The best gravel rides around Show Low

This guide features 5 distinct gravel bike routes around Show Low, offering a variety of experiences through the White Mountains. These include routes like the Little Brushy loop from Pinetop Country Club and the extensive Sitgreaves National Forest – Los Burros Campground loop.

Show Low's cool mountain climate, nestled at about 6,400 feet, makes it a refreshing escape from the desert heat and a great year-round destination for gravel biking. The region is particularly beautiful in the fall with vibrant colors, but the mild summers and even accessible winter conditions (depending on snow) offer diverse riding opportunities.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the broader Show Low area offers options like the well-maintained Show Low Bluff Trail or sections of the Fool Hollow Lake Trail, which include paved and gravel sections suitable for a more relaxed family ride. These are generally less technical and offer scenic views.

You can expect a diverse mix of dirt, gravel, and forest service roads. The White Mountains region is known for its extensive network of unpaved paths, ranging from smooth, well-maintained sections to more challenging rocky areas, especially on longer routes like the Sitgreaves National Forest – Los Burros Campground loop.

Yes, Show Low offers challenging routes with significant elevation gains. For instance, the Sitgreaves National Forest – Los Burros Campground loop is rated difficult, covering over 132 km with more than 1600 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Little Brushy loop from Nancy Tanks, which is 55 km long with over 470 meters of climbing.

Gravel biking in Show Low takes you through stunning ponderosa pine forests and offers views of the White Mountains. You'll often ride through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, known for its diverse wildlife. The Mogollon Rim, a significant geological fault line, also runs along the southern border of Show Low, providing breathtaking overlooks.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Show Low are designed as loops. This guide features several circular options, including the Little Brushy loop from Pinetop Country Club (37 km) and the Old Scott Tank – Hansen Tank loop from Torreon Golf Course (34 km).

Many forest service roads and trails within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash and you follow Leave No Trace principles. Always check specific trail regulations before heading out, especially in designated recreation areas or state parks like Fool Hollow Lake.

Many routes, such as the Sitgreaves National Forest – Los Burros Campground loop and the Little Brushy loop, start from the Panorama Trailhead Parking, which offers convenient access. Other routes may have parking available near golf courses or designated forest access points.

Show Low is surrounded by natural beauty. You can visit Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area for fishing or paddleboarding, explore the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests for hiking, or enjoy bird-watching at the Pintail Lake Wildlife Area. Show Low Lake also offers opportunities for camping and picnicking.

Show Low itself has various dining options, including cafes and pubs, where you can refuel after your ride. While specific establishments might not be directly on the trails, the town is easily accessible from most starting points, offering places to relax and grab a meal or a drink.

The routes in this guide vary significantly in duration. Shorter rides, like the Little Brushy loop from Pinetop Country Club, can take around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Sitgreaves National Forest – Los Burros Campground loop, can take over 10 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.