Brown’s Ranch
Buff singletrack and boulder gardens in Scottsdale’s crown jewel.
About This Trail
Brown’s Ranch is the premier mountain biking trailhead within Scottsdale’s massive McDowell Sonoran Preserve — over 30,500 acres of permanently protected desert with more than 225 miles of interconnected trails. What makes Brown’s Ranch special for mountain bikers is the trail surface: the northern preserve trails are remarkably smooth compared to the rest of the valley, built on crushed granite and compacted soil with very few on-trail obstacles. The riding is cross-country style through stunning Sonoran Desert scenery, with majestic saguaros mixed among huge granite boulders. The Cholla Mountain Loop and Granite Mountain Loop are standouts, offering flowing singletrack with gentle grades that intermediate riders can enjoy all day. For riders seeking more challenge, the Diablo Trails in the northern section feature technical rock formations and slickrock-style features. The preserve is free to enter, open sunrise to sunset, and Brown’s Ranch Trailhead has ample parking, restrooms, water, and trail maps. Note that e-bikes are prohibited in the entire preserve. The drive from Anthem takes about 40 minutes, but the quality of riding and the sheer amount of trail available make it absolutely worth the trip.
Highlights
- Part of the 30,500-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve with 225+ miles of interconnected trails — the largest urban preserve in the country.
- Remarkably smooth, buff singletrack on crushed granite — a completely different riding surface than most Phoenix trails.
- Free access with no entry fees — trailhead has water, restrooms, maps, and ample parking.
- Diablo Trails offer technical slickrock-style features for advanced riders looking for a challenge.
Riding Tips
Ride the Brown’s Ranch Perimeter Loop (~15 miles) for a comprehensive tour of the area including Balanced Rock and Cholla Mountain.
E-bikes are strictly prohibited in the entire McDowell Sonoran Preserve — pedal power only.
The farther north you ride from the trailhead, the fewer people you’ll see — push past the first mile for real solitude.
Carry flat repair supplies — cholla cactus is everywhere, and getting a flat tire means a very long walk out.
Heading to Brown’s Ranch?
Stop by Sunset Cyclery first for a pre-ride tune-up, fresh tires, or trail recommendations from people who actually ride here.