MTB Project Logo

Sonoran Desert Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.2 (92) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
Previous Next

“This is a great trail to prep for non-technical riding, and it has it all: flats, climbs, turns. ”

Brandon Rolfes
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

13.4

Miles

21.5

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,082' 635 m

High

1,700' 518 m

Low

1,112' 339 m

Up

1,110' 338 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is not a technical trail, but it really has a nice terrain balance. You'll get a lot of climbing, rollers, weaving around cactus, tight turns, downhills, and level ground. Great views throughout. Recommend going clockwise. The climbs are a challenge but the reward is nice, long, flowing downhills.

Need to Know

This is a multi use trail, so there are hikers, bikers, horses, and dog walkers. If you plan to rip on it, find a time when most people will not be able to use it, like mid-morning on a weekday.

This loop can start/finish from 2 different trailheads. Southern side at Apache Wash TH at 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr. or the northern side at Desert Hills TH at 705 W. Carefree Hwy. Please note there is no water available at this trailhead. Please bring adequate supplies for your planned activity.

Phone: 602-495-6939
All parking lot hours 6 a.m. to sunset or 7 p.m. (whichever comes first). The gates lock to go IN at 7 p.m. They lock to go OUT at 11 p.m.

Description

Much of the Sonoran Preserve is located in the transition zone to the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, which has higher amounts of rainfall per year (up to 12.5 inches per year). This increases both the lushness and diversity of plant life. South Mountain, Camelback Mountain and Squaw Peak, on the other hand, are located in the Lower Colorado River Valley, the largest and most arid subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. With only 7.5 inches of rainfall a year, vegetation in these areas is sparser and less varied.

This ride itself isn't overly technical, making this an enjoyable experience for riders of any skill level. This is certainly a leg and lung burner however, as the large amount of climbing will leave you huffing and puffing at times. Enjoy the descents though, as you'll be zipping past cacti, weaving in and out of tight turns, and hurtling over sharp descents and level ground.

History & Background

This area is the newest addition to Phoenix's vast desert preserve system. Purchased with voter approved funds and state grants, the new preserve has added a whole new element to the city's expansive desert preserves -- and we're still adding land. This was built in Q4 of 2013.

Contacts

Local Club: Cave Creek Bicycle Association

Land Manager: City of Phoenix - Trails and Desert Preserves

Shared By:

Brandon Rolfes with improvements by Brigitte Flanagan and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 92 votes

#1

in Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve

#70

Overall
  4.2 from 92 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
58%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Phoenix Sonoran Desert…

#7

in Arizona

#70

Overall
115 Views Last Month
58,870 Since Feb 10, 2016
Intermediate
2%
2%
78%
7%
11%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Sidewinder Trail cutting through the saguaros
Feb 14, 2015 near Anthem, AZ
Ride through desert wildflowers along the Ocotillo Trail.
Mar 5, 2017 near Cave Creek, AZ
Sidewinder, Ridgeback, and Ocotillo loop in 4K
Mar 10, 2022 near Cave Creek, AZ
The hills are alive...with poppies.
Mar 5, 2017 near Anthem, AZ
Sidewinder Junction
Jan 4, 2015 near Cave Creek, AZ
Poppies bloom all around you on a ride along the Sidewinder Trail.
Mar 5, 2017 near Anthem, AZ

7 Comments

Sort by: Oldest
Newest Oldest Popular

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 1 day ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 24, 2022
Tim Watkins
13mi — 2h 00m
Feb 4, 2022
Clark Perry
Jan 23, 2022
Troy Maskell
Dec 7, 2021
Dylan Griffith
13.6mi
Dec 4, 2021
Mountain Park
13.4mi — 2h 18m
Oct 18, 2021
David Wells
Oct 3, 2021
Joseph Choppi
All clear - nothing technical — 1h 24m
Sep 23, 2021
Jim Riordan

Nearby Recommended Routes