The best cycling routes in Arizona

Arizona offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 880 options available on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, including over 370 easy, 370 moderate, and 130 difficult tours.

The ideal times for touring cycling in Arizona are the shoulder seasons: October and November, and February through April/May. During these months, temperatures are more predictable and pleasant, especially in southern areas like Tucson. While summers can be very hot, early morning or nighttime rides are possible options.

Yes, Arizona has numerous easy and family-friendly touring cycling routes. For instance, the Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park offers a gentle 6.1-mile path through the Sonoran Desert. The 'Loop' in Tucson is also a car-free, paved system perfect for families, and Scottsdale's Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt provides similar urban trail networks.

Arizona's touring cycling routes showcase incredibly diverse landscapes. You can ride through iconic saguaro-filled deserts, experience the dramatic red rock formations of Sedona, or ascend into cooler pine forests in areas like Flagstaff and Mount Lemmon. The state also features 'Sky Islands' – mountainous biological refuges rising from the desert – offering unique ecosystems and challenging climbs.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the ascent of Mount Lemmon via Catalina Highway near Tucson is a renowned 'bucket list' ride. This difficult 41.9-mile route features significant elevation gain, traversing a half-dozen unique environments from desert to forest. Other challenging options include the Gates Pass and The Loop route, which includes a substantial climb.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Arizona are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your path. Examples include the Usery Mountains loop and the Paradise Valley Sun Circle Trail Loop. These routes are popular for their convenience and immersive experience.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Arizona, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning and varied landscapes, from saguaro-filled deserts to red rock formations and pine forests. The extensive network of cycle-friendly roads and trails, offering options for all skill levels, is also a major highlight.

Sedona is world-renowned for its magnificent red rock landscapes, offering fantastic cycling opportunities. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a moderate 15.2-mile path that provides breathtaking views of Sedona's distinctive formations. The area also features legendary bike trails like the Bell Rock Pathway, suitable for various skill levels.

Along Arizona's touring cycling routes, you can discover a variety of natural and urban attractions. Near Phoenix, you might encounter the striking Papago Park Red Rock Formations or the scenic Tempe Town Lake. Many routes also pass through or near national parks and monuments, offering views of iconic saguaro cacti, ancient petrified wood, or the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

Yes, Arizona is a growing destination for bikepacking and long-distance touring. The 800-mile Arizona Trail stretches from the Utah border to the Mexico border, traversing diverse terrain. Other notable routes include the 630-mile Trans-Arizona Off-Road Bicycle Route and the 330-mile Yavapai Backcountry Loop, both featuring non-technical dirt and gravel roads suitable for multi-day adventures.

Several National Parks and Monuments in Arizona welcome cyclists. Saguaro National Park allows cycling on its scenic loop drives, such as the Bajada Loop Drive. Grand Canyon National Park offers cycling on Hermit Road on the South Rim and segments of the Arizona Trail on the North Rim. For specific regulations and routes, it's advisable to check the park's official website, such as the information for Saguaro National Park or Grand Canyon National Park.

For urban touring cycling, Arizona offers excellent paved networks. Tucson's 'Loop' is a car-free, 53+ mile paved route connecting parks, restaurants, and art installations. In the Phoenix area, routes like the Scottsdale Shea Medical Center & Tempe Town Lake loop and the Rio Salado Pathway provide scenic rides through cityscapes and along waterways.