McDowell Mountain Singletrack Van Camp
RIDING TYPE
Intermediate
DURATION
4 Days
SEASON
Feb - Mar / Oct - Nov
McDowell Mountain 4-Day Singletrack Van Camp Tour
The Ultimate Phoenix Singletrack Van Camp Adventure
Unleash your inner desert rider on Western Spirit’s McDowell Mountain Singletrack Van Camp, an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night mountain biking adventure through the renowned McDowell Mountains, just outside Phoenix. This isn’t just a trip; it’s your exclusive ticket to exploring the famed singletrack trails of Arizona’s stunning Sonoran Desert. Prepare for a Phoenix mountain biking tour that combines fast, flowing trails with breathtaking saguaro-studded landscapes, all while enjoying the convenience and camaraderie of our unique van camp setup.
This intermediate-level tour is perfect for active travelers who prefer a fully supported, hassle-free experience. If you own a van or camper, this trip offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the desert while Western Spirit handles all the logistics, making it the ultimate Arizona singletrack adventure designed for comfort and maximum ride time.
Unique Van Camp Support & Premier Intermediate Trails
This McDowell Mountain Van Camp experience offers a blend of personal comfort and premier riding:
Unique Van Camp: Bring your own comfortable sleeping setup (van or camper) while we provide all meals, shuttles, and camp support (SCO).
Premier Singletrack: Explore the renowned trails of McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve cycling network, including the Competitive Track and Granite Mountain Loop.
Intermediate Challenge: Trails are celebrated for their diverse terrain, from fast-rolling sections to moderate climbs and fun descents, perfect for honing skills.
Expert Support: Fully supported, all-inclusive expeditions led by professional guides (chefs, mechanics) to ensure maximum ride time and minimal logistics.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your McDowell Mountain singletrack tour begins in Phoenix, AZ. We’ll meet you at The Holiday Inn Express (3401 E. University Dr. & I-10) and head straight to McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
This renowned park, famous for the Cactus Cup races, offers miles of flowy desert singletrack.
We’ll begin with a warm-up ride, getting a feel for the unique Sonoran Desert terrain.
After an exhilarating day, we’ll head to our comfortable camp, kick back with a refreshing beverage, and enjoy a delicious dinner as the desert sunset paints the sky.
Today, we’ll dive deeper into the varied terrain of McDowell Mountain Regional Park singletrack biking.
We’ll explore different loops, including sections of the celebrated Competitive Track with its Long, Sport, and Technical loops.
This area offers a fantastic mix of moderate climbs, fast descents, and engaging singletrack that will challenge and thrill intermediate riders.
You’ll witness incredible views of the unique desert ecosystem, studded with iconic Saguaro cacti.
Prepare for an unforgettable day of McDowell Sonoran Preserve mountain biking.
You’ll encounter some of Arizona’s most premier singletrack trails like Whiskey Bottle, Chuck Wagon, Branding Iron, or the Granite Mountain Loop.
The adventure truly shines here, offering incredible geologic wonders such as Pinnacle Peak and Metate Rock, with breathtaking views of the desert and distant mountains.
This riding will bring nothing but smiles! Enjoy our final gourmet dinner and share your favorite trail moments.
Our 4-day McDowell Mountain biking adventure concludes with one last invigorating morning ride.
We’ll choose a scenic loop that allows for a final taste of the superb singletrack, giving you a chance to soak in the last desert views.
After a final delicious Western Spirit lunch, we’ll transfer you back to our meeting point in Phoenix, concluding your fully supported desert camping experience.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Mostly singletrack. Includes packed sediment, some rocky and sandy sections and smooth dirt sections.
Overall Rating
Intermediate
Technical Difficulty
Moderate
Physical Difficulty
Moderate
Altitude
1,000 - 4,000 feet
Biking Mileage
5-25 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding up to 25 miles)
Hiking Mileage
5-25 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding up to 25 miles)
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Phoenix, AZ, 10am at the visitor center at McDowell Mtn Preserve (or nearby grocery store). Ending time: wrap up with lunch final day 1:00-2:00 pm.
Lodging Before Your Trip
PACKING
What we provide
- Meals
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Camp mugs & dining ware
- 1 cycling water bottle
- Camp chairs
- Solar showers
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Bike stand
- Lube
- First aid kit
Bring or rent
- Bike
- Helmet
- Tent
- Van
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Cycling & camp clothing
- Rain gear
- Personal items
- Tipping cash (10-20%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
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