GPS Trail Routes for Download
If you're into mountain biking, Phoenix and the surrounding valley have some of the best trails in Arizona. You can ride from your bike rental directly to South Mountain Preserve and Park, spanning over 16,000 acres with 50 miles of trails. Some of the popular trails include the Desert Classic, National, Pima Loops, and Javalina trails. ​Here are some suggested mountain bike trails and gravel biking routes that Cactus Adventures rides on a regular basis. We have routes in Ride with GPS so you can download them directly to your Garmin, Wahoo, and similar GPS devices. OR Strava if you are using their app.
All Skill Levels - Cactus Adventures to Pima Canyon Trailhead
Here is the route to get you from the Cactus Adventures Rental Trailer at the Arizona Grand Resort to the Pima Canyon Trailhead - 1.7 miles.
Beginner - Pima Canyon TH to Stone House
Beginner or first-time mountain biking route to the Stone House above the Pima Canyon Trailhead. It's an old jeep road with a climb up and a downhill all the way back to the resort.
Beginner Short Route
7.75 miles and 452 feet of climbing. This is a gentle flow on the Desert Classic and Guadalupe Perimeter trails to the Water Tank and back. You'll be losing elevation on the way back, making it an easy return.
Beginner Long Route
11.6 miles and 742 feet of climbing. This is a longer ride for beginner- to intermediate-level riders, flowing in and out of washes. Returning on Lower Corona with some great views of the East Valley.
Beginner - Intermediate to the "Bus Stop"
This is a 13.9-mile route with 1038 feet of climbing. To the "Bus Stop" and back on Intermediate flow when you're on Corona and upper Desert Classic.
Intermediate - Desert Classic & Helipad
15.9 miles and 1214 feet of climbing. This route has great flow, and the Helipad is high enough to offer spectacular views of the valley.
Intermediate - Pima Canyon TH to Javalina to Resort
4.44 miles, 430 feet of climbing. If you're coming off Desert Classic and want some extra fun from the Pima Canyon TH, this is a great bonus route down Javalina Trail back to the resort. It's a local favorite!
Intermediate - Desert Classic Long Route
22.62 miles and 2,153 feet of climbing. This ride is a mix of both flow and tech. There is a trailhead with water, shade, and restrooms at the turnaround. You'll climb to the Helipad and lose elevation on the way back.
EXPERT - Javalina Out and Back
7.3 miles, 915 feet of climbing. This is a faster descent with more flow than doing National. It will still challenge your technical skills and stamina. You'll also have a 360-degree view of the Valley (see the photo above) before returning to the resort.
EXPERT - National Long Route
12.3 miles, 1700 feet of climbing. Going out and back on East National will challenge your technical skills and your stamina. This route includes the infamous Waterfall feature (in the photo above). A 2-mile descent on the fast and flowy Javalina before returning on the infamous East Loop Swoop.
Gravel Biking - Hiline Canal to South Mountain
26.8 Miles and 1178ft of elevation gain.
Take the Highline Canal into scenic South Mountain Park. Gravel to bike-laned pavement. There are options in the park if you want to get your climb on!
Gravel Biking - Western Canal to Downtown Gilbert
Strava - No route created
21.1 Miles and 272ft of elevation gain
Most of this route follows the Western Canal, leading into downtown Gilbert. There are numerous great patio dining options in downtown Gilbert.