The best MTB trails in Coconino County

Prepare for a challenging mountain biking experience on the Hiline and Templeton Loop, a difficult 7.6 miles (12.2 km) route that climbs 878 feet (268 metres) over an estimated 1 hour and 14 minutes. You will ride through Sedona's iconic red rock country, encountering visually stunning panoramic vistas. The Highpoint Hiline Trail viewpoint offers expansive views of landmarks like Cathedral Rock and the Verde Valley. As you transition to the Templeton section, the environment shifts to a more lush setting along Oak Creek, providing a different feel to your ride. Expect steep, rocky climbs and descents, with some sections reaching Double Black Diamond difficulty due to extreme technicality and high exposure.

Before you set out, understand that this route is rated as difficult, primarily Black Diamond or Expert, with some sections even reaching Double Black Diamond difficulty. You should be realistic about your mountain biking skills; you may need to walk your bike on some of the steeper, rockier climbs and descents. While the trail is generally well-marked, carrying a navigation app is highly recommended to stay on track. This challenging route demands your full attention and appropriate gear for a safe and enjoyable ride.

This loop is a must-do for experienced mountain bikers seeking a demanding ride through Sedona's unique landscape. The trail offers a dynamic contrast, moving from the expansive red rock vistas of the Hiline section to the more intimate, riparian environment along Oak Creek in the Templeton section. This blend of arid desert views and lush creek-side trails highlights the diverse natural beauty of the Coconino National Forest. It is a prime example of the technical and scenic mountain biking opportunities available in the region.

The Rimview Trail offers an easy mountain biking experience, circling the mesa where Page, Arizona, is located. This 10.3-mile (16.6 km) route features a gentle elevation gain of 538 feet (164 metres) and typically takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. As you ride, you will enjoy continuous 360-degree views, including panoramic vistas of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.

This multi-use loop is accessible year-round, making it a flexible option for your outdoor plans. The trail is well-marked with mileage posts every half-mile, ensuring straightforward navigation. While generally easy, be aware that some sections can be sandy or rocky, adding a bit of challenge to your ride.

From the trail, you can spot the Page airport, the Navajo Reservation, and Navajo Mountain in the distance. The route provides immediate views of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam right from the start, highlighting the unique landscape of the area. It is a great way to explore the surroundings of Page.

If you're looking for a challenging mountain biking adventure near Flagstaff, the Schultz Pass loop offers a difficult ride through varied forest landscapes. You'll navigate 11.2 miles (18.1 km) of trails, gaining 1015 feet (309 metres) in elevation, typically completed in about 1 hour and 43 minutes. As you pedal, you'll pass through dense pine forests, vibrant aspen groves, and stands of Douglas fir, often with wildflowers adding splashes of color. The route provides expansive mountain views, especially as you approach the thrilling descent along the Schultz Creek section, known for its smooth flow and fun berms. This loop promises a rewarding workout and an exhilarating ride.

Accessing the Schultz Pass loop is straightforward from Flagstaff, making it a popular choice for mountain bikers. While you can ride the route in either direction, many riders recommend a clockwise approach to help avoid potential conflicts with others descending the Schultz Creek Trail. Be aware that recent wildfires have affected parts of the trail, which has resulted in increased rockiness and some fallen trees in certain sections. Always check local conditions before you head out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

This mountain biking route is a highlight within the Coconino National Forest, offering a diverse natural environment. The mix of pine, aspen, and fir forests creates a dynamic backdrop for your ride, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity. The Schultz Creek portion of the trail is particularly notable for its well-maintained, flowing sections, which provide an excellent opportunity for experienced riders to enjoy fast descents and small jumps. It's a trail that truly captures the essence of mountain biking in the Flagstaff area.

Embark on the challenging 'Round the Peaks Trail, a difficult mountain biking route that spans 47.3 miles (76.1 km). You will climb a significant 5002 feet (1525 metres) over an estimated 7 hours and 34 minutes of riding. The trail winds through dense forests of pine, spruce, and aspen, offering well-maintained singletrack sections. As you ascend, you will be treated to expansive views of Humphrey's Peak, Arizona's tallest summit. On clear days, you might even spot the Grand Canyon from higher elevations, making for a truly memorable experience.

Before you set out, remember that this route reaches over 9,000 feet, so be prepared for the effects of high elevation on your performance. The trail is a multi-use path; be ready to share it with hikers and yield appropriately, especially on busy weekends. Fall is a particularly popular time to ride due to the vibrant autumn colors, so expect more traffic during that season. Plan your start time to allow ample daylight for this extensive journey.

This loop is a prominent section of the Arizona Trail, known for its diverse ecosystems within the Coconino National Forest. You will encounter a mix of terrain, from smooth singletrack to more technical sections, including exhilarating descents like the Schultz Creek area. The route's high elevation contributes to its unique flora and fauna, offering a distinct mountain biking experience in Arizona. It is a true test of endurance and skill for advanced riders.

Embark on the Rainbow Rim Trail Loop, a moderate mountain biking adventure that takes you along the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This route spans 23.8 miles (38.2 km) and includes an elevation gain of 2001 feet (610 metres), offering a rewarding challenge that you can typically complete in about 3 hours and 36 minutes. You will ride through diverse landscapes, from dense Ponderosa pine and Aspen forests to open, flower-filled meadows, all while catching intermittent, awe-inspiring glimpses of the Grand Canyon. The trail contours along the rim, moving away into the forest before returning to reveal another stunning viewpoint, such as Fence Point or Locust Point, providing varied perspectives of the vast canyon.

Planning your visit requires attention to the seasons, as the best time for mountain biking the Rainbow Rim Trail Loop is usually from late spring, around mid-May, through late fall, typically mid-October. During the winter months, access roads are closed, and the trail becomes covered in snow, making it impassable. Always check current conditions before you head out to ensure the trail is open and safe for riding. Remember that e-bikes are not permitted on this trail, so be sure your equipment complies with the regulations for a smooth experience.

This trail offers a truly unique experience as it is the only singletrack in the Grand Canyon's North Rim area that is open to bicycles. You will be riding within the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. The route is designed to connect five distinct viewpoints, allowing you to appreciate the canyon's grandeur from multiple angles. This makes the Rainbow Rim Trail Loop a standout choice for mountain bikers seeking both a physical challenge and unparalleled scenic beauty in a protected and remote setting.