You already know the joy of exploring Arizona on foot, but what if you could go farther, see more, and experience the trail in a whole new way? Whether you're looking for a fresh outdoor challenge or just want to change up your weekend routine, mountain biking might be your next favorite way to get outside.

To celebrate May as National Bike Month, we spoke with mountain biking enthusiast Alec Wilcox from our Grants and Trails team and a member of the Phoenix Park Stewards Mountain Bike Patrol about taking to the trails on two wheels. If you’re wondering why Arizona is a great place to give mountain biking a try or how you can get started and build confidence, we’ve got you covered!

Why Ride?

Mountain biking offers the freedom to cover more ground than you can on foot while still connecting with nature at your own pace. In Alec’s view, the flexibility is one of the best parts: “If you want something peaceful and relaxing, you can choose that pace, but if you want an adrenaline rush or something challenging, you can get that too.”

It’s also a low-impact way to recreate outdoors and get exercise. A single-track trail is about as narrow a footprint on the land as you can get—just remember to remain on trail! This way, you can explore responsibly while protecting Arizona’s fragile ecosystems.

And with our state’s famously good weather and diverse landscapes, there’s always a trail worth riding.

Getting Started: Beginner Tips

Mountain biking might look intimidating at first, but Alec shared a few simple ways to ease into the sport and build your confidence. First, choose a green-rated trail—these are the easiest and best suited for beginners. Trails are rated similarly to ski runs, and beginner routes are designed to help you develop foundational skills without putting you in over your head. (You can check out the full trail rating system from the International Mountain Biking Association to better understand how trails are categorized.)

It also helps to ride with someone who’s experienced and patient. A seasoned rider can offer tips, show you how to approach tricky sections of trail, and give you that extra boost of encouragement when you need it. Their guidance can help you feel safer and more confident as you learn.

To grow your skills, practice and use repetition; when trying new things, try not to panic. “The fear factor is real when something is new,” Alec said. “But don’t let it stop you. Spend time practicing and try not to overthink it. If your front tires get over an obstacle, your back tires will follow. It’s when people panic or overthink that they make sharp turns or slam on the brakes—and that’s when accidents happen.”

Finally, give yourself the freedom to learn without pressure. Start in areas that aren’t too busy, where you won’t feel self-conscious as you build your skills and find your rhythm on the trail.

If you’re looking for a place to start, find our list of bike-friendly trails in the state parks, rated as easy, intermediate, and difficult at AZStateParks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails. You can also try  Apache Wash Trail or the Dixie Mountain Loops in the City of Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert Preserve. Venturing to the north and east parts of the state, check out these other trails featuring beginner sections and skills areas, like gravity flows, to help you improve and build confidence:

• Coconino County’s Fort Tuthill Bike Park in Flagstaff
• City of Page’s Red Mesa Rim Trail, which was funded in part with a Recreational Trails Grant administered by Arizona State Parks and Trails
• Bean Peaks Gravity Flow trail system in the City of Prescott, funded in part by a Heritage Fund grant administered by Arizona State Parks and Trails

What You’ll Need

A bike is the obvious first step, but choosing the right kind matters. Unlike road bikes, which have thin tires and no suspension, mountain bikes are built to handle uneven terrain with wider tires and frames that absorb vibration. If you’re planning to stick mostly to smoother trails, a gravel bike might also work as a flexible option.

While this is a form of outdoor recreation that does involve some up-front cost, you don’t need a top-of-the-line carbon fiber mountain bike to have a good time. Read reviews and take your time finding a mountain bike that’s in your budget. Once you’re set up, ongoing costs are minimal with regular maintenance.

In addition to your bike and helmet, here’s what else to pack:

• At least 1-2 liters of water per hour (a hydration pack for hands-free water is best)
• Basic first aid kit
• Bike multi-tool
• Tire repair patches or a spare tube
• Mini pump or CO2 inflator
• Salty snacks or energy bars that replenish electrolytes and give you a calorie boost
• Gloves and eye protection

Being prepared keeps your ride smooth and helps you get back to the trailhead if something goes wrong.

Trail Etiquette and Community

As you start riding, it’s important to know the rules of the trail and be a positive part of the biking community. That means yielding to other trail users (yes, bikes yield to hikers and equestrians); staying on designated trails; leaving headphones at home, wearing conduction headphones, or using ear buds on transparency mode so you can communicate with others; and giving friendly greetings to others on the trail. Remember to practice responsible recreation principles like taking all your trash out with you and remaining on the trail. 

If you’ve been part of the community for a while, help welcome new riders into the sport and be a positive influence. Alec encourages experienced riders to lead by example; “If you’ve been riding for a while, it makes a huge difference when you show new riders how to share the trail, demonstrate skills, or even just say hello. I’ve found that this is a really friendly community; the vast majority of mountain bikers are good people who just want to experience the outdoors like others.”

Lastly, giving back through volunteer work like trail building, maintenance, and cleanups also helps build a strong community and keeps your favorite trails in good shape. Groups like PeopleForBikes, volunteer events through your county or municipality, and local meetups through online communities and event websites are great ways to get involved and connect with other riders.

Ready to Ride?

Arizona’s trails are waiting, and mountain biking is a fantastic way to explore them from a new perspective. Whether you're a casual hiker curious about riding or an experienced biker ready to help others, there’s room for everyone on the trail.

Start easy, build confidence, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun out there! You might be surprised how far your wheels can take you.