Biking in Flagstaff Arizona: The Complete Guide
Whether you live in Flagstaff or are just visiting, biking is a fantastic way to explore the city and explore the terrain. With over 117 miles of bike lanes in Flagstaff and 400 bike parking locations in the city alone, it's clear that this city loves to bike! Whether you prefer mountain adventures or quiet city roads, there's something for everyone. In this guide, we'll lay out everything you need to know about biking in Flagstaff, Arizona, including bike rentals, bike trails, safety tips for cyclists, and much more!
Bike Rentals In Flagstaff
Before starting on your biking adventure in Flagstaff, you'll need a bike! Thankfully, there are tons of places around town where you can rent a bike. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Comic Cycles: This locally-owned business offers everything from basic bikes to high-end mountain bikes for sale or rent. They also provide repairs and service on all kinds of bicycles, so if your gear is having issues, they're here to help. Premium Mountain Bikes start at $100 for a full-day rental, while Fat Bikes will only cost $65 to rent for the day. Make sure to call and reserve the bikes you need before your next trip!
- Flagstaff Absolute Bikes: If basic mountain bikes are more your speed, this bike shop might be what you're looking for. With a wide selection of road and mountain bikes available to rent by the day or week, this bike rental location is sure to have the perfect match at affordable rates. Daily rentals range from $39 to $90, depending on the type of bike you're looking to rent.
- Phat Ride Electric Bikes: This Flagstaff bike shop offers one-of-a-kind electric bikes that are perfect for mountain biking or cruising around town. With various models available to rent, you're sure to find the e-bike that fits your needs and style at this bike rental location. Rentals start out as low as $25 for a one-hour rental to $110 for a 1-day rental.
Top Biking Trails In Flagstaff
Once you've got your gear, it's time to choose a bike path! While there are hundreds of trails for biking in Flagstaff, we've narrowed down a few of the top trails you'll want to check out on your next trip!
- Flagstaff Urban Trails System
The Urban Trails System is a great place to start if you're new to biking in Flagstaff. These easy trails are perfect for families and those who prefer less strenuous activity or want an easy way to travel around on a bike safely. With more than 25 different trail segments, you can customize your biking trip to what you want to see, whether that includes forests and meadows or downtown Flagstaff.
- Campbell Mesa Trail
The Campbell Mesa trail is a great beginner ride through various elevations. With a total of 10.2 miles, you can expect a few roller coaster hills as you make your way through this trail. However, the views of the surrounding mountains and trees are stunning, making it a perfect ride to take along with friends or family. If you're a beginner at trails, this is a great ride to try.
- Dry Lakes Hills Trails
If you want incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks, you'll want to try out the Dry Lakes Hills trails. With a varied terrain ranging from flat dirt roads to steep uphills, this ride has something for every level of biking experience. You can expect an elevation gain of about 800 feet on your way through these hills, so make sure you bring lots of water! Due to the weather, it's best to ride this trail between April and November.
- Snowbowl Road Trail
If you're looking for something more advanced, we recommend the Snowbowl Road Trail. With more than 9,300 feet elevation through beautiful forest on this six-mile ride, you're sure to get a good workout in on your bike. This trail is rugged and steep, but the views are worth it! You won't want to miss this ride if you're an experienced biker who loves rustic trails with challenging climbs.
- Schultz Pass Loop
The Schultz Pass loop is another great trail for those looking to get a little more of an intense workout. With nearly 11 miles and about 1000 feet elevation gain, this ride is perfect if you're training for something bigger or want a challenging route with gorgeous views! This trail has some fairly tricky inclines, so be prepared to work hard on your bike. However, the views and the tranquility of the surrounding forest are relaxing, making it an excellent outing for moderate bikers.
Arizona Biking Trails Safety Tips
Whether you're a biking pro or just getting started, it's essential to take precautions and follow the rules of the road. It only takes one accident for things to go wrong, so we've compiled some tips that will ensure your bike trip is as safe as possible!
- Ride on open trails: If you stick to riding in designated areas such as city streets or popular mountain biking trails, there are fewer risks involved with accidents due to uneven terrain.
- Stay alert at all times: Pay attention while out on your ride - not listening can lead you into dangerous situations like traffic or wildlife encounters.
- Make sure your bike fits properly: A good fitting bike means maximum comfort and control over how far and fast you travel each.
- Wear safety equipment: Wearing a proper bike helmet and pads, knee and elbow guards will reduce your chances of injury in case you do have an accident on the road.
Conclusion
There are endless biking trails to explore when you're visiting Flagstaff! It can be hard to know where to start with so many options available, but these must-see routes will get you started riding with ease. From easy family rides through beautiful forest views or strenuous climbs up rustic hills, there's something here for everyone!
Be sure not to forget about safety precautions while out on the trail - accidents happen quickly if we aren't prepared! Follow our advice and enjoy yourself without any worries as you take advantage of this city's gorgeous scenery from two wheels instead of four.