McDowell Mountain Singletrack Van Camp

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 4-Days
SEASON | February – March & October – November
PRICE | $1,695 pp

Experience the ultimate McDowell Mountain van camp mountain bike tour, featuring four days of fast, flowing singletrack through the iconic, saguaro-studded landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. This fully supported Arizona mountain bike adventure allows you to bring your own van or camper while we handle all the gourmet meals and logistics, maximizing your ride time on the  Phoenix area’s premier desert trails.

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

Day 1: Phoenix Arrival & McDowell Mountain Park Warm-Up

  • 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.
  • Approx. 5–12 miles riding

Day 2: Competitive Track & Diverse Loops

  • 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.
  • Approx. 10–24 miles riding

Day 3: McDowell Sonoran Preserve & Premier Singletrack

  • 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.
  • Approx. 8–25 miles riding

Day 4: Last Laps & Farewell 

  • 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.
  • Approx. 5–10 miles riding

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.

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 .

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

RIDING TYPE |■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 4-Days

SEASON | February - March & October - November

McDowell Mountain Bike Getaway

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.

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
  • 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 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 page, FAQ page,  what to bring 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 | $1,695 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.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“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 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

“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

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

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

~ Jason

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 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

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

~ Paul
“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

“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

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

~ David

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

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

~ Christl

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