The best gravel rides around Fountain Hills
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Gravel biking around Fountain Hills offers routes through the Sonoran Desert landscape, characterized by arid terrain, distant mountain views, and washes. The region features trails that traverse areas near the Arizona Canal Path and extend into parts of the Tonto National Forest. Gravel bike trails in Fountain Hills provide opportunities to explore the natural environment, including views of prominent features like Red Mountain.
Best gravel bike trails around Fountain Hills
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Elmore Pedestrian Bridge – Arizona Canal Path loop from Notre Dame Prepratory High School, a 58.2 miles (93.6 km) trail that takes 6 hours 46 minutes to complete. This difficult route follows the Arizona Canal Path for an extended ride.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Sonoran mountains view – Marguerite Lake loop from Notre Dame Prepratory High School, a difficult 49.0 miles (78.8 km) path. This route offers views of the Sonoran mountains and passes Marguerite Lake.
- Local gravel bikers also love the View of Red Mountain loop from Schlechts Butte, a 27.9 miles (45.0 km) trail leading through desert terrain with views of Red Mountain, often completed in about 4 hours 3 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Fountain Hills is defined by desert washes, mountain vistas, and sections near the Arizona Canal Path. The network offers options for both moderate and difficult ability levels.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 40 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Fountain Hills's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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riders
45.0km
03:40
80m
80m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This paved trail runs more than 10 miles total along both sides of the Rio Salado, or Salt River, which extends west into Tempe Town Lake.
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Generally quiet and a lovely way to avoid the roads.
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Perfect for cruising along in and out of the city.
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The Elmore Pedestrian Bridge is the most popular way of crossing Tempe Town Lake via foot. This is located at the western end of the lake next to the dam and isn't near any roads, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of the other pedestrian bridges in the area.
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This 25-acre park on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake has picnic areas, a baseball diamond, and more than five miles of trails for walking, running and cycling.
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This area actively promotes the creation and conservation of scarce riparian (the interface between land and a river) areas. Abounding with lakes, it features paved paths and boardwalks along the waterfront, providing opportunities to observe a diverse range of wildlife.
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The wetlands here area a vital resource for local wildlife & migratory birds. It's a good place to get off the bike and enjoy some quiet moments by the water.
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Freestone Park became Gilbert’s first major district park. There are 88 developed acres and 32 undeveloped acres open to the public; the opening year was 1988. There are tons of amenities here, like picnic ramadas, playgrounds, equipment, lakes, basketball courts, sand volleyball pits, and even miniature trains. Hours are: 5:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty level of gravel biking trails in Fountain Hills?
The gravel biking trails around Fountain Hills primarily cater to moderate and difficult skill levels. There are 2 moderate routes and 3 difficult routes available, offering challenges for experienced riders.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in Fountain Hills?
Given that the available routes are categorized as moderate to difficult, truly family-friendly options for younger children or beginners are limited. These trails are generally better suited for riders with some experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Fountain Hills gravel bike trails?
You can expect to ride through classic Sonoran Desert landscapes, featuring arid terrain, desert washes, and distant mountain views. Some routes also traverse areas near the Arizona Canal Path and extend into parts of the Tonto National Forest.
Are the gravel bike routes in Fountain Hills typically loop trails?
Yes, all the gravel biking routes highlighted in this guide are loop trails. This means you will generally start and finish at the same point, making logistics simpler.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I might see while gravel biking?
Many routes offer views of prominent features like Red Mountain. You might also encounter the Arizona Canal Path and areas within the Tonto National Forest. For specific natural attractions, consider exploring Tom's Thumb, a natural monument in the vicinity.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Fountain Hills?
Due to the Sonoran Desert climate, the best time for gravel biking in Fountain Hills is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through spring (October to April). Summers can be extremely hot, making rides challenging and potentially unsafe during midday.
What is the longest gravel bike trail available in Fountain Hills?
The longest gravel bike trail is the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge – Arizona Canal Path loop from Notre Dame Prepratory High School, which spans 58.2 miles (93.6 km) and is considered difficult.
Are there any shorter gravel bike routes for a quicker ride?
Yes, for a shorter ride, you could consider the Maricopa Trail in Tonto National Forest – Salt River loop from Schlechts Butte. This moderate route is 21.8 miles (35.1 km) long and typically takes around 3 hours to complete.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
As you'll be riding through the Sonoran Desert, you might spot various desert wildlife such as roadrunners, coyotes, javelinas, and different species of birds and reptiles. Always maintain a respectful distance and observe from afar.
Where do the gravel bike trails typically start from in Fountain Hills?
Many of the routes in this guide originate from locations such as Notre Dame Preparatory High School or Schlechts Butte, which serve as common starting points for exploring the area's gravel trails.
How many gravel bike trails are covered in this guide for Fountain Hills?
This guide features 5 distinct gravel biking routes around Fountain Hills, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult.
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