The best traffic-free bike rides around Phoenix

Phoenix offers a good selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with over 20 routes to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring a pleasant and safe riding experience away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, Phoenix has several easy, traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. You can find 9 easy routes that generally feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them ideal for a gentle introduction to cycling in the desert landscape.

The traffic-free routes in Phoenix offer stunning Sonoran Desert scenery, featuring iconic saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations. Many routes traverse urban greenways and canal paths, providing a mix of natural beauty and city views. For example, routes around South Mountain Park and Preserve offer panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding desert.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Phoenix offers 13 moderate traffic-free routes. These often include significant elevation gains and longer distances. For instance, the Buena Vista Lookout & Mount Suappoa loop covers over 46 km with more than 600 meters of elevation gain, providing a rewarding workout with incredible views.

The best time for traffic-free road cycling in Phoenix is typically from fall through spring (October to April). During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, with abundant sunshine. Summer temperatures can be extremely high, making early morning or late evening rides essential if cycling during that season. Winter offers ideal conditions for exploring the desert without traffic.

Yes, many of the traffic-free routes in Phoenix are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. An example is the View of Telegraph Pass – South Mountain Preserve loop, which offers a substantial ride through the scenic preserve.

Phoenix boasts an extensive network of multi-use paths, particularly along the Salt River Project's irrigation canals. The Arizona Canal Trail and Grand Canal Trail are excellent examples, offering over 100 miles of paved and packed-dirt paths that connect various parts of the city. The Scottsdale Greenbelt also follows a canal and is a popular multi-use path.

Yes, South Mountain Park and Preserve observes "Silent Sundays," where the main roadway (South Mountain Summit Road) is closed to motor vehicles, offering a unique opportunity for cyclists to enjoy the climb and descent without traffic. This provides an exceptional car-free experience on one of Phoenix's most iconic cycling routes.

Many routes pass by or near significant natural landmarks. You can encounter the unique Papago Park Red Rock Formations, explore Papago Park itself, or even spot the famous Hole in the Rock. Some routes also offer views of Tempe Town Lake and the Rio Salado Pathway.

Yes, the easier and flatter multi-use paths, such as sections of the Arizona Canal Trail or the Scottsdale Greenbelt, are generally suitable for families. For a dedicated park experience, routes around Rio Vista Community Park can also be a good option for a family-friendly, traffic-free ride.

The komoot community highly rates the traffic-free cycling experience in Phoenix, with an average score of 4.33 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning desert landscapes, the extensive network of well-maintained multi-use paths, and the opportunity to ride safely away from vehicle traffic, especially on routes like those in South Mountain Park.