The best traffic-free bike rides in Cave Creek Regional Park
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No traffic touring cycling routes in Cave Creek Regional Park traverse the upper Sonoran Desert, characterized by elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,060 feet. The landscape features wide, scenic vistas of the surrounding desert and mountains, with diverse multi-use trails. The park also includes a unique riparian habitat along Cave Creek, supporting distinct plant and animal life.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Cave Creek Regional Park
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Bike loop from Horse Trailer Parking, a 10.4 miles (16.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 33 minutes to complete, offering moderate terrain through the desert.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Apache Wash Trail – Sidewinder Trail loop from Horse Trailer Parking, a moderate 16.8 miles (27.0 km) path. This route provides extensive desert views and varied terrain suitable for touring.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Apache Wash Trailhead – Paseo Pathway (Paseo Trail) loop from Equestrian Trailer Parking, a 16.2 miles (26.1 km) trail leading through the Sonoran Desert landscape, often completed in about 2 hours 17 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Cave Creek Regional Park is defined by the upper Sonoran Desert environment, iconic saguaro cacti, and unique riparian habitats. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Cave Creek Regional Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 100 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Cave Creek Regional Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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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.
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21.1km
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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20.1km
02:07
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
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Tips from the Community
The Paseo Pathway runs about 6.5 miles in total. It's a wide, concrete pathway that links together several other trails, along with East Sonoran Desert Drive and East Dove Valley Road.
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This rugged and quiet area is within the Maricopa County Regional Park System. Here, in addition to enjoying its fun and beautiful trails, you can discover remnants of early mining and ranching occupation and observe diverse flora and wildlife.
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From this point, you can leave the Go John Trail and take the Clay Mine Trail, named after the mine it passes by. In this mine, only clay was found despite being excavated in hopes of finding gold, and a woman named Leila P. Irish decided to bottle the clay from this mine and sell it as a cure-all elixir. It's a multi-use trail, commonly frequented by hikers, runners, and horse riders.
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Peer down the wash at Desert Enclave Preserve, that often runs when it rains. This area is part of the greater Cave Creek Regional Park. There are often sightings of animals as there are about 370 species of birds, 170 species of butterflies, hundreds of plant species in the park. There are more than 70 species of mammals as well including mountain lions, coatis, black bears, ringtails, and white-tailed deer.
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The Apache Wash Trailhead parking area has restrooms, water, and covered picnic areas. Also, if you're here for sunrise or sunset you'll be generously rewarded.
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Sidewinder Trail is popular with mountain bikers but you will find hikers and runners using it as well. While not too technical, the trail earns an intermediate rating due to the punchy climbs. As with all the trails around Phoenix, shade is hard to find, so be sure to bring plenty of water and take breaks.
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Easy trail with not much elevation gain that is accessed from either Go John or Slate trail, it’s a nice option to hike the ridge and have some amazing views of the area.
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The Sidewinder Trail is one of the smoother desert trails in this part of the Sonoran Preserve. The trail weaves through desert floor and some meadows; there normally isn't any water on this exposed trail so come prepared.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Cave Creek Regional Park?
Cave Creek Regional Park offers around 15 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These routes are designed to provide a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Sonoran Desert landscape.
Are there any easy no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Brawling Badger Trail loop from Equestrian Trailer Parking is an easy 15 km option that provides a pleasant ride through the desert scenery without significant elevation changes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes in Cave Creek Regional Park feature diverse terrain. While some segments are multi-use and can include paved sections suitable for touring, others might be unpaved, offering a more rugged desert experience. You'll encounter everything from relatively flat paths to gentle elevation changes, providing scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains and desert.
Can I find longer, more challenging no-traffic touring cycling routes in the park?
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, routes like the Apache Wash Trail – Sidewinder Trail loop from Horse Trailer Parking offer a moderate challenge, spanning approximately 27 km with notable elevation gains. Another good option is the Apache Wash Trailhead – Paseo Pathway (Paseo Trail) loop from Equestrian Trailer Parking, which covers about 26 km.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Cave Creek Regional Park?
The best time for touring cycling in Cave Creek Regional Park is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through spring (October to April). During these periods, temperatures are more moderate, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. Summers can be extremely hot, so early mornings are essential if cycling during those months.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
Cave Creek Regional Park is rich in wildlife. Cyclists often spot javelinas, coyotes, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for desert tortoises and, if you're lucky, you might even see coatis or white-tailed deer. The riparian habitat along Cave Creek itself is particularly vibrant with animal life.
Are there any specific rules or permits required for cycling in the park?
While general park entry fees apply, specific permits for cycling are not typically required beyond standard park access. However, it's always good practice to check the official park website for the most current regulations. Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted on the trails.
Where can I park my vehicle when visiting for a touring cycling trip?
The park offers designated parking areas, including equestrian trailer parking, which can also be used by cyclists. Routes like the Bike loop from Horse Trailer Parking and the Bike loop from Equestrian Trailer Parking conveniently start from these facilities, providing easy access to the trailheads.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Cave Creek Regional Park?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Cave Creek Regional Park, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning Sonoran Desert scenery, the sense of remoteness despite being close to urban areas, and the well-maintained multi-use trails that offer a peaceful, traffic-free experience.
Are there any historical or natural points of interest along the cycling routes?
Yes, the park is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. You'll cycle through landscapes featuring iconic saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and vibrant wildflowers in spring. The area also has historical interest, with guided trails leading to sites where gold seekers once pursued their dreams. The park's Nature Center offers exhibits on local flora and fauna, providing further insight into the region's unique environment.
Can I bring my dog on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Cave Creek Regional Park is generally dog-friendly, but specific rules apply. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Always check the park's official guidelines for any specific trail restrictions or updates regarding pets before your visit.
Most popular routes in Cave Creek Regional Park
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