South Mountain National Trail (Tempe, AZ) Mountain Biking

Not too well known with tourists, the South Mountain Preserve is a rich recreation spot mainly known by Phoenix locals. Its rich variety of trails go through flat desert and intriguing rock formations alike, and the real greenery of the desert truly lights up alongside the trail after rains and monsoons have come and gone.

Getting some respectable ups and downs across mountainous terrain, the South Mountain National Trail is a must for any mountain bikers who love to frequent south of Phoenix. The 16 mile trail provides a ton of scenic views of both the desert and the city below when you get to its higher points. While the west side of the trail is definitely quieter than the east side, it’s also somewhat less maintained, so you’ve got some options between beating the crowds in the east or having a more rugged and quiet experience in the west.