Roamer: The Best Mountain Biking in Sedona, AZ

August 2025 | Sedona, AZ

Proudly explored, loved and recommended by Thunder Mountain Bikes in Sedona, AZ

August 2025 | Sedona, AZ

Proudly explored, loved and recommended by Thunder Mountain Bikes in Sedona, AZ

Mountain Bike Riding In Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a mountain biker's dream destination. The riding is pretty much year round, and there are over 250 miles of MTB friendly trails! Add that to sustainably sourced coffee and authentic tacos, and you’ve created the perfect MTB vacation.

When you head to Sedona, Arizona, get ready for red rock trails, scenic views, and long rides. The summer months get hot, but the desert nights are cool and reward those who get up early to go riding. Fall and Spring are the peak riding seasons in Sedona, the days are warm and sunny and the trails are coated with blooming wildflowers in the spring and changing foliage in the fall. This also means that those are peak travel times and there will be a bit more traffic on the trails. Winter is cooler, and occasionally a few inches of snow will fall, but if anything, the precipitation makes the trails even better. If you want a more detailed breakdown of the best times to visit and ride, check out Sedona Mountain Bike Academy.

“To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station.”

Thanks to Thunder Mountain Bikes for the inside scoop on everything Sedona!

Must-eats in Sedona: To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station. Featuring a wide selection of the world's best sustainably sourced coffee varieties that are hand roasted weekly in Sedona. For breakfast, the best spot in town is Biff’s Bagels Bagelmobile (conveniently located in the Thunder Mountain Bikes parking lot) for baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and all sorts of lunch sandwiches.

If you are looking for tacos, you can’t miss Tortas de Fuego, another favorite stop just steps out of the Thunder Mountain doors. It’s the best post-ride refuel stop with authentic tacos, quesadillas, and more traditional Mexican eats.

Wondering what to do on your rest day? No problem, you can check out the Slide Rock State Park for a natural waterslide 80 feet long. For wine connoisseurs, Sedona Wine Adventures can take you on a tour of all the up and coming vineyards in the area. For even more off bike suggestions, you can always talk to our friends at Thunder Mountain Bikes - they know Sedona like the back of their hand from the best riding to the best fly fishing spots.

If you are looking to spend the night, Sedona has a place for everyone (and all their bikes). Thunder Mountain said it best when the compiled this selection of the best bike-friendly lodging options: Bike Friendly Lodging in Sedona.

Now - onto the most important part. The riding.

Thanks to Thunder Mountain Bikes for the inside scoop on everything Sedona!

Must-eats in Sedona: To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station. Featuring a wide selection of the world's best sustainably sourced coffee varieties that are hand roasted weekly in Sedona. For breakfast, the best spot in town is Biff’s Bagels Bagelmobile (conveniently located in the Thunder Mountain Bikes parking lot) for baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and all sorts of lunch sandwiches.

If you are looking for tacos, you can’t miss Tortas de Fuego, another favorite stop just steps out of the Thunder Mountain doors. It’s the best post-ride refuel stop with authentic tacos, quesadillas, and more traditional Mexican eats.

Wondering what to do on your rest day? No problem, you can check out the Slide Rock State Park for a natural waterslide 80 feet long. For wine connoisseurs, Sedona Wine Adventures can take you on a tour of all the up and coming vineyards in the area. For even more off bike suggestions, you can always talk to our friends at Thunder Mountain Bikes - they know Sedona like the back of their hand from the best riding to the best fly fishing spots.

If you are looking to spend the night, Sedona has a place for everyone (and all their bikes). Thunder Mountain said it best when the compiled this selection of the best bike-friendly lodging options: Bike Friendly Lodging in Sedona.

Now - onto the most important part. The riding.

The Rides:

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

15 mi / +1,500 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: This true Sedona intermediate route packs a grab-bag of rolling terrain, swoopy singletrack, lots of fast flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest.

Chuck Wagon is arguably Sedona’s truest flow trail, scrambling up and down high-desert ridges on red dirt that can be so grippy it buzzes under your tires. With quick, arced turns and mostly smooth surfaces, Chuck Wagon will put you in that flow state. But be aware: numerous tight tree sections, sudden corners, and quick arroyo crossings will get your attention.

