Biking around Arizona

Riding through the Sonoran desert, down Route 66 and along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are only a few of the adrenaline biking adventures Arizona has to offer.

In AZ, expert riders and newbies can shred up mountain trails, weave along winding roads and join niche tours to discover Arizona culture.

Whether on a mountain bike, motorcycle or beach cruiser, discover these exhilarating Arizona biking rides.

Unique Biking Experiences

Mountain Biking within the Navajo Nation  
Enjoy a half-day mountain-biking excursion in The Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Tribal Park in northeastern Arizona led by a member of the Navajo tribe with Dzil Ta’ah Adventures. Owner and guide Jon Yazzie takes visitors “bikepacking” to enjoy riding 44 miles of highway, dirt and jeep roads amid sandstone buttes for medium to difficult self-supported biking adventures. Racing in Chuska Challenge offers bikers more than just unveatable views, it allows them to support Navajo youth. Hosted by Navajo Yes, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging fitness in Navajo youth, this annual race held in September gives back to the community.

Food Tour in Tucson
Ride to reward your tastebuds with the best Mexican food on the Taco Bike Tour in south Tucson, a city known for its cuisine and cycling. This two-hour tour visits 3-4 authentic Mexican restaurants for tacos and Tucson’s signature Sonoran Hot Dog. This easy-paced 10-mile tour ends near local breweries for those who want to down a cold beer.

Riding at Alcantara Winery 
Peddle next to rows of vines on the Vineyard Electric Bike Tour at Alcantara Winery in Camp Verde to learn how grapes are grown in the desert, their wine-making process and the story of how the Verde Valley has become a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) wine region. After catching a glimpse of the nearby Verde River, attendees are ready to sample Alcantara’s award-winning wines.

Motorcycling

Arizona’s Route 66 
Cruising down Arizona’s Route 66 on a motorcycle is the quintessential way to experience Arizona. The famed highway celebrates its centennial in 2026. Having the longest unbroken stretch of the Mother Road, motorcyclists can explore quirky small towns, views and Americana attractions. On the journey, make a pit stop in Oatman to spot wild burros, check out the Route 66 Museum in Kingman and ride through its Route 66 shield to Seligman for a burger at Angel Delgadillo’s legendary Snow Cap. Trade your bike for a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams  before returning to the road to get a closer look at the galaxy at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Also don’t miss native artefacts at the Old Trails Museum in Winslow and hike among ancient petrified logs at Holbrook’s Petrified Forest.

Route 89A 
Witness the diverse landscape and attractions of Arizona on Route 89A where motorcyclists travel from Wickenburg to Flagstaff, the ideal way to discover unique towns with countless activities. After staying at the Flying E Dude Ranch in Wickenburg, ride north to kayak in Watson Lake in Prescott, join a haunted tour in the old-mining town of Jerome, and witness the Verde River aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale. Pass by Sedona’s famous rock formations and make a splash at Slide Rock State Park or hike through Oak Creek Canyon. Finish at Flagstaff to celebrate the journey with a few beers on the downtown Brewery Trail.

Mountain Biking 

Sedona
Riding among the famous red rocks of Sedona ensures stunning views that riders of all levels seeking adventure can enjoy. Newbies to the sport can spot the iconic Bell Rock on Bell Rock Pathway, a less than three-mile trail ideal for developing mountain biking skills. Embark on a journey of wellness on the moderate Mescal Trail that weaves through Mescal Mountain, one of Sedona’s many vortexes where energy from the earth inspires healing and self-discovery. Riders craving an adrenaline rush enjoy the Hangover Trail, an advanced-level path with steep drops and unobstructed astonishing views. Grab a bike at Thunder Mountain before riding up mountains all day.

Flagstaff
Speed by the Ponderosa pine trees within the Coconino National Forest on intermediate biking trails such as the popular Schultz Creek Trail that leads to the Mount Elden area. Local and pro-bikers praise Flagstaff’s portion of the Arizona Trail, an over 800-mile trail that spans the state creating a path from Mexico to. Head to the oldest bike shop in town, Cosmic Cycles, to rent a bike that will ace the rough terrain.

Races 

El Tour de Tucson
Thousands of cyclists, both pros and amateurs, head to southern Arizona every year in November to bike the El Tour de Tucson race, competing in either the 32-, 63- or 100-mile race. Starting and ending in downtown, cyclists ride along roads with scenic views of mountain ranges and cacti before crossing the finish line. Celebrate after the race by experiencing the Southwestern art, music and cuisine found throughout this lively city. Rental bikes are available at Tucson Bicycle Rentals.

Cactus Cup
The Cactus Cup is a family mountain racing event held yearly at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Scottsdale. Here, parents can compete among pros racing through the Sonoran desert for 10, 20 or 40 miles as their kids learn the basics at kid camp before racing a half-mile or 3-mile course. After winning medals, the whole family can enjoy the post-race party before setting up their tent to continue their outdoor adventures or hit the pool at Scottsdale’s many luxurious resorts. Rental bikes are available at REI Co-Op Adventure Center. 

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