Are you an avid mountain biker or looking to get into biking with some light trails? Being an Arizona native, one of the best features of the Valley of the Sun is the number of biking trails and the accessibility to them.

Not only do we have beautiful desert landscapes to look at while adventuring in the mountains, but we can keep riding in the winter when other states are covered in snow. My husband works for a local bike manufacturer called Pivot Cycles and he has the inside scoop on some of the best trails for beginners and experts alike.

Up for a Challenge? Try the National Trail

This scenic trail crosses South Mountain Park and overlooks the greater Phoenix and Tempe area. What makes this trail unique are the ancient petroglyphs along the trails from the Native Americans who originated from the area.

This trail is for intermediate and advanced riders as it offers punchy climbs with technical rock gardens and has quite rocky descent. It is a trail for someone who is up for the challenge and ready to conquer!

Biking and Views at the Red Mountain Rush Trail

This trail is located in east Mesa in the Hawes Trail System. This is my husband’s favorite ride in the Valley; with his bike industry job and years of experience, I always trust his expertise when trying to find a great trail!

It is recommended for more intermediate and advanced riders; it has a fast and flowy descent with some rocky sections at the top, but the climb is worth it as you get beautiful views of the Salt River and Saguaro Lake in the distance.

Great for Beginning Trail Bikers – The Quartz/Taliesin Loop

This more mellow trail is within riding distance of Camden San Marcos and Camden Legacy making it an easily accessible local trail closer to the Scottsdale metro. This trail can be rocky but not super technical and is great for beginners and intermediate riders.

It has views of Thompson Peak and the McDowell Mountains and is a quick but fun ride! Whether on a bike or on foot, the McDowell Mountain Preserve is a staple while living in or visiting Scottsdale. Check out my list of touristy things to add to your list next time you visit!

Photo courtesy of Camden

Great for Weekend Warriors – Bike the Green Belt

One of my personal favorites that I love to start my weekend mornings with is the Green Belt in Scottsdale which stretches 11 miles from Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale to Tempe Town Lake. The path my husband and I ride most on this belt is from Camden San Marcos to Press Coffee on Hayden.

We ride 10 miles on the mild terrain covered in greenery and get visited by the cutest critters (squirrels, birds, and rabbits). Our route ends with a large fountain that is right next to our final destination and adds a little flair to our surrounding city. This is just another reason why I love living at Camden San Marcos!

Photo courtesy of Jourdan Garcia

Take a Relaxing Bike Ride around Tempe Town Lake

This popular destination is right next to Camden Tempe and is a 2.5 mile lake with concrete paths on both sides for a smooth and leisurely ride. My favorite is riding around the lake and then grabbing a bite in Tempe or setting up a picnic by the lake.

Getting out and riding your bike is a fun way to get outside and get some exercise. My husband would argue that it is the best way and I know lots of residents I get to work with at Camden Foothills and Camden North End would agree!

When planning your day out to the trails, remember it can get very busy on weekends and holidays so be mindful and aware of other trail-goers! If you prefer to hike, there are plenty of running and hiking trails to check out as well!