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