The best traffic-free bike rides around Mesa

The Pavilion at McQueen Park – Sun Circle Trail Canal Bike Path loop offers a fantastic way to experience Gilbert's unique landscape on two wheels. As you cycle along the paved canal paths, you'll enjoy a blend of urban views and natural Sonoran Desert scenery, spotting saguaro cacti and mesquite groves. The route is mostly flat, providing a peaceful riding experience that's less congested than city streets, with the added charm of McQueen Park's 2-acre lake.

Planning your visit to this family friendly bike trail is straightforward, with the route starting conveniently from Gilbert Rd/Main St. McQueen Park itself is a great amenity stop, offering restrooms, drinking fountains, and shaded ramadas. Given the Arizona climate, the best time to cycle the Sun Circle Trail Gilbert is during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, especially outside of peak summer.

This loop is a segment of the much larger 300-mile Sun Circle Trail, which follows historic canal systems vital to the region's early infrastructure. It serves as a convenient link between several key Gilbert parks, including Big League Dreams and the Riparian Preserve, making it a notable route for exploring the area's interconnected green spaces and enjoying the Gilbert Arizona canal bike paths.

Embark on a captivating touring cycling journey through the Sonoran Desert with the Levee Trail – Blevins Trail loop. This route offers a peaceful escape, winding past iconic saguaro cacti and palo verde trees, with the elevated Levee Trail providing spectacular panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains and Goldfield Mountains. You'll experience a mix of smooth gravel and well-groomed singletrack, immersing you in the tranquil desert landscape.

This 23.3-mile (37.5 km) loop, with 655 feet (200 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult and typically takes around 3 hours and 3 minutes. While much of the terrain is accessible, be ready for some varied unpaved surfaces and occasional dry wash crossings. The trail is multi-use, so you'll share the path with hikers and equestrians; always carry sufficient water, especially when cycling in Apache Junction's desert climate.

Part of the extensive Usery Mountain Regional Park trail network, this loop is a prime example of the region's accessible desert cycling. It's known for its clear mile markers on the Levee Trail, aiding navigation and safety. The route offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and quietude of the Arizona desert, making it a popular choice for those seeking a longer, engaging ride.

The "Bike loop from Southern/32nd Street" is presented as an easy touring cycling route, covering 15.8 miles (25.4 km) with a negligible 97 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain, estimated to take about 1 hour and 32 minutes. However, if you're thinking of the 32nd Street Multi Trail, or "Devastator," in South Mountain Preserve, be aware that it's an extremely technical, Black Diamond mountain bike descent, not suitable for touring bikes. Assuming this Komoot route is a separate, gentle option, you can expect classic Phoenix desert views, possibly including saguaro cacti, on a relatively flat surface. This would be ideal for a relaxed ride, but confirm the exact route to avoid any surprises.

When planning your cycling routes near Southern Avenue and 32nd Street in Phoenix, Arizona, always prioritize the weather. The best time for cycling is during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, and always aim for early morning or late afternoon rides to escape the intense desert heat. Ensure you carry ample water, as water sources or amenities might be sparse depending on the specific path. Parking is generally available at various access points around South Mountain Preserve, but check for specific trailhead parking if you're starting directly from 32nd Street.

South Mountain Park, where a trail at 32nd Street would be located, is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, offering a vast network of trails. While the 32nd Street Multi Trail is a popular, albeit unsanctioned, mountain biking descent, other options like the paved Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway or the extensive canal paths provide smoother, more appropriate experiences for touring cyclists in the Phoenix area. These alternatives offer a chance to enjoy the desert landscape without the extreme technical demands of trails like "Devastator."