| Of the many superb Arizona mountain biking | | | | for beginners, but also offers more experienced |
| areas, Sedona - approximately 80 miles North of | | | | riders the challenge of the many intersections |
| Phoenix - is destined to become a major | | | | crossing the trail. There is enough technical |
| attraction for bikers.While still relatively | | | | difficulty to necessitate some walking!You can also |
| undiscovered and uncrowded, it offers spectacular | | | | visit the Red Rock State Park, 5 miles west of |
| biking trails for novices and experienced riders | | | | Sedona, with its diverse wildlife and vegetation |
| alike.Although, at an altitude 4500 feet, Sedona is | | | | that turns a bike ride into something special. This |
| free of the severe desert heat of southern | | | | is one the Arizona mountain biking must-see |
| Arizona, it is wise to do you biking in the early | | | | regions.If you are a fairly experienced mountain |
| morning. No Arizona mountain biking trail should be | | | | biker, you can try the Broken Arrow trail which |
| attempted without carrying plenty of water. | | | | starts just 1.5 miles from downtown Sedona.This |
| Sedona also escapes the northern mountain | | | | Arizona mountain biking trail leads into some of |
| snows, making it ideal for mountain biking.Sedona | | | | the most scenic basins in the area, with views of |
| is located at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon, | | | | features such as Submarine Rock, Twine Buttes, |
| and at the center of the legendary Red Rock | | | | and Gibraltar. It links up with the Little Horse trail, |
| Country. This unique blend of mountain and desert | | | | and later goes on to the Bell Rock Pathway.Most |
| offers Arizona mountain biking scenery at its | | | | of the Broken Arrow trail is hard-packed and fast, |
| best!There are a number of informative Arizona | | | | with some sandstone sections giving excellent |
| mountain biking books available to serve as your | | | | traction. While there isn't much climbing, some of |
| guide to trails, lodgings, restaurants, and shopping. | | | | the short, steep sections will remind you that you |
| One of the most popular is 'Experience Sedona'. | | | | are on an Arizona mountain biking route!Good |
| Finding a detailed map of the area should be at | | | | quality rental bikes are available in Sedona, as well |
| the top of your list when you arrive.If you are | | | | as parts, accessories, and clothing. With your |
| new to the sport, and to Arizona mountain biking | | | | rental, you can expect to get a helmet, pump, |
| in particular, guided tours offer a safe learning | | | | repair kit, spare tube, choice of pedals, and a |
| experience. Make your reservation, and you will | | | | personalized fit. Everything is geared to make |
| soon be more knowledgeable about the | | | | your Arizona mountain biking experience |
| environment, and your biking performance. The | | | | memorable.Bike choices include the Specialized |
| main advantage is that you will be able to | | | | Enduro Expert Demo Bike, the Giant Reign Demo |
| concentrate on enjoying your ride, knowing that | | | | Bike, and the Giant Iguana. Rental fees are |
| your guide is familiar with the intricacies of the | | | | between $30 and $70 per day, depending on the |
| surroundings.Arizona mountain biking tours are | | | | period of use.The U.S. Forest Service |
| designed around premier trails, with packages | | | | recommends a number of other trails in the |
| including rides from 2 to 6 hours, and a rental bike. | | | | Sedona area, as part of your Arizona mountain |
| A half day tour may take you to Bell Rock | | | | biking experience. These include Big Park Loop, |
| Pathway, Cathedral Rock Loop or Schnebley Hill, | | | | Caruth Trail, Red Rock State Park, Girdner Trail, |
| and Munds Wagon.If you prefer to discover the | | | | and Baldwin Trail. The trails are all in the easy to |
| secrets of Sedona on your own, you can take a | | | | moderate range. The Dead Horse State Park Trail |
| leisurely ride through the Ponderosa Pine forests. | | | | offers easy to strenuous riding.Arizona mountain |
| If you want more excitement, tackle the steep | | | | biking offerings are rich and varied. Whichever trail |
| switchbacks and the slickrock single tracks, all the | | | | you choose, you are sure to be returning for |
| while enjoying the breath-taking views and | | | | more!For more information visit |
| incredible scenery of the Red Rock basins. You will | | | | Best-Mountain-Biking.comRika Susan of |
| discover that a camera is a must on all Arizona | | | | researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the |
| mountain biking trails!A popular trail in this beautiful | | | | Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. |
| Arizona mountain biking area is the Bell Rock | | | | This article may be reprinted if the resource box |
| Pathway. The ride along rolling terrain is excellent | | | | - including the link - is left intact. |