The best traffic-free bike rides around Tempe

There are 6 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Tempe featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes and 3 moderate routes to explore.

Tempe's no-traffic road cycling routes primarily feature paved paths along canals, lakes, and urban greenbelts. The terrain is generally flat, making for smooth and enjoyable rides. Routes like the Sun Circle Trail Canal Bike Path offer extensive canal-side riding, while the Tempe Town Lake loop provides scenic urban and water views.

Yes, Tempe offers several family-friendly options. Routes like the Kiwanis Park – Kiwanis Lake loop are easy and relatively short, perfect for families. The Sun Circle Trail Canal Bike Path loop from Guadalupe is another easy option, providing a pleasant ride away from vehicle traffic.

Many routes offer beautiful views and access to natural features. The Tempe Town Lake loop provides picturesque urban and water views of Tempe Town Lake and passes by Tempe Beach Park. You can also spot unique red rock formations in Papago Park from certain sections of the Rio Salado Pathway, which connects to the lake area.

Yes, all the no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Sun Circle Trail Canal Bike Path – Pavilion at McQueen Park loop and the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge – Tempe Beach Park loop.

Tempe experiences an average of 330 sunny days per year, making it an excellent cycling destination for much of the year. The cooler months from late fall through early spring (October to April) are ideal, offering comfortable temperatures for longer rides. Summers can be very hot, so early morning or late evening rides are recommended during those months.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 12 ratings. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, traffic-free paved paths that offer a serene escape, the scenic views of Tempe Town Lake and the desert landscape, and the accessibility of routes for various skill levels.

Absolutely. Many routes are close to significant landmarks. For instance, the routes around Tempe Town Lake offer views of Hayden Butte ('A' Mountain), which provides panoramic views of the Valley. Papago Park, with its distinctive red rock formations, is also easily accessible from some of the main cycling pathways.

Many of Tempe's popular cycling routes, especially those around Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Park, have designated parking areas nearby. For example, the Tempe Town Lake – Elmore Pedestrian Bridge loop can be accessed with parking near Tempe Diablo Stadium, and Kiwanis Park has its own parking facilities for the Kiwanis Park – Kiwanis Lake loop.

Tempe has a well-developed public transportation system, including Valley Metro Rail and bus services, many of which are equipped with bike racks. Several routes, particularly those in the urban core like the Tempe Town Lake loops, are easily accessible from public transport stops, allowing you to reach the starting points without a car.

While the routes in this guide are generally moderate, longer rides can be created by combining sections of the extensive bikeway network. The Sun Circle Trail Canal Bike Path – Pavilion at McQueen Park loop is the longest route listed here at nearly 39 km, offering a substantial ride on dedicated paths. The broader Sun Circle Trail and Maricopa Trail also provide options for extended no-traffic cycling.