South Mountain Park and Preserve

Desert Classic and the National Trail, near PHX.

One of the largest city parks in the country, with more than 16,000 acres and over 100 miles of trail across three small ranges on Phoenix’s south edge. The Desert Classic is a rolling 9-mile cruise, while the National Trail follows the ridgeline over ledges and rock with big views of the Valley. It is close to the airport and resorts, so a dawn ride fits easily into a winter trip.

At a glance

Size

16,000+ acres

Trails

100+ miles

Desert Classic

9 miles, 270 ft of elevation change

National Trail

Ridgeline tech, 1,150 ft of elevation change

Trail hours

5 a.m.–11 p.m.

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert

What’s here

• Cross-country
• Enduro
• Bike rentals

Rentals, guides and shops

• Global Bikes & E-Bikes Ahwatukee

  Family-run shop with rentals, sales and repairs, just south of the park.

• Mountain Bike Association of Arizona

  Statewide club that runs race series and funds trail work.

Where to stay

• hotelArizona Grand Resort & Spa

  Big resort with a water park at the eastern foot of South Mountain.

  10 min drive
• hotelHotel Valley Ho

  Restored mid-century hotel and spa in Old Town Scottsdale.

  30 min drive

Nearby

• Dobbins Lookout · In the park

  The highest public point in the park at 2,330 ft, reached by trail or Summit Road, with views over the Valley.

• Heard Museum · 20 min drive

  Phoenix’s museum of American Indian art and culture.

• Desert Botanical Garden · 25 min drive

  Desert plants and trails in Papago Park, lovely at sunset.

Getting there

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) · about 20 min drive
• Tucson · about 1.75 hr
• Los Angeles · about 5.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps