The best cycling routes around Cave Creek

Cycle through the unique Sonoran Desert on the Desert Enclave Preserve to Buffalo Chip loop, an easy 12.0-mile (19.3 km) ride. You'll pass through the Desert Enclave Preserve, where saguaro cacti stand tall and a wash winds through mesquite trees, offering glimpses of diverse desert flora and potential wildlife. With only 475 feet (145 metres) of elevation gain, this route is a smooth, enjoyable spin that takes about 1 hours and 9 minutes to complete.

This touring cycling route is primarily paved, making it accessible for nearly all skill levels. While specific parking details aren't highlighted, the trail's easy nature and connection to Cave Creek Town suggest convenient access. To make the most of your ride, plan your visit during cooler times of the day or year, especially if you're sensitive to the Arizona heat.

The loop uniquely combines natural beauty with local culture, leading you to the iconic Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse. This historic Western establishment is a lively spot with live music and a genuine frontier feel, offering a perfect post-ride experience. The Desert Enclave Preserve itself is a haven for wildlife, home to hundreds of bird and plant species, and over 70 mammal species, making for an engaging journey.

The Sidewinder Trail loop from Equestrian Trailer Parking offers a challenging and scenic touring cycling experience through technical desert singletrack. You'll navigate slickrock sections and rolling terrain, all while being treated to amazing views of the Gunnison Gorge and its dramatic canyons. The trail weaves in and out of desert canyons, providing a remote and adventurous atmosphere that rewards skilled riders.

This moderate 12.5-mile (20.1 km) route involves 1328 feet (405 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes. It's crucial to plan your visit for spring or fall when temperatures are more favorable, as the trail is exposed to the sun and can get extremely hot. Always carry plenty of water and be prepared for self-sufficiency in this backcountry setting.

Built in 2010 within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, this multi-use trail is known for its high-quality singletrack and fun technical moves. It's a popular choice for those seeking advanced touring cycling trails, but be aware that you might encounter motorbikes and horses along the way.

This 20.7-mile (33.4 km) moderate touring bicycle loop takes you deep into the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, offering an immersive experience among towering saguaros, cholla, and vibrant cactus gardens. You'll navigate predominantly singletrack trails, encountering everything from hard-packed dirt to rocky sections and challenging sandy washes, especially on the Sidewinder Trail's punchy climbs. It's a rewarding ride for experienced cyclists with a capable off-road bike, promising classic desert vistas and a good workout.

Access the loop from the Apache Wash Trailhead, which provides ample parking at the Equestrian Trailer Parking area and restrooms, though you'll need to bring all your own water. To make the most of your ride and avoid the desert heat, plan your visit for cooler months or early mornings. Remember that this is a multi-use trail, so be mindful of hikers and equestrians, yielding as necessary.

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, and this loop showcases its unique beauty. During spring, the desert comes alive with wildflowers, adding another layer of visual appeal to the already stunning landscape. The varied terrain and elevation changes provide a dynamic cycling experience, making it a standout option for those looking for a challenging yet scenic ride in the region.

This touring cycling loop from the Apache Wash Trailhead offers a fantastic immersion into the Sonoran Desert, blending the smooth, paved Paseo Pathway with sections of the unpaved Apache Wash Loop. You'll glide past iconic saguaro cacti, barrel cacti, and other vibrant desert flora, especially beautiful when wildflowers bloom in spring. The route provides unrestricted desert views, often following natural washes, giving you a sense of being far from the city while still on its northern edge.

Starting from the well-equipped Equestrian Trailer Parking, this moderate 16.2-mile (26.1 km) ride with 475 feet (145 metres) of elevation gain takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes. The trailhead provides ample parking, restrooms, and shelters, making it a convenient and accessible starting point. While the paved sections are easy, be prepared for some gravelly or hard-packed dirt on the unpaved portions, making it best suited for touring bikes with sturdy tires or hybrid bikes.

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is known for its diverse plant life and unique desert ecosystem, and this route is a prime example. The trail system is multi-use, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians on different sections, ensuring a vibrant outdoor experience. It's an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the region, offering an easy option on the paved pathway and a slightly more adventurous feel on the unpaved parts.

The Overton Trail Viewpoint – Quartz Trailhead loop from Desert Enclave Preserve offers a rugged touring bicycle experience through the scenic Sonoran Desert. You'll navigate a mix of terrain, from paved sections to unpaved, rocky singletrack, all while enjoying wide vistas of saguaro cacti and diverse desert flora. Keep an eye out for the unique ethereal white quartz scattered along the Quartz Trail, a distinctive visual highlight.

This difficult 23.8-mile (38.3 km) loop involves a substantial 1804 feet (550 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It's best suited for cyclists with very good fitness and bike handling skills, especially if you're on a touring bicycle rather than a mountain or gravel bike. The Desert Enclave Preserve's Nature Center provides essential facilities like bathrooms and cold water.

Part of the larger Cave Creek Regional Park, this route is a challenging ride that was once part of the Cave Creek Bicycle Festival loop. The area is rich in wildlife, with potential sightings of numerous bird, butterfly, and mammal species. Always be mindful of other trail users, as the paths are shared with hikers and equestrians.