Thank you to Becky Timbers, Two Wheeled Wanderer for providing the following guest post!
Sedona is hands-down one of my absolute favorite places to ride. The incredible landscape, vast network of trail, grippy red rock, and fast dirt make it a mountain bikers playground. Give me the option of riding anywhere in the US and I’d probably choose Sedona.
If it’s your first (or even second or third) time vising Sedona to ride, knowing which trails to choose and how to link them up can be pretty overwhelming. In this post, I share my favorite routes and a few tips to help you make the most of your mountain bike trip to Shredona.
Important Things To Know
Trails are multi-use
Most trails in Sedona are open to mountain bikers, hikers, horses, and OHV’s (on designated roads and trails). Please be courteous when passing and share the trails.
I actually find Sedona hikers to be some of the most accepting of mountain bikers, so let’s try to keep it that way.
Most trailhead parking requires a day-pass
If you’re driving to a trailhead parking area most – but not all – require a Red Rock Pass. There are self-serve fee stations at the parking areas where you can purchase your pass.
Red Rock Pass prices are:
– $5 per day
– $15 per week
– $20 for a year
The money goes back into the trails and maintaining the beautiful landscape of Sedona.
Traffic can be terrible
Like beat-your-head-against-the-steering-wheel, terrible. There are only two-lane roads coming in and out of Sedona and even though there are half a dozen roundabouts to keep traffic moving, the roads can still get backed up pretty badly.
If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, expect to add at least 20 minutes (probably more) to your drive to/from the trailheads.
It gets very hot during the summer months. Don’t underestimate the sun.
Summer isn’t the best time to visit Sedona for mountain biking, but if you do, be prepared. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sun protection, and electrolyte drinks.
Sedona is actually at a pretty high elevation
Sedona is situated at 4,350 feet, which is relatively high depending on where you’re coming from. Take it easy the first day or two and drink lots of water.
Know your skill level
Sedona definitely has some high-stake riding, so know and respect your skill level. There is potential for some high consequences. I’m sure many a mountain bikers have used the services of the local hospital.
When To Visit
Sedona can technically be ridden year-round since it only occasionally sees snow. However, that being said, temperatures can be extreme during the mid-summer and mid-winter months.
It’s not uncommon for summer temps to top 100° and Dec/Jan lows tend to be around 34°.
The best time to ride Sedona – in my opinion – are the shoulder seasons – March to May and September to November
