The best road cycling routes around Phoenix

Phoenix offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 120 options available on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy, flat rides to challenging mountain ascents, allowing you to explore the diverse Sonoran Desert landscape.

Yes, Phoenix has numerous easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Many of the canal paths, such as the Arizona Canal Path, offer flat, paved, and traffic-free experiences. The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve loop is another excellent easy option, providing classic desert scenery with minimal elevation gain.

For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Phoenix offers routes with significant climbs. The Mount Suappoa via Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway features notable elevation gain and panoramic city views. Another demanding option is the Buena Vista Lookout & Mount Suappoa loop, known for its challenging climbs and expansive desert vistas. Additionally, the South Mountain Summit Road is a local favorite for its strenuous workout and

Road cycling in Phoenix immerses you in the unique Sonoran Desert landscape, featuring towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and striking rock formations. You can encounter iconic landmarks such as Piestewa Peak, the distinctive Papago Park Red Rock Formations, and the scenic Tempe Town Lake. Many routes also offer stunning viewpoints like the Overton Trail Viewpoint and views of Camelback Mountain.

Yes, Phoenix has several excellent loop road cycling routes. The Ahwatukee Foothills loop is a popular choice, offering desert vistas over 31 miles. Another great option is the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve loop, which provides classic desert scenery in a 28-mile circuit. These loops allow you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier.

The best time for road cycling in Phoenix is typically from late fall through spring (October to April). During these months, the weather is mild and sunny, with comfortable temperatures ideal for long rides. Summers can be extremely hot, so if cycling during these months, it's crucial to ride early in the morning, stay hydrated, and choose routes with shade or water stops.

Phoenix offers several options for long-distance road cycling. The extensive network of irrigation canals, such as the Arizona Canal Path, provides miles of continuous, flat riding. Routes extending towards Bartlett Lake and Horseshoe Dam also offer longer rides, with some reaching up to 54 miles from Phoenix, showcasing scenic desert views.

The road cycling experience in Phoenix is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from flat canal paths to challenging mountain ascents, and the stunning Sonoran Desert environment. The year-round sunshine and extensive bike infrastructure are also frequently highlighted.

While natural waterfalls are rare in the desert, you can find routes that pass by significant water features. The Arizona Falls is a unique urban waterfall that can be incorporated into rides along the Arizona Canal. Additionally, routes around Tempe Town Lake offer scenic rides alongside water, providing a different perspective of the desert landscape.

Road cycling in Phoenix during the summer requires careful planning due to extreme heat. It is highly recommended to ride very early in the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Carry ample water, wear light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing, and be aware of signs of heat exhaustion. Choosing routes with access to water refills or shaded areas is also advisable. For more general information on outdoor activities in Phoenix, you can visit visitphoenix.com.

Many road cycling routes in Phoenix offer spectacular viewpoints of the desert and city. The Mount Suappoa via Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway provides panoramic city views. Other notable spots include the Overton Trail Viewpoint and various points offering views of Camelback Mountain. The South Mountain Summit Road is also renowned for its expansive vistas.

Phoenix offers various parking options near popular road cycling routes, especially at trailheads within mountain preserves like South Mountain Park and the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. Many canal paths also have accessible parking areas. For public transport, Phoenix has a growing network, and some routes are reachable via bus or light rail, though specific bike-friendly public transport options should be checked with the local transit authority for current information.