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| - Sonoran Preserve, or as I like to call it, Sonoran Heaven. I've been coming to this trailhead to mountain bike for a couple of years now (didn't know you could check in, I could be the Duke!) We usually come every Saturday morning. The guys ride and our wives usually run the trails.
Whether you're running or riding, these trails are fantastic! This is just a wonderful example of our tax dollars being put to excellent use. The trails are perfect for intermediate riders. Beginners will find them a little taxing but not un-doable. The trail takes off like a steep roller coaster right out of the gate. You might think, this is crazy (and it kind of is) but it really is one of the most challenging parts of the trail). The trails are fast and fun, lots of rollers and hair pin corners. I clip-in and very rarely unclip on these trails. There are a couple of areas it's wise to unclip but by and large, if you're decent on a bike, you won't need to unclip. (I ride a 29er)
There are at least a dozen different trails and routes you can take, check the trailhead map for information or go online to the Phoenix Parks website. There are no bathrooms or water here.
The Apache Wash trailhead just opened north of this ride, on Dove Valley Road. This is a fantastic addition to the Sonoran trail system. Bathrooms but no potable water. Nice equestrian unload area, parking for at least 200 cars (it seems like) and some extremely fun trails. The trails are roughly the same intensity as the ones above although you have a choice of taking the Ocotillo trail through the valley floor up to Carefree highway. This trail is a fun, fast ride through the desert whereas if you opt for the Sidewinder trail, you'll have a number of ridgelines to climb. It's all fun, just depends on what you're in the mood for.
Hope to see you out there!
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