Next up is Mescal Mountain, considered one of the seven “vortexes” in Sedona (places where the energy at a location interacts with the energy of every visitor) . Mescal is one of Sedona’s most distinctive trails, as it traces a mostly flat profile along a broad sandstone bench with a massive perspective out over a juniper-studded basin. It can feel as if you’re in a red rock amphitheater. Rocky corners and slabby friction moves punctuate long stretches of flowing singletrack. A couple of well-marked variants offer truly tough and committing alternatives. (If you want to branch off for something even wilder, duck out onto Canyon of Fools, a tight and sinuous descent down a rocky wash that feels like riding the inside of an esophagus)

Aerie gets you back on track with smoother trails and a quick, flowy pace. It’s cross-country terrain from here on out as you navigate the views, turns, and trail signage back to the start.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

15 mi / +1,500 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: This true Sedona intermediate route packs a grab-bag of rolling terrain, swoopy singletrack, lots of fast flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest.

Chuck Wagon is arguably Sedona’s truest flow trail, scrambling up and down high-desert ridges on red dirt that can be so grippy it buzzes under your tires. With quick, arced turns and mostly smooth surfaces, Chuck Wagon will put you in that flow state. But be aware: numerous tight tree sections, sudden corners, and quick arroyo crossings will get your attention.

Next up is Mescal Mountain, considered one of the seven “vortexes” in Sedona (places where the energy at a location interacts with the energy of every visitor) . Mescal is one of Sedona’s most distinctive trails, as it traces a mostly flat profile along a broad sandstone bench with a massive perspective out over a juniper-studded basin. It can feel as if you’re in a red rock amphitheater. Rocky corners and slabby friction moves punctuate long stretches of flowing singletrack. A couple of well-marked variants offer truly tough and committing alternatives. (If you want to branch off for something even wilder, duck out onto Canyon of Fools, a tight and sinuous descent down a rocky wash that feels like riding the inside of an esophagus)

Aerie gets you back on track with smoother trails and a quick, flowy pace. It’s cross-country terrain from here on out as you navigate the views, turns, and trail signage back to the start.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

15 mi / +1,500 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: This true Sedona intermediate route packs a grab-bag of rolling terrain, swoopy singletrack, lots of fast flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest.

Chuck Wagon is arguably Sedona’s truest flow trail, scrambling up and down high-desert ridges on red dirt that can be so grippy it buzzes under your tires. With quick, arced turns and mostly smooth surfaces, Chuck Wagon will put you in that flow state. But be aware: numerous tight tree sections, sudden corners, and quick arroyo crossings will get your attention.

Next up is Mescal Mountain, considered one of the seven “vortexes” in Sedona (places where the energy at a location interacts with the energy of every visitor) . Mescal is one of Sedona’s most distinctive trails, as it traces a mostly flat profile along a broad sandstone bench with a massive perspective out over a juniper-studded basin. It can feel as if you’re in a red rock amphitheater. Rocky corners and slabby friction moves punctuate long stretches of flowing singletrack. A couple of well-marked variants offer truly tough and committing alternatives. (If you want to branch off for something even wilder, duck out onto Canyon of Fools, a tight and sinuous descent down a rocky wash that feels like riding the inside of an esophagus)

Aerie gets you back on track with smoother trails and a quick, flowy pace. It’s cross-country terrain from here on out as you navigate the views, turns, and trail signage back to the start.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

15 mi / +1,500 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: This true Sedona intermediate route packs a grab-bag of rolling terrain, swoopy singletrack, lots of fast flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest.

Chuck Wagon is arguably Sedona’s truest flow trail, scrambling up and down high-desert ridges on red dirt that can be so grippy it buzzes under your tires. With quick, arced turns and mostly smooth surfaces, Chuck Wagon will put you in that flow state. But be aware: numerous tight tree sections, sudden corners, and quick arroyo crossings will get your attention.

