National Trail, Phoenix, Arizona >

« previous | next »

South Mountain Park, just south of Phoenix, is, simply put, home to some of the most brutal and demanding cross-country trails in the country. The National Trail is the crown jewel of the park, stretching 15 miles from the Pima Canyon trailhead in the east to the San Juan Lookout in the west.

Starting at Pima, you warm up with a mellow mile of fireroad before connecting to the National singletrack. From here, it’s a long, slow climb that never bores, due to the numerous ledges, rocks and trials-style hop ups. Yes, you’re going to suffer some (about 3,200 feet of elevation gain by day’s end), but at least you’ll be able to stop, gasp and take in the magnificent views of the Valley. After 14 miles of this sweet torture, you’ll hit the San Juan Lookout. Turn around, drop your saddle and prepare for a blistering descent that’s sure to rattle a few fillings loose. It’s basically all downhill back to Pima.

A word of caution. This is not a trail for beginners. There are plenty of points in the trail (like “the waterfall”) where even experienced riders dismount. You’re also sharing this trail with hikers and equestrians, so keep your eyes peeled for trail traffic, don’t skid, and be courteous. Access to South Mountain’s fantastic trail system hinges on mountain bikers’ good behavior. You can minimize run-ins with hikers by hitting the trail mid-week. Finally, bring lots of water as there are no places on the trail to refill. Temperatures quickly climb into the triple digits out here, even in Spring.

For more info go to http://www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/hiksogud.html

View Larger Map

TRAIL FACTS >
The Trail Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced Trail Type: Cross Country Length: 30 miles Elevation Gain: Up to 4,000 feet Elevation Loss: Up to 4,000 feet	Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Location Trail Name : National Trail City(s) : Phoenix County : Maricopa County State : Arizona Country : USA Trail GPS Cords : 33.361592,-111.992956 South_Mountain_AZ.gpx	Get the Flash Player to see this player.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE >
Directions From downtown Phoenix head down Central Avenue and go east on Baseline Road. Drive five and a half miles to 48th Street and turn right. Turn right onto East Pima Canyon Road. From here, it’s three quarters of a mile to the Pima trailhead. Places to Eat C K's Tavern & Grill 4142 E Chandler Blvd # 105 Phoenix, AZ 85048 (480) 706-5564 www.ckgrill.com Oregano's Pizza Bistro 523 W University Dr Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 858-0501 www.oreganos.com	Places to Stay Local Bike Shops Cactus Bike 4747 E Elliot Rd Phoenix, AZ 85044 (480) 940-7433 www.cactusbike.com Landis Cyclery (Tempe) 480-839-9383 www.landiscyclery.com

Phoenix Weather Forecast, Arizona


	Bike Offers
	Mountain Bike Shorts
	Trek Mountain Bikes
	Cannondale Bikes
	Cycling Jerseys
	BMX Bikes
	North Face
	BMX Videos
	Bikes & Cycling Gear

National Trail, Phoenix, Arizona >

TRAIL FACTS >

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE >

19 comments

ed hardy

asics shoes

nike dunks

sdfsdfsdf

nike sb

UGG Boots

nfl jersey

fiwedding

lida daidaihua

i believe you are a good

adf

cheap uggs

Then go for making your own

as e-stores provide discount

AlainSilbersteinWatches

Gucci Men High Shoes

Jordan Dub Zero

I'm new to the Phoenix area

This is a great trail my wife

Enter state, city, county, trail name or keywords