Trail and GPS Maps | Cactus Adventures

Phoenix Mountain Bike Trail Information & Maps

If you're into mountain biking, Phoenix and the surrounding valley have some of the best trails in Arizona. The local trails are located in 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.

Want to map out a route before you pick up your rental MTB? Here is a link to the map on Trailforks.

South Mountain Phoenix Trail Map

South Mountain Preserve & Park

GPS Trail Routes for Download

Here are some suggested mountain bike trails and gravel biking routes that Cactus Adventures has ridden. Download GPS routes for South Mountain Preserve and Park trails and Gravel Bike routes by clicking on the trail title.

Intermediate

Desert Classic & Helipad

Over 18 miles and 1800 feet of climbing. There is water and restrooms at the halfway point. Helipad is up high enough to get some spectacular views of the valley. Great for challenging cross-country riding!

Beginner - Short Distance

Desert Classic/Guadalupe Perimeter

This is a 5.7-mile route with 260 feet of climbing. Lots of scenery, 100+-year-old Saguaro cactus, and flowy trails on this one.

EXPERT

National/Javalina/Pima East Loop

Don't let the 8.6 miles and 1100 feet of climbing fool ya. This ride will challenge your technical skills both going up and coming back down! Lots of ridgeline views of the valley from the top of the Mormon to the National climb.

Beginner

Desert Classic/Guadalupe Perimerter

10.6 miles and 595 feet of climbing. This is a great beginner ride with extra mileage. More scenery and flow to enjoy!

EXPERT

National/Javalina/Pima East

12.3 miles, 1552 feet of climbing. Going out and back on East National will challenge your technical skills as well as your stamina. This route includes the infamous Waterfall feature (pro tip: there's no water there). Returning back on the fast and flowy Javalina before returning on the chunky Pima East trails.

Beginner/Intermediate

Desert Classic/Lower Corona Loop

9.61 miles and 706 feet of climbing on this ride. This fun and flowy return on the Lower Corona trail with a little bit of chunk on the way back when Desert Classic rolls alongside the South Mountain foothills.

Intermediate

Desert Classic/Lower Corona

11.54 miles, 940 feet of climbing. This route gives you a little bit of everything. Cross-country flow and some chunky trails going up and back down. Lower Corona will give you a lot of bang for your buck going down after a relativity short technical climb up.

Intermediate

Bonus Miles From Pima Canyon to Javalina

5.6 miles, 568 feet of climbing. If you're coming off Desert Classic or National, this is a great bonus route down Javalina Trail, a local's favorite. It ends with descending to the resort and gets you back to the Cactus Adventures trailer.

All Skill Levels

Rental Trailer 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.

Gravel Biking

Highline Canal Gravel Out and Back

26.8 Miles and 1178ft of elevation gain.

Take the Highline Canal into South Mountain Park and onto San Juan (closed to motor vehicles). This is a well-traveled route by the owner of Cactus Adventures.

Gravel Biking

Downtown Gilbert Out and Back

21.1 Miles and 272ft of elevation gain

Most of this route follows the Western Canal, leading into downtown Gilbert. There are numerous places of interest, and downtown Gilbert offers some excellent dining options. Definitely a great brunch destination, or enjoy some made-to-order guacamole and chips at your table if you're having lunch.