RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 4-Days

SEASON | February – March & October – November

McDowell Mountain Bike Getaway

McDowell Mountain Singletrack Van Camp: Your Phoenix Mountain Biking Adventure

Experience the Sonoran Desert's Best on a Guided Arizona Singletrack Trip

Unleash your inner desert rider on Western Spirit's McDowell Mountain Singletrack Van Camp, an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night mountain biking adventure. 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 and adventurous travelers who love to cycle but 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, from shuttling you to the best trails to preparing delicious, gourmet meals. It's the ultimate Arizona singletrack adventure designed for comfort and maximum ride time.

Van Camp Convenience: Ride More, Worry Less

Our Van Camp bike tour Arizona offers a unique blend of freedom and support. Bring your own comfortable sleeping setup (van or camper), and we'll take care of everything else. Our expert guides will shuttle you to and from trailheads, prepare all your meals, and ensure your camp experience is as relaxing as your ride is thrilling. You get to focus entirely on the joy of riding the desert's premier singletrack.

You'll spend your days exploring the renowned McDowell Mountain Regional Park biking trails and the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve cycling network. These trails are celebrated for their diverse terrain, from fast-rolling sections to moderate climbs and fun descents, offering something for every intermediate rider looking to push their limits and hone their skills.

Why Western Spirit for Your McDowell Mountain Adventure?

With over 30 years as leaders in supported Arizona mountain biking, Western Spirit offers an unparalleled blend of expertise, convenience, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

  • Expert Guides Providing Seamless Adventures: Our professional guides are more than just route finders; they are your personal chefs, mechanics, and desert naturalists. They manage all aspects of the tour, from delicious meal preparation to full bike support and detailed local insights, ensuring your adventure is safe, smooth, and incredibly rewarding.
  • Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Expeditions: This all-inclusive mountain bike tour removes all planning stress. We provide gourmet meals, ample snacks and drinks, and all communal camp gear (excluding your personal van/camper setup, tent, sleeping bag, and pad). Our support vehicles offer convenient shuttles, allowing you to maximize your ride time and minimize logistics.
  • Unique Van Camp Experience: Our van camp setup provides the perfect blend of outdoor immersion and personal comfort. It allows for flexible trail access and a unique way to experience the desert, especially in the cooler months, while still enjoying Western Spirit's signature support.
  • Unrivaled Trail Access & Expertise: Our decades of experience mean we know the best trails and how to navigate them safely and enjoyably. We provide access to premier riding areas like the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve, ensuring a top-tier Arizona singletrack adventure.
  • Decades of Proven Experience & Reliability: Operating since 1990, Western Spirit has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, safe, and memorable cycling tours. Our expertise ensures a trusted and truly exceptional experience, as countless positive Western Spirit McDowell reviews attest.

Riding: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.

Camping: We will be in an established campgrounds, no plugins, but paved parking spots and picnic tables at each site.

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

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Phoenix, AZ
Your trip will meet at 10am at the visitor center at McDowell Mtn Preserve - or nearby grocery store outside preserve, list address regardless.

ENDING TIME

We will wrap up with lunch the final day between 1:00-2:00 pm.

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: 

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 Van Camp

PRICE | $1,545 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

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

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

~ Christl
“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

“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

“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

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

“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

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

~ Jason

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

~ David