RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 4-Days

SEASON | February – March & October – November

McDowell Mountain Bike Getaway

The Ultimate Phoenix Singletrack Adventure

Ready for your Arizona Desert Singletrack Adventure? Western Spirit Cycling invites you on our McDowell Mountain Singletrack Tour, an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night intermediate mountain biking adventure through the renowned McDowell Mountains, just outside Phoenix. This is your definitive journey into the heart of the Sonoran Desert's most celebrated singletrack, complete with fully supported camping under the desert stars.

This guided McDowell Mountains biking trip is crafted for active riders eager to push their skills on fast, flowy, and technically engaging trails. Leave the logistics to us—from shuttling you to the best trailheads to preparing gourmet meals—so you can focus entirely on the thrill of the ride. It's the ultimate Phoenix singletrack adventure, designed for maximum enjoyment and authentic outdoor immersion.

Intermediate Flow, Saguaro Vistas & Fully Supported Camping

This McDowell Mountain Singletrack Tour is designed for Intermediate riders seeking engagement, featuring:

  • Premier Singletrack: Ride renowned trails in McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, including Competitive Track sections and Granite Mountain Loop.
  • Technical & Flowy: Experience a fantastic mix of moderate climbs, fast descents, and engaging singletrack that will challenge and thrill intermediate riders.
  • Sonoran Desert Immersion: Witness incredible views of the unique Saguaro-studded desert ecosystem and geologic wonders like Pinnacle Peak.
  • Maximum Comfort: Fully supported camping with gourmet dinners and all logistics handled by expert guides.

We will be without vehicle support during many sections of the ride. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventures.

This area has cacti and occasionally thorns.

  • 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
  • Total Mileage: 5-25 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day’s riding up to 25 miles)

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Phoenix, AZ
Your trip will meet at 9am at The Holiday Inn Express, 3401 E. University Dr. & I-10. You may leave your vehicle here for the duration of the trip.

ENDING TIME

We will return to The Holiday Inn between 1:00-2:00 pm on the final day.

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared
for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  • Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be
    away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

McDowell Mountain Singletrack

PRICE | $1,545 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

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See what some of our guest are saying:

My first MTB trip and it was outstanding! Trey and Spencer picked great routes for us each day, prepped great food and were a ton of fun in camp. Highly recommended! - Brad 

The riding was outstanding. Good flowy single track with some good gnar. Chunky rock gardens and some climbs that will test you. - Mike 

Great trip. Really fun people and our guides were the best. Great food and super flexible with riders of all abilities and interest. - Marylynn 

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

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