What a major change of trails! A group of friends and I set out on a road trip to Arizona in search for some epic mountain biking trails. Our first stop was in Phoenix where we met up with old high school friends. The first trail network we visited is called Hawes Trail. The trail immediately drops you into chunky single track that quickly undulates along side a rocky mountain cliff. The trail was very technical at both descending and ascending. It was pretty hard keeping up with our guide as we were not warmed up. After about 2 miles we have our first over the bars. My friend Anneka was descending and went through a very loose part of the trail and washed out. She was okay but opted to ride back to the cars with Brandon. The rest of us continued the loop through the trail network.

This cactus formation looks like it is giving us the middle finger. Shortly after the start of the ride. Quick regroup at the first trail intersection. You can see Danny showing off his battle scar from falling at the trailhead. Hawes and the surrounding mountains makes for a picturesque view at sunset.

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After the ride, we headed over to Waldo’s Almost Famous BBQ. The food here is amazing! Not only was it delicious, you get an unlimited amount of two sides! If you’re in the area, be sure to grub here, you will not be disappointed! We than headed to the Cibola Resort and Spa where we will be staying at for the next two nights.

You must go here if you’re in the area! We didn’t want to leave the bikes on the rack so we took them to our room.

The following afternoon, we headed back down south to South Mountain. Here we used a shuttle service provided by Gnar Gnar Tours. Danny and I went with our to friend to descend national trail. Brandon and Anneka descended Geronimo trail. National trail was such a blast to bomb. You can carry a lot of speed if you know how to take on the technical chunk. There was one part where it dropped 3ft and I did not know. I nearly went over the bars but ended up doing a nose wheelie for 2 seconds, it was pretty scary. There were a few hike a bike sections followed by more gnar.

We arrived at the shuttle pick up but waited close to 45 minutes. One of the few hike a bike sections on National Trail I am not sure where this trail leads to. Our friend was our guide. A picture showing the smooth side of this descent.

We headed up north to Sedona the following morning. This area is absolutely astonishing! The views all around you are amazing. Very cool rock formations everywhere! I knew, the second we got into town, that this will be by far the most epic mountain biking area to date. We dropped off our personal belongings at the Sugarloaf Lodge before setting out for our ride. We chose the Bell Rock trailhead as it was recommended by the great folks at Over The Edge Sports. I also picked up a pair of new socks that says ‘SEX’ (Sedona Experience). The trails were very scenic from tree covered single track to fast technical creeks.

Arrived at the Sugarloaf Lodge to unload our belongings. Be sure to stop by if you’re in the area. They’ll give you great information about the local riding. http://otesports.com/locations/sedona/ Picture of me with Court House Butte in the background. Picture of the group on Llama trail. Magnificent rock formation. I forgot what this mountain range is called but it is in the Wilderness area. Soaking in the rays and views. Brandon going down some chunky terrain on Llama trail. Anneka taking it smooth around a turn. All mountain bike albums require one of these pictures. This picture was taken at the base of Bell Rock, the southern side. Heading south to the lower trailhead. Anneka is all smiles as she rides down this smooth fire road beside the enormous Bell Rock mountain. None system trails. Want to test your skills? Be sure to play around here. There are lots of boulder rollers to have fun on. Double Black Diamond? We’ll pass…. Map of the trails in this area. Anneka riding on the HT trail single track. Self shot of me with Cathedral rock in the background.

The above track log is not complete. The missing sections are slim shady and HT trail. After the ride, we headed out to Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. Great food and even more amazing beer! Definitely stop by here to complete your ride with post ride brewskies. The next morning, we ate breakfast at the Red Planet Diner. I felt like I was about to get abducted at this place. Aliens, spaceships, stars, planets covered the walls and ceiling. Afterwards, we headed out to check out the Devils Bridge. We rode our bikes to the wilderness boundary and hiked the rest of the way. The trail started off flat and than quickly turned into a boulder hopping climb. I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

Be careful! You just might not come back from here! The start of the hike. Views, they were everywhere. This was off to the side of the trail just before the rocky ascent. On the bridge. I was getting vertigo. Breath taking view. What the bridge looks like from down under. Kind of a psychedelic formation if you ask me.

Arizona is a must do for every mountain biker. This was a great change of pace after riding Southern California dirt for many years. You will not be disappointed at any of the trails here. Go out and explore Phoenix and Sedona on your mountain bike. There are trails for all levels of riders. From easy fire road exploring to gnarly single track downhills.