Easy biking trails

[Filterman]

Does anybody know of any easy biking trails for beginers around Phoenix. I just got my mountain bike and need some trails to train on for longer trips. I've been to Dreamy Draw and those are pretty simple but something a little flatter would be nice sometimes.

[joebartels]

Dreamy Draw is petty darn flat.

You can drive up to Buena Vista Trailhead on South Mountain and roam the upper sections with little effort. Though there are a few short boulder sections you might need to walk.

Estrella park is pretty dang flat as is the McDowell Preserves, but it's barely worth it cause you have to pay.

Personally I prefer the inner city canals. You can cut right through the Biltmore and gander at the prissys enjoying tea on the back lawn, some play cricket and lawn darts too

Not usually a good option but the front range of the Four Peaks would be sweet for a morning or evening jaunt on the forest roads. Usually they're packed but there's currently a ban on target shooting(due to fire hazzard) so it's really a desert out there right now
I was out there last Wednesday and didn't see a sole in four hours.

[Nighthiker]

Most of the bike shops have a Phoenix Metro Area bike map that list sbike trails. This map is published by the transportation dept. I have nine bikes and one of which is a mtn. bike, hardtail. The canal trails would be your best bet. I am out the door at 5am out riding and this morning I will get off work at 7 and will get in a 30 mile road ride.

[Hoffmaster]

Usery Mountain Park might be exactly what you are looking for. The $5 entrance fee is kind of a drag though.

[zonagoph]

I really like the Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Reg. Park ($5 fee), about 16 miles, good, steady grind up and fun whoop-de-whoops for the last 4-5 miles back to the trailhead..there are some others out there too where you can link a couple of trails together to make a ride any length or difficulty you prefer

I agree with Joe- Dreamy Draw is great, but there are some tricky uphills and technical spots, but its mostly easy riding- just watch out for hikers and dogs

Also- there's one trail out of South mountain park ($free) that's pretty easy, but I can't remember the name (it goes along the south park boundary)... good luck- enjoy year round riding!!!

Head north- Flagstaff- what I consider mountain biking mecca- Schultz Pass Loop is a great beginner trail- you'll be hooked forever

[hikeaz]

Usery Mountain Park might be exactly what you are looking for. The $5 entrance fee is kind of a drag though.

Free access, though, at the north terminus of Meridian..... just food-for-thought.....

[AK]

Also- there's one trail out of South mountain park ($free) that's pretty easy, but I can't remember the name (it goes along the south park boundary)... good luck- enjoy year round riding!!!

Its called the Desert Classic. Its accessed from Pima Canyon Rd via 48th st.
Lots of fun and fairly melo. Single track and a little rocky with the occasional dip thru a wash.

It may not be the flat trail that your looking for but it is alot of fun for a beginner.

REI has an excellent topo/trail map with milage by Green Trails Maps of South Mountain Park.

[dawnbosch]

In response to Filterman's reply: You can go to the city hall in scottsdale an get a great map on bike trails they have it for all phoenix, glendale and scottsdale.

[kgmolson]

Cosmic Ray has a great book of bike trails

[Nighthiker]

If you are riding at Usery, don't park along McKellips, they have been ticketing park cars in the past.