Tour
Total tour distance: 84 miles
Daily tour distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: 50 / 100
Description
Comparable to Southern Utah (with less sand and way easier to travel!), Sedona is a red rock playground of slickrock, hard packed silt and ledge filled rides. Even better, this all takes place beneath soaring sandstone cliffs and an azure blue sky. Well known by sightseers and new age spiritualists, Sedona is also home to some of the best mountain biking in the country. After a stop near Lake Powell, your trip takes you to the North Rim of Grand Canyon where you will