Sonoran Preserve
North Phoenix's best-kept singletrack secret.
About This Trail
The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve spans over 21,500 acres of protected desert across North Phoenix, making it one of the city's newest and largest preserves. The trail network offers about 34 miles of well-maintained singletrack accessed from multiple trailheads, with the Apache Wash Trailhead being the most popular starting point for mountain bikers. Sidewinder Trail is the star here — it's the longest and most technical trail in the preserve, purpose-built with mountain bikers in mind, featuring sustained climbs, fast descents, and tight wash crossings. The Ocotillo Trail provides a mellower option with flowing brown-ribbon singletrack that's great for building fitness. Because the preserve sits in a transition zone to the Arizona Upland, rainfall is slightly higher here than in other Phoenix-area parks, which means lusher vegetation and more diverse plant life — you'll ride through thick saguaro forests and past dense palo verde groves. The trail system is divided into north and south units connected by the Ocotillo Trail. For Anthem riders, it's a quick shot down I-17 and one of the best intermediate trail systems in the valley.
Highlights
- Sidewinder Trail was purpose-built for mountain bikers with sustained climbs and fast, technical descents.
- Over 34 miles of well-signed singletrack across 21,500 acres of protected desert.
- Lusher vegetation than most Phoenix preserves due to higher rainfall in the Arizona Upland transition zone.
- The Sonoran Desert Loop offers a 13+ mile ride linking the north and south preserve units.
Riding Tips
Start at Apache Wash Trailhead and ride Sidewinder clockwise for the best flow — you'll earn the climbs and get rewarded with fast descents.
There is no potable water at any trailhead — bring everything you need.
Weekends get busy with hikers, especially near the trailheads. Ride early or midweek for more open trail.
The parking lot gates lock for entry at 7 p.m. and for exit at 11 p.m. — don't get locked in.
Heading to Sonoran Preserve?
Stop by Sunset Cyclery first for a pre-ride tune-up, fresh tires, or trail recommendations from people who actually ride here.