Sedona, Arizona - Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
Sedona, Arizona - Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
Sedona is located in the high southwestern desert at an elevation of 4,500 feet. It is one of Arizona's premier tourism spot and arts center. Located 110 miles north of Phoenix and 23 miles south of Flagstaff. The temperature is usually 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix. People from all over the world come to see it's beautiful red rock formations.
You must purchase a RED ROCK PASS. Daily pass is $5.00. Where to purchase the Red Rock Pass
Cathedral Rock
Great trail with awesome scenery. The singletrack is quick and twisting. Lots of up and down with some technical sections to it. Halfway through you can take a dip into Oak Creek, and if you want you can swing on the rope and jump into Oak Creek. After that, it's some moderate to strenuous riding until you make it back to the road. Lots of fun!
Directions:
Take I-17 north from Phoenix to Hwy 179. Follow highway 179 west to the Village of Oak Creek. Park near the Circle K on the right.
Rating:
Skill: Advanced
Effort: Moderate
Type: Loop/Singletrack
Season: All Seasons
Mileage: 11+
Rating: 4 of 5
Soldier Pass Secret Trails
A fun kind of exploration ride on awesome singletrack. There are various landmarks to see on this ride. Devil's sink is a huge sink hole in the middle of the trail. Watch out, because the trail rides right up to it and if you don't stop you are a gonner. Also, the seven sacred pools are fun to ride around. The area is beautiful with the Sedona red rocks all around you. the ride is short but sweet. We usually ride this and Submarine rock on the same day, becasue they are both pretty short rides. Any type of rider can enjoy these trails.
Directions:
From Phoenix take I-17 north to highway 179. Once you reach the "Y" in the road, turn left onto highway 89A. 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road and turn right. 1.4 miles to rim shadows and turn right. Parking will be on your left aboout .2 mile up the road. Head north out of the parking lot on the jeep road until you run into singletrack on you right. rip the singletrack to the sink hole and beyond. The secret trails criss cross all over, so it is easy to get lost. It's not hard to find your way out, because there are streets surrounding the area.
Rating:
Skill: Beginner
Effort: Easy
Type: Loop
Season: All Seasons
Mileage: 10?
Rating: 3 of 5
Thumper Loop/Cottonwood
The Thumper Loop, is actually comprised of portions of three trails: Raptor, Thumper, and Lime Kiln. The Raptor singletrack starts out rocky and rolling for about a quarter-mile, then a steep pitch, "the Evil Hill", appears. This is a real tester, and just about everyone has occasionally pushed their bike up this one (although it can be ridden in the middle ring). But, it's the steepest climb on the entire trail. After this, it's basically a 2 ½ mile grind to the top. On the way up, you'll go over a cattle guard. At the top, you'll see a bunch of trail signs. Take a right. This is Thumper. Designed by mountain bikers, this section is mostly downhill. Just as the trail gets fun, you'll come to another cattle guard. NOW things start to heat up! The trail is rocky and loose. A small concrete bunny alerts you at the hardest technical section. Beginners will walk this section, experts will laugh with glee as they fly down it. Then you'll come to a sandy doubletrack. Go right. This is Lime Kiln. Although not as "downhilly" as Thumper, it has some fast descending sections. First comes the sand, which gradually solidifies into small rocky dropoffs. Go left at the first fork with the Carsonite (NO Cars) marker. The terrain varies a lot, with sections like "the Stairsteps", and "the Chalk Chute". When you come to the next fork, go right. The trail runs to the right, past the Ranger residences, finally ending in a nice 2-3 foot dropoff and dumps you out onto the Park's main road. Go immediately right, then take the second right to get back to your car. Bring lots of water. Slime yer tires! In the Summertime, try to be on the trail no later than 7:00 am. This is a good place to take beginners, to give them a taste of real mountain biking. And it’s a good place for first time visitors to Arizona - it’s got rocks, it’s got drops, it’s got sand, it’s got speed!! If you race, it’s a fantastic training loop!
But please be considerate of other trail users. Remember IMBA’s rules of the trail!
Directions:
The trailhead is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona. There are brown signs directing visitors to DHRSP from many adjacent communities, and numerous signs in Cottonwood itself. The Park is in central Cottonwood, just off of Main Street. (Call 928-634-5283.) There is a $5 per carload fee to enter the park (which entitles you to use of the astonishingly clean shower facilities), and camping is available. Because Sedona is nearby (25 minute drive), Dead Horse Ranch is an excellent place to camp ($12 & $19 per night, RV hookups available) and make daily riding expeditions to Sedona's many trails. However, as long as you're at the Park, you should ride Thumper. Take the second left after entering the Park, and park in the first parking area to your right. The trailhead is clearly visible from there, a kiosk with a large map and sage trail advice. Free maps are available at the entry station/visitor center. A couple of the Park Rangers actually ride, and will be happy to provide visitors with detailed trail info.
Bike & Bean (928-284-0210) & Absolute Bikes (928-284-1242) are the nearest bike shops.
Rating:
Skill: Intermediate
Type: Loop/Singletrack
Season: All
Mileage: 7.77
Time: 31 minutes (course record) to 70 minutes
Rating: 4 of 5
