July 21, 2022

Tips for Mountain Biking in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, AZ is home to world-famous red rock scenery that every year draws thousands of tourists, artists, photographers to its breath-taking sandstone colors and tranquil atmosphere. One activity many people come to the area for is the mountain biking. Sedona has hundreds of miles of bicycle trails. Some of the trails are long for the big time outdoors/camping enthusiast, and some are smaller for the people who wish to ride out for a few hours. I’ve been bicycling in the area and I wish to offer some tips that might help you have a more fulfilling time in the Red Rock country.

Tire Slime is a Must!

Barry Stevens offers this advice on his website as well, which I will link at the bottom. “Cactus is everywhere! Flats can and frequently do happen.” Barry also states that “If you have slimed your bicycle tires the bike shop guides will often wait and help you fix it.” If you have not slimed your tires and you get a flat there’s not too much you can do with the tire. Make sure you have some tire slime handy for the trip as well.

Bring an Extra Hand Pump in Case of a Flat

It does not have to be anything fancy or huge, but bringing a manual pump for re-inflating tires with slow leaks is sensible. You can store it in your backpack as you ride. They are often available in the bike shops but they are also available at most local retail stores in the recreation aisles.

Pick up a free map from the bicycle rental store

This goes without saying. Even the seasoned local mountain bikers keep their map handy in case they do take a wrong turn. You can pick up a free trail map from any bicycle rental store. However Cosmic Ray’s Fat Tire Tales and Trails Mountain guide book to Arizona is regarded as one of the best guidebooks you can have not only for Sedona but the entire state, according to the Active.com article on Sedona mountain biking.

Bring Plenty of Water

This is especially true during the summer months, when the temperature can get into the hundreds. The best time they say to go are in the Spring and Fall when the temperatures are moderate, but even then bring plenty of water. You will be exerting yourself in a very dry environment and sweating is a certainty. Bring enough water for yourself and more in case someone else in your group runs out.

Sandstone is Fragile and Desert Plant Life is Abundant

Wear protective equipment when biking the backcountry of Sedona. Even the most experienced riders fall down after rolling over a piece of sandstone that breaks away from underneath them. Plan accordingly by wearing helmets and knee/elbow protection. Barry Stevens says on his tips page that “Shin armor will keep the cactus and abrasive conifer trees from scratching your legs.”

Avoid Dangerous Wildlife

According to the Gateway to Sedona Wildlife website, “Mountain Lions and Bobcats do make their home in the Coconino National Forest.” If you do encounter these large cats chances are they will be more scared of you than you are of them, but keep your eyes open and if you do see one or more, try to make loud noises to scare them away. Javelina are also in the area but they will run from you unless they are cornered or you threaten their young, which you should never do. The same thing goes for Coyotes. Poisonous insect such as Scorpions, as well as snakes and lizards live in the backcountry. Keep an eye out for these, especially if you are camping and you leave your shoes outside. You should keep them in the tent with you so critters cannot crawl in overnight. The birds are what many people like to photograph, and the flora of the area is pretty during the non-winter months. Keep an eye out for Deer and Elk as well.

Vortexes

These strange phenomena have yet to my knowledge been fully scientifically explained. However, I have seen these with my own eyes and they are interesting localized areas of some form of spiraling energy. A lot of spiritualism ranging from Native American beliefs to the enduring rebellious culture of the 1960’s revolves around the vortexes in the area. Many people believe this is an emotional energy coming up through the Earth. They are strange places where juniper trees twist themselves into odd growth patterns and people suddenly (and temporarily) change their height from taller to shorter and vice versa. It can’t be fully described, it has to be experienced. My advice is to visit a vortex site during your bicycling trip. They have never been harmful in any way that I have ever heard about. In fact most people find them spiritually uplifting.

Most of All; Have Fun!

You will be amongst the pine trees, the birds, and the fresh air, take your time and enjoy yourself. If you are not sure of yourself sign up for one of the guided trips offered by the bike shops, or see if you can get in with a group. It is recommended that you go with a group in case something happens, and that way you can have a good time with people you know or perhaps make some new friends in the group. Stop and take pictures, avoid the wildlife, bring water, a map and repair supplies, slime your tires, and enjoy the ride. Consult with local bike shops for any hazardous conditions such as flash floods, and whatever else they/you think you might need.