January 7th, 2020 12:00am
Sedona has slowly crept into the running as one of the West’s mountain biking meccas. Arizona’s mountain biking trails provide diversity that many other desert locations cannot offer. When you’re not on trails moving through Sedona’s red rock paradise, you can find single-track mountain trails nearby. Having variety isn’t the only benefit of mountain biking in Sedona though. It just so happens to be just one of the locations in Arizona that you can ride the trails year-round
Since Sedona is a year-round adventure travel destination, it can be hard to determine the time of year that best suits your travel needs. There are two main factors you should consider when choosing the time of year to make Sedona your biking destination: the weather and the crowds.
March-May is the busiest range of time to visit Sedona. Spring in Sedona has an average daytime temperature between the mid-60s to mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit. Many people are drawn to Sedona during this time for the great daytime temperatures and to have a chance to see the wildflowers in bloom.
While the weather is great in the Springtime, if you are looking for a little more solitude on the trails, you may want to consider visiting a different time. Many of the best mountain biking trails will be busy with not only bikers but with trail runners, hikers, and tour groups.
The months of June-November also tend to be popular amongst visitors in Sedona. The summer and fall months generally see fewer visitors than in the Spring but are busy due to pleasant temperatures and the fact that many families have availability for travel during that time period.
Summer daytime temperatures are usually in the 90s (Fahrenheit). Although it is quite hot during the day, many summertime visitors are traveling up from Southern Arizona to escape their triple-digit temperatures at home. Luckily, the temperatures begin to drop moving into the fall months. September-November will see average temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visitors also need to keep in mind that July marks the beginning of the monsoon season. Monsoons are common all the way through mid-September. Heavy rainfall is expected during this time, but it usually doesn’t last more than a day or two.
The months of December-February are the slowest as far as tourism goes. No matter if you are a mountain biker or hiker, the winter might be the best time of year to visit if you want pleasant mid-day temperatures and fewer folks on the trails. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit making it perfect for late morning and afternoon outdoor activity.
Sedona area does see snow occasionally, but if it does snow, the city itself doesn’t experience as much as the upper hills. On average, you can expect only about 3 days’ worth of precipitation per month during the winter months. During the winter, it is recommended that you dress in layers as the night time temperatures are much lower.
Sedona is an amazing year-round adventure destination, especially for mountain bike enthusiasts. The desert climate brings minimal snow and sunny days for the majority of the year. However, the temperatures and weather can change drastically, especially during monsoon season. We recommend that you monitor the weather before and during your stay in Sedona so you aren’t caught out in a storm or stranded in the hot sun.
Be sure that you are also packing sun protective gear and clothing. No matter the time of year, you will still be outside in a desert climate. That means that mid-day sun can be especially intense. If you are unfamiliar with the desert and want to participate in mountain biking, do your research and consider booking a mountain biking tour. At 360 Adventures, our guides are experts in their field and know the area climate extremely well.
Sedona’s claim to mountain bike fame is not just the scenic views and red rocks but also the trail variety. You can choose from the desert landscape as well as mountain trails so there will always be something you can enjoy. No matter your ability level or bike knowledge, Sedona has a trail that will add some challenge and excitement to your stay.
Beginner Mountain Biking Trails
While the beginner trails may not be as secluded as more advanced trails, there are still a few worthy of riding. Sedona can be a great place to start out mountain biking as the beginner trails will be shorter, you can take things slow, and you’ll see some amazing views. Here are some of the best beginner mountain biking trails to check out in Sedona:
Bell Rock Area Trails
Long Canyon Trail to Deadman’s Flat Trail
Snake Trail
Aerie Loop
Big Park Loop
Intermediate Mountain Biking Trails
As there are a limited number of beginner trails to choose from, many fall within the intermediate category. Some trails only have one or two technical spots that would allow a less experienced rider to get off and walk short sections, whereas others present as a good way to hone in on your skills before taking on advanced tracks.
Here are some of Sedona’s best Intermediate mountain biking trails:
Soldier Wash Area
Chuck Wagon Trail
Mescal Trail
Chuckwagon Trail
Llama Trail
Templeton Trail
Advanced → Expert
If you’re anywhere in the advanced to expert mountain biking range, then Sedona will be a dream. There are extremely technical routes that can lead you away from the crowds and deep into Sedona’s backcountry landscapes. These trails will give you a truly memorable experience, but if the trails are rated for advanced riders, it will mean they include steep inclines, narrow trails, and severe exposure.
Some of Sedona’s best known advanced mountain biking trails:
Hiline Trail
Hangover Trail
Hog Heaven
High on the Hog
Cathedral Rock Connector Trail
Thunder Mountain
Our mountain biking tours run year-round (weather dependent) and we don’t just offer them in Sedona. Other mountain biking locations include Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson.
Sedona Mountain Biking 2-hour Tour
Our 2-hour mountain biking tour is the perfect introduction to mountain biking. First-time riders are welcome and even families that are looking for an adventurous addition to their vacation can join. We’ve got you covered on this tour! We provide top of the line bikes and equipment, an expert riding guide, and more.
Click here for more information about how to book your Beginner Sedona Mountain Biking Tour.
Sedona Mountain Biking 4-hour Tour
If you’ve ridden before and are just looking for an in-depth guide to trails in the Sedona area, check out our 4-hour mountain bike tour. We will provide the bikes, permits, guides, and more so all you have to worry about is staying on the trail. While this tour is recommended to intermediate to advanced riders, our expert guides will tailor the experience to each group’s ability levels.
Click here for more information about how to book your Intermediate/Advanced Sedona Mountain Biking Tour.
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Phone: 480-420-7940
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