level: Intermediate
Miles of Trail: 15 miles one-way
Why It's Interesting: Unique urban trail system connector
Trail 100 connects multiple Phoenix mountain parks, offering a unique urban mountain bike experience. It's not the most exciting riding, but it's a cool concept—riding across the city on singletrack.
Character: Lots of cruising, some technical spots, mostly intermediate terrain. More about the journey than the specific trail quality.
What You Need to Know:
Long ride if you're doing the whole thing
Vehicle shuttle makes it easier (or ride out and back)
Crosses some roads—be careful
Not the most scenic or exciting riding, but unique
The Shad Co Take: More of a novelty than a destination ride, but it's cool that it exists. We'd rather spend our weekend at Hawes, but Trail 100 is good for a change of pace.
San Tan Regional Park: The Far East Option
Location: Southeast Valley, Queen Creek area
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Miles of Trail: 10+ miles
Why It's Worth the Drive: Less crowded, different scenery, good beginner terrain
San Tan is farther out but offers good riding without the crowds. It's more remote desert feel compared to the urban trail systems.
Trail Character: Generally beginner-friendly with some intermediate sections. Good flow, wide trails, less technical than Hawes or even South Mountain's harder routes.
What You Need to Know:
Parking fee required
Farther from central Phoenix—factor in drive time
Can be very hot (low elevation, exposed)
Good option when other parks are crowded
The Shad Co Take: Solid beginner to intermediate option if you're in the southeast valley, but we're probably riding Hawes instead since it's closer and more challenging.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park: The West Side
Location: West of Phoenix
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Miles of Trail: 25+ miles
Why Consider It: Fewer crowds, good winter riding, interesting terrain
White Tank is Phoenix's western mountain park. It's often overlooked, which means less crowded trails.
Trail Options: Mix of old roadbeds and singletrack. Generally intermediate terrain with some easier options.
What You Need to Know:
Parking fee required
Longer drive for most East Valley residents
Can be cooler in winter (higher elevation, western exposure)
Trail quality varies—some sections better than others
The Shad Co Take: Not a must-ride destination for us (we're biased toward East Valley trails), but solid option if you're on the west side or want fewer people on the trail.
The Extreme Option: Arizona Trail / Cave Creek / Black Canyon
Location: North of Phoenix proper
Skill Level: Advanced to Expert
Miles of Trail: Extensive
Why It's Extreme: Remote, technical, committing
For riders who think Hawes is too tame (respect!), the areas north of Phoenix offer genuinely challenging terrain. The Arizona Trail sections, Cave Creek area, and Black Canyon have remote, technical, sometimes sketchy riding.
What You're Getting Into:
Serious remoteness—help is far away
Technical terrain with real consequences
Navigation challenges
Environmental hazards (heat, wildlife, limited water)
The Shad Co Take: Only for experienced, prepared riders. This isn't "let's try something harder"—this is "I'm confident in my skills and prepared for self-rescue." Don't go alone, bring safety gear, tell people where you're going.
Planning Your Phoenix Riding (The Mesa Perspective)
Here's our recommendation for progression, especially if you're in the East Valley near us:
New to Mountain Biking: Start at Papago or easy South Mountain trails (Mormon Trail). Build confidence and basic skills. Don't rush this phase.
Developing Intermediate Skills: Tackle South Mountain's National Trail, McDowell Mountain loops, Dreamy Draw trails. Focus on flow and endurance. Build your fitness and bike handling.
Solid Intermediate Ready to Level Up: This is when you're ready for Hawes. Start with the easier sections, work your way up to the full loop. Hawes will challenge you and make you better. Supplement with McDowell Mountain's Pemberton Loop, South Mountain's Desert Classic, and other intermediate classics.
Advanced Skills: Full Hawes system, technical sections of South Mountain (Telegraph Pass), Tom's Thumb area. Push your technical limits and ride with confidence on challenging terrain.
Expert/Extreme: Cave Creek area, Arizona Trail sections, most technical terrain the metro offers. At this point you probably don't need our guide—you're figuring it out on your own.
Seasonal Considerations
October-April: Prime time. All trails are great. Mornings can be cool, afternoons perfect. This is when we're riding Hawes almost every weekend.
May-June: Getting hot. Ride early or late. Higher elevation trails (McDowell) are more tolerable. Hawes is brutal in afternoon heat—go early.
July-September: Monsoon season. Early morning rides only for most people. Watch weather—storms can develop quickly. Some trails become impassable when wet. Hawes drains well, but still check conditions.
Summer in general: If you're riding in summer heat, drastically increase water, go early, and know your limits. Heat exhaustion is real and dangerous. We've had to bail on rides when temps spike unexpectedly.
Trail Etiquette and Preservation
A few things to keep Phoenix trails awesome:
Yield appropriately: Bikes yield to hikers and horses
Stay on trail: Don't cut switchbacks or create new lines
Pack out trash: Every bit of it
Respect closures: Wet trail riding causes serious damage
Be friendly: We're all out there to have fun
Support trail organizations: Groups like Hawes Trail Alliance do incredible work maintaining and expanding trails
Come Talk Trails (Especially Hawes)
At The Shad Co, we ride Hawes constantly. Like, multiple times a week. We know every rock, every line choice, every section that gets sketchy when loose. Come by and we can give you detailed Hawes beta plus recommendations for all the other metro trail systems based on your skill level.
We can also make sure your bike is ready for Phoenix trails—especially Hawes. Suspension setup matters on technical terrain. Tire choice affects how you handle rocks. Brake power is critical when you're riding exposed sections. We'll get you dialed.
And if you're new to the area or visiting, seriously—come ask us about Hawes. It's 10 minutes from the shop, we ride it all the time, and we'd love to see it get the recognition it deserves as one of Phoenix's premier technical trail systems.
With the upcoming expansion and new parking, Hawes is about to become even more accessible and awesome. Get in on it now before everyone else figures out what we already know—it's the best technical riding in the metro area.
The Shad Co.
5135 East Ingram Street
Suite 103
Mesa, AZ 85205
Open Weekdays 12pm-8pm | Weekends 8am-5pm
Need local trail beta, especially for Hawes? Want your bike dialed for technical desert riding? Stop by and talk trails with us. We're probably riding Hawes this weekend and would love to point you in the right direction.
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