Arizona Mountain Biking: Ride the Desert, Pines, and Red Rocks

Yes—Arizona is one of the best year-round MTB states in the U.S. You’ll find desert chunk, alpine flow, slickrock, and backcountry epics—all within a few hours of each other. From Tucson’s saguaros to Flagstaff’s pines, Arizona is a choose-your-own-adventure for mountain bikers that is always open.

• Winter (November to February): Tucson and Phoenix–the big desert basins–are primo with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s, clear blue skies often overhead.
• Spring (March/April) and fall (September/October): Sedona and Prescott shine, along with other mid-elevation (4-6k) destinations.
• Summer (June to August): Flagstaff and the high country (7k plus elevation) become sought after.

Basically, you can easily ride year-round in Arizona—what’s best just depends on the season (and the time of day wherever you are).

• Tucson – desert classics, Mount Lemmon’s alpine descents, endless XC miles. Funky, casual mid-size city.
• Sedona – red rock playground, world-famous views, technical slickrock challenges. Renowned tourism and resort destination.
• Flagstaff – alpine flow trails, big descents, sprawling high-elevation trail network, university mountain town.
• Phoenix – numerous trail networks, chunky desert tech, urban convenience. Giant, fast-growing metropolis.
• Prescott – granite slabs + forest singletrack, dropping away into scrub oak and grasslands. Historic high-desert town, replete with Whiskey Row.

Arizona Trail (AZT) – iconic long-distance MTB route; best sections include Ripsey Ridge and near Flagstaff.

• Hangover (Sedona) – one of the most infamous red rock trails anywhere.
• Upper 50-Year Trail (Tucson) – Sonoran desert classic with slickrock, chunk, and flow.
• Red Mountain Rush (Phoenix) – beautiful desert descent with big views over the Salt River.
• Full Sail (Flagstaff) – fast, flowy alpine descent, right in the middle of Mt. Elden goodness.
• Black Canyon Trail (Prescott) – another long-distance route (76 miles), a very popular overnighter/bikepacking trip.

Generally recommended. Arizona trails serve up ledges, rocks, and rough terrain across nearly every destination. A hardtail is great for smoother desert XC like Tucson’s Honeybee or the many state parks around Phoenix (McDowell, Estrella, etc.), but a full-suspension rig will complement the diversity of terrain found on the state’s signature trails.

Yes. All major MTB hubs (Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Prescott) have local shops with high-quality rentals. Pivot also offers factory demos at their HQ in Tempe.

Arizona has a packed calendar:

• 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo (Tucson) – one of the biggest 24-hour races in the world.
• Whiskey Off-Road (Prescott) – endurance MTB classic.
• MBAA race series – XC races across Phoenix, Prescott, and Flagstaff.
• Sedona MTB Festival – not a race, but a huge community gathering and demo event.

Each major destination in Arizona has areas that can put you within striking range of great mountain bike trails:

• Tucson – stay near Starr Pass for trailhead convenience, or downtown for nightlife.
• Sedona – Whatever fits your budget. The town is encompassed by trails.
• Flagstaff – downtown for breweries and bike culture, or cabins near Schultz Pass.
• Phoenix – by South Mountain or Hawes for quick trail access to the most loved networks.
• Prescott – downtown for small-town vibes, or cabins near Granite Basin.

Yes, but hone your desert smarts. Carry more water than you think you’ll need, prepare for real heat, and expect rugged terrain. Trails are well-used and mapped, but Arizona can become remote and inaccessible fast—respect the elements and have a communication plan so someone can find you fast if needed.

Variety. In one state you can:

• Ride among saguaros in Tucson,
• Drop into red rock slickrock lines in Sedona,
• Float through pines in Flagstaff,
• Hammer chunky climbs in Phoenix,
• Surf granite slabs in Prescott,
• And go see the Grand Canyon.

No other MTB destination packs this much diversity so close together.