Next up is Mescal Mountain, considered one of the seven “vortexes” in Sedona (places where the energy at a location interacts with the energy of every visitor) . Mescal is one of Sedona’s most distinctive trails, as it traces a mostly flat profile along a broad sandstone bench with a massive perspective out over a juniper-studded basin. It can feel as if you’re in a red rock amphitheater. Rocky corners and slabby friction moves punctuate long stretches of flowing singletrack. A couple of well-marked variants offer truly tough and committing alternatives. (If you want to branch off for something even wilder, duck out onto Canyon of Fools, a tight and sinuous descent down a rocky wash that feels like riding the inside of an esophagus)

Aerie gets you back on track with smoother trails and a quick, flowy pace. It’s cross-country terrain from here on out as you navigate the views, turns, and trail signage back to the start.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

15 mi / +1,500 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: This true Sedona intermediate route packs a grab-bag of rolling terrain, swoopy singletrack, lots of fast flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest.

Chuck Wagon is arguably Sedona’s truest flow trail, scrambling up and down high-desert ridges on red dirt that can be so grippy it buzzes under your tires. With quick, arced turns and mostly smooth surfaces, Chuck Wagon will put you in that flow state. But be aware: numerous tight tree sections, sudden corners, and quick arroyo crossings will get your attention.

Next up is Mescal Mountain, considered one of the seven “vortexes” in Sedona (places where the energy at a location interacts with the energy of every visitor) . Mescal is one of Sedona’s most distinctive trails, as it traces a mostly flat profile along a broad sandstone bench with a massive perspective out over a juniper-studded basin. It can feel as if you’re in a red rock amphitheater. Rocky corners and slabby friction moves punctuate long stretches of flowing singletrack. A couple of well-marked variants offer truly tough and committing alternatives. (If you want to branch off for something even wilder, duck out onto Canyon of Fools, a tight and sinuous descent down a rocky wash that feels like riding the inside of an esophagus)

Aerie gets you back on track with smoother trails and a quick, flowy pace. It’s cross-country terrain from here on out as you navigate the views, turns, and trail signage back to the start.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

15 mi / +1,500 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: This true Sedona intermediate route packs a grab-bag of rolling terrain, swoopy singletrack, lots of fast flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest.

Chuck Wagon is arguably Sedona’s truest flow trail, scrambling up and down high-desert ridges on red dirt that can be so grippy it buzzes under your tires. With quick, arced turns and mostly smooth surfaces, Chuck Wagon will put you in that flow state. But be aware: numerous tight tree sections, sudden corners, and quick arroyo crossings will get your attention.

Next up is Mescal Mountain, considered one of the seven “vortexes” in Sedona (places where the energy at a location interacts with the energy of every visitor) . Mescal is one of Sedona’s most distinctive trails, as it traces a mostly flat profile along a broad sandstone bench with a massive perspective out over a juniper-studded basin. It can feel as if you’re in a red rock amphitheater. Rocky corners and slabby friction moves punctuate long stretches of flowing singletrack. A couple of well-marked variants offer truly tough and committing alternatives. (If you want to branch off for something even wilder, duck out onto Canyon of Fools, a tight and sinuous descent down a rocky wash that feels like riding the inside of an esophagus)

Aerie gets you back on track with smoother trails and a quick, flowy pace. It’s cross-country terrain from here on out as you navigate the views, turns, and trail signage back to the start.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

10 mi / +1,000 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: There are a few black diamond moves along this route, but overall this is an intermediate ride. We recommend parking at the Little Horse trailhead, as this is closer to Sedona proper. Begin on Little Horse with a few challenging uphills, which are short and easy to walk if needed, before turning right onto the flowy Llama.

Eventually, you'll work your way over to the northern end of Slim Shady and Templeton trails. Slim Shady is a rambunctious classic: nothing but good times while it’s on, followed by slight melancholy once it’s over. Painstakingly constructed with slickrock wall rides, bermed corners, and stacked-rock roll-ins, it’s engaging but still approachable. For maximum fun, you can repeat the northern Slim Shady descent by climbing back up Templeton to Hermit and Coconino for another “hot lap” - it’s a ripper when you know what’s coming.

Traverse Templeton on tablets of slickrock, with Cathedral Rock looming above. Just before the Cathedral hiking trail—and the swarms of hikers on it—hang a right on Easy Breezy. Despite the name, don’t take this one lightly. A wide, slickrock descent leads down a wash, with several three to four-foot drops to flat landings (all have ride arounds), then continue through a rocky creek bed. Make a left on HT, which winds under Hwy. 179 and connects back to the Little Horse parking.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

10 mi / +1,000 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: There are a few black diamond moves along this route, but overall this is an intermediate ride. We recommend parking at the Little Horse trailhead, as this is closer to Sedona proper. Begin on Little Horse with a few challenging uphills, which are short and easy to walk if needed, before turning right onto the flowy Llama.

Eventually, you'll work your way over to the northern end of Slim Shady and Templeton trails. Slim Shady is a rambunctious classic: nothing but good times while it’s on, followed by slight melancholy once it’s over. Painstakingly constructed with slickrock wall rides, bermed corners, and stacked-rock roll-ins, it’s engaging but still approachable. For maximum fun, you can repeat the northern Slim Shady descent by climbing back up Templeton to Hermit and Coconino for another “hot lap” - it’s a ripper when you know what’s coming.

Traverse Templeton on tablets of slickrock, with Cathedral Rock looming above. Just before the Cathedral hiking trail—and the swarms of hikers on it—hang a right on Easy Breezy. Despite the name, don’t take this one lightly. A wide, slickrock descent leads down a wash, with several three to four-foot drops to flat landings (all have ride arounds), then continue through a rocky creek bed. Make a left on HT, which winds under Hwy. 179 and connects back to the Little Horse parking.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

10 mi / +1,000 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: There are a few black diamond moves along this route, but overall this is an intermediate ride. We recommend parking at the Little Horse trailhead, as this is closer to Sedona proper. Begin on Little Horse with a few challenging uphills, which are short and easy to walk if needed, before turning right onto the flowy Llama.

Eventually, you'll work your way over to the northern end of Slim Shady and Templeton trails. Slim Shady is a rambunctious classic: nothing but good times while it’s on, followed by slight melancholy once it’s over. Painstakingly constructed with slickrock wall rides, bermed corners, and stacked-rock roll-ins, it’s engaging but still approachable. For maximum fun, you can repeat the northern Slim Shady descent by climbing back up Templeton to Hermit and Coconino for another “hot lap” - it’s a ripper when you know what’s coming.

Traverse Templeton on tablets of slickrock, with Cathedral Rock looming above. Just before the Cathedral hiking trail—and the swarms of hikers on it—hang a right on Easy Breezy. Despite the name, don’t take this one lightly. A wide, slickrock descent leads down a wash, with several three to four-foot drops to flat landings (all have ride arounds), then continue through a rocky creek bed. Make a left on HT, which winds under Hwy. 179 and connects back to the Little Horse parking.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

10 mi / +1,000 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: There are a few black diamond moves along this route, but overall this is an intermediate ride. We recommend parking at the Little Horse trailhead, as this is closer to Sedona proper. Begin on Little Horse with a few challenging uphills, which are short and easy to walk if needed, before turning right onto the flowy Llama.

Eventually, you'll work your way over to the northern end of Slim Shady and Templeton trails. Slim Shady is a rambunctious classic: nothing but good times while it’s on, followed by slight melancholy once it’s over. Painstakingly constructed with slickrock wall rides, bermed corners, and stacked-rock roll-ins, it’s engaging but still approachable. For maximum fun, you can repeat the northern Slim Shady descent by climbing back up Templeton to Hermit and Coconino for another “hot lap” - it’s a ripper when you know what’s coming.

Traverse Templeton on tablets of slickrock, with Cathedral Rock looming above. Just before the Cathedral hiking trail—and the swarms of hikers on it—hang a right on Easy Breezy. Despite the name, don’t take this one lightly. A wide, slickrock descent leads down a wash, with several three to four-foot drops to flat landings (all have ride arounds), then continue through a rocky creek bed. Make a left on HT, which winds under Hwy. 179 and connects back to the Little Horse parking.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

10 mi / +1,000 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: There are a few black diamond moves along this route, but overall this is an intermediate ride. We recommend parking at the Little Horse trailhead, as this is closer to Sedona proper. Begin on Little Horse with a few challenging uphills, which are short and easy to walk if needed, before turning right onto the flowy Llama.

Eventually, you'll work your way over to the northern end of Slim Shady and Templeton trails. Slim Shady is a rambunctious classic: nothing but good times while it’s on, followed by slight melancholy once it’s over. Painstakingly constructed with slickrock wall rides, bermed corners, and stacked-rock roll-ins, it’s engaging but still approachable. For maximum fun, you can repeat the northern Slim Shady descent by climbing back up Templeton to Hermit and Coconino for another “hot lap” - it’s a ripper when you know what’s coming.

Traverse Templeton on tablets of slickrock, with Cathedral Rock looming above. Just before the Cathedral hiking trail—and the swarms of hikers on it—hang a right on Easy Breezy. Despite the name, don’t take this one lightly. A wide, slickrock descent leads down a wash, with several three to four-foot drops to flat landings (all have ride arounds), then continue through a rocky creek bed. Make a left on HT, which winds under Hwy. 179 and connects back to the Little Horse parking.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

10 mi / +1,000 ft

Ride info from Thunder Mountain: There are a few black diamond moves along this route, but overall this is an intermediate ride. We recommend parking at the Little Horse trailhead, as this is closer to Sedona proper. Begin on Little Horse with a few challenging uphills, which are short and easy to walk if needed, before turning right onto the flowy Llama.

Eventually, you'll work your way over to the northern end of Slim Shady and Templeton trails. Slim Shady is a rambunctious classic: nothing but good times while it’s on, followed by slight melancholy once it’s over. Painstakingly constructed with slickrock wall rides, bermed corners, and stacked-rock roll-ins, it’s engaging but still approachable. For maximum fun, you can repeat the northern Slim Shady descent by climbing back up Templeton to Hermit and Coconino for another “hot lap” - it’s a ripper when you know what’s coming.

Traverse Templeton on tablets of slickrock, with Cathedral Rock looming above. Just before the Cathedral hiking trail—and the swarms of hikers on it—hang a right on Easy Breezy. Despite the name, don’t take this one lightly. A wide, slickrock descent leads down a wash, with several three to four-foot drops to flat landings (all have ride arounds), then continue through a rocky creek bed. Make a left on HT, which winds under Hwy. 179 and connects back to the Little Horse parking.

Download: Strava - Trailforks

Until the next time [ride] ...

Well, while writing this, somehow my bike got packed up into its travel box and now I have a plane ticket to Sedona? And I'm seeing a booking confirmation for a wine tour and the rides are already downloaded onto my Garmin? Sedona, consider me eager to visit as soon as I can!

Cheers - The Bivo Crew

Until the next time [ride] ...

Well, while writing this, somehow my bike got packed up into its travel box and now I have a plane ticket to Sedona? And I'm seeing a booking confirmation for a wine tour and the rides are already downloaded onto my Garmin? Sedona, consider me eager to visit as soon as I can!

Cheers - The Bivo Crew

Roamer by Bivo was built for the love of the ride and fueling more partnerships with our communities across the world. Thanks so much for being here.

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The Best Mountain Bike Rides In Sedona, AZ

Mountain Bike Riding In Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a mountain biker's dream destination. The riding is pretty much year round, and there are over 250 miles of MTB friendly trails! Add that to sustainably sourced coffee and authentic tacos, and you’ve created the perfect MTB vacation.

Sedona is a mountain biker's dream destination. The riding is pretty much year round, and there are over 250 miles of MTB friendly trails! Add that to sustainably sourced coffee and authentic tacos, and you’ve created the perfect MTB vacation.

“To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station.”

“To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station.”

The Rides:

Ride 1: Dry Creek

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 1: Dry Creek

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 1: Dry Creek

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Until the next time [ride] ...

Until the next time [ride] ...

Search

The Best Mountain Bike Rides In Sedona, AZ

Mountain Bike Riding In Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a mountain biker's dream destination. The riding is pretty much year round, and there are over 250 miles of MTB friendly trails! Add that to sustainably sourced coffee and authentic tacos, and you’ve created the perfect MTB vacation.

Sedona is a mountain biker's dream destination. The riding is pretty much year round, and there are over 250 miles of MTB friendly trails! Add that to sustainably sourced coffee and authentic tacos, and you’ve created the perfect MTB vacation.

“To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station.”

“To start the day off, head to FreeForm Coffee Roasters, the best local caffeination station.”

The Rides:

Ride 1: Dry Creek

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 1: Dry Creek

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 1: Dry Creek

Ride 1: Dry Creek

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

West Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

Ride 2: Llama, Slim Shady, Easy Breezy

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

South Sedona, AZ // Mountain Bike

Until the next time [ride] ...

Until the next time [ride] ...

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