Mountain Biking in Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff offers some of the best mountain biking in the Southwest. Surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and volcanic terrain, this high-desert town is a haven for riders of all skill levels. Thanks to Flagstaff’s cool mountain climate, summers are perfect for escaping the desert heat. In winter, lower elevation trails remain rideable while the upper trails may get snow—making for a unique fat biking experience.Whether you're seeking flowy singletrack, technical descents, or scenic rides through alpine meadows, Flagstaff has it all!

New Downhill Trails Full Sail and Meteoride

Two new downhill-only trails, Full Sail and Meteoride, have been added to Flagstaff's trail systems in recent years. These trails are designated for downhill mountain biking only. Hiking, climbing, and equestrian use are not permitted. These trails represent a significant achievement for the Flagstaff mountain biking community, offering diverse experiences for riders and enhancing the region's reputation as a premier biking destination. Both trails are accessible from the Schultz Creek Trailhead.

Full Sail – Flow Trail for Intermediate Riders

Full Sail is a machine-built flow trail designed for intermediate riders seeking a fun and progressive descent. Full Sail offers a smooth and flowing ride, making it an excellent choice for riders looking to build confidence on features like jumps and berms. The trail's design allows for progression, with features increasing in size and complexity as you descend. It's a standout addition to Flagstaff's trail network, providing a park-like experience in a natural forest setting. For a visual preview of Full Sail follow this link!

  • Length: Approximately 2.9 miles
  • Trail Type: Singletrack, downhill-only
  • Features:
    • Berms, rollers, table-tops, and optional rock features
    • All features are rollable, with go-around options for less experienced riders
  • Trail Rating: Blue (Intermediate)

Meteoride – Technical Descent for Advanced Riders

Meteoride is a hand-built, technical trail tailored for advanced riders seeking a challenging descent.? Meteoride replaces the historic Ginger Trail, which was destroyed by wildfire. The new trail incorporates natural terrain features, offering a raw and rugged ride that challenges even experienced riders.

  • Length: Approximately 1.5 miles
  • Trail Type: Singletrack, downhill-only
  • Features:
    • Rock rolls, drops, steep switchbacks, and optional jumps
    • Some features have B-line options
  • Trail Rating: Black Diamond (Advanced)

Popular Trails to Explore in Flagstaff

  • Schultz Creek Trail
    A local favorite, Schultz Creek offers a smooth, fast-flowing ride through shady pines. Perfect for intermediate riders, this trail connects to a network of options for longer adventures. This trail includes a steady climb along a seasonal creek through pines, aspens, and Douglas firs, leading to a flowing descent with berms and playful features.
  • The Arizona Trail
    Winding its way across the state, the Arizona Trail passes right through Flagstaff. The segment near town offers breathtaking views, moderate climbs, and miles of uninterrupted singletrack.
  • Elden Mountain Trails
    For more advanced riders, the trails on Mount Elden—including Upper Sunset and Little Bear—provide thrilling descents, rocky technical sections, and unbeatable panoramas. Be prepared for challenging climbs with big payoffs! Be advised, this system caters to advanced riders seeking technical terrain.
  • Fort Valley Trails
    Just minutes from downtown, this popular area offers a mix of smooth rollers and punchy climbs. It’s a great spot for quick rides or building your skills.

Flagstaff Loop Trail

The Flagstaff Loop Trail (FLT) is a 42-mile multi-use trail designed to encircle the city, connecting neighborhoods with national forest lands and other regional trails.The FLT offers riders a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes surrounding Flagstaff, from ponderosa pine forests to open meadows. While the trail is still in progress, the majority of the route is complete and rideable. Visit the city’s website for more information and a trail map.

Fort Tuthill Bike Park

Located within Fort Tuthill County Park, the Fort Tuthill Bike Park is a state-of-the-art facility catering to riders of all skill levels. The park is free to the public and open daily from dawn to dusk. However, it may close temporarily due to inclement weather, so it's advisable to check the Fort Tuthill Bike Park Facebook Page for the latest updates.

Park Highlights:

  • Flow Trails: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced options
  • Technical Flow Trails: For riders seeking more challenging features
  • Pump Tracks: Including a dedicated kid's pump track
  • Skills Area: Designed to help riders improve specific techniques
  • Drop Zone: Practice area for drops of varying heights
  • Cyclocross Features: For those interested in cyclocross training

Bike Shops & Rentals in Flagstaff

Need gear? Flagstaff has a variety of friendly, full-service bike shops offering rentals, repairs, and local trail advice to get you rolling in no time. Here is a list of several reputable bike shops offering rentals, repairs, and local trail advice:

  • Absolute Bikes
    Brands: Specialized, Marin, Pivot, Yeti
    Services: Sales, rentals, repairs
  • Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution
    Brands: Ibis, Santa Cruz, Giant, Forbidden, Esker, Kona, Salsa
    Services: Sales, rentals, service center
  • Single Track Bikes
    Brands: Trek, Gazelle, Electra, Surly
    Services: Sales, repairs, accessories
  • REI Flagstaff
    Services: Sales, full-service bike shop with professional tune-ups and repairs
  • Cosmic Cycles
    Services: Sales, repairs
  • Electric Bikes of Flagstaff
    Services: Sales, tours, rentals

Plan Your Ride!

With hundreds of miles of trails, Flagstaff is a dream destination for mountain bikers. Download a trail map, check the weather, and get ready for an unforgettable ride under Arizona’s endless skies!