Phoenix — North Phoenix is home to the beautiful Sonoran Preserve.
“Sonoran Preserve is a fairly new area with about 13,500 acres and that’s about half of our total acreage for the City of Phoenix’s preserves," said Mark Sirota, City of Phoenix Park Ranger.
The scenery is simply breathtaking.
“When we look into the east, it is just a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise, the gates open at 5:00 a.m," said Sirota.
At Apache Wash Trailhead, the numerous trails are mixed-use.
“It’s hikers, it’s bikes and a few equestrians," said Sirota.
Mountain bikers especially love the unique trails.
“It’s my stress relief when I’m so harried and I can’t be productive, I get on my bike and go for a ride," said Lorraine Montuori, Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association.
“There are beginner trails over here to the east and more expert trails here if you want to do some climbing," said Montuori.
“The most important thing with mountain biking, your front wheel goes where you are looking, you have to know your brake systems and you have to have situational awareness, so you don’t hit a rock or a rattlesnake," said Tommy Collins, certified mountain biking instructor and trail guide with Wild Bunch Desert Guides.
You'll find so many groups in the North Phoenix region that you can join.
Peggy Hughes is the founder of North Phoenix Dirt Ladies which leads social group rides for all levels of riders. Find out more information at www.facebook.com/NorthPhoenixDirtLadiesMountainBiking.
Amy Regan is the owner of AZ Mountain Biking and holds riding clinics, bike rentals and guided tours. Find more information at www.azmtnbiking.com.
The burn of the calves, the wind in your face, the sights and sounds of the desert and the comradery of fellow mountain bikers, the Sonoran Preserve is a great place in North Phoenix to unwind and hit the trails.