Beginner trails in Phoenix/Tempe area?

[ynnek]

Hello all.

Just got my first "real" mtb and wanted some suggestions on trails around the Phoenix area. I've been to Papago a few times.. I hear South Mountain is rough.. Any others for a novice?

Thanks

[Casual Observer]

West side of Trail 100. Start at Mountain View Park, and start heading east. Don't get off the main trail, and you'll be fine. Not as tame as Papago, but tame enough.

[Phillbo]

Desert classic at SoMo or Pemberton at MMP or the Sonoran Preserve up north end of town.


What part of town do you live in?

[ynnek]

What part of town do you live in?

I live near ASU/Tempe Marketplace. "MMP" being McDowell Mountains?

Thanks for the info! Making a list as we speak.

[tysonnemb]

If you are ever in the far west valley, the white tanks in Waddell has a competitive track that is easy. Also, FINS in Goodyear has some beginner level trails. The white tanks security hate supplies maps. Map for FINS can be had at Ultimate Cycles, which is a bike shop you'd have to pass on Estrella Parkway.

[jasonf150]

If you're interested, me and some friends ride trail 100 Saturdays at 5am. Ride at 5:15. You're welcome to join. Pretty beginner. We stop to rest a few times. Total ride about 6 miles. PM me if interested and I'll give you the details.

[BIGHORN LEW]

Desert Classic trail at south mountain would be good. Mostly XCish I am riding it early Saturday if you wanted company.

[ynnek]

If you're interested, me and some friends ride trail 100 Saturdays at 5am. Ride at 5:15. You're welcome to join. Pretty beginner. We stop to rest a few times. Total ride about 6 miles. PM me if interested and I'll give you the details.

That sounds awesome! I couldn't do it this weekend, but don't be surprised if I show up next!

Thanks again for all the input everyone! This forum is awesome.

+1's

[freeskier46]

Also check out the East Loop area of S.Mtn, you can start at either trailhead (Pima Canyon go to the right of the lot OR 46th St going left from the lot). It's a fun hilly area with many loop options to make your ride as long or short as you wish. It's often overlooked by many who frequent the park.

[Noelg]

Papago.

[Mtn-Rider]

You should also checkout out Hawes, just east on the 202 to Power Rd.

[eatdrinkride]

Hawes. 15 mins from Tempe mktplace. Great place to cut your teeth mtb'ing...not easy but not overwhelming in difficulty....and killer views.

[dsittman]

I live near ASU/Tempe Marketplace. "MMP" being McDowell Mountains?

Thanks for the info! Making a list as we speak.

MMP = McDowell Mountain Park. Out past Fountain Hills. They have the competitive loops and Pemberton which are both good trails to cut your teeth. Don't let the "Tech Trail" in the competitive loops scare you either. It is more "tech" than the others but not difficult with a little riding experience.

I would probably venture over to Hawes before MMP. It's free and better trails IMO. Park at the Walgreens on Thomas and Power then you can probably just follow someone from the lot to figure out where the trail heads are. I think if you do a search for "Global Bikes Hawes Map" they have a good one.

[hikerdave]

Papago.

I second this recommendation. You can ride your bike to Papago and will find many interesting trails. Don't forget the little section just north of the 202 by Curry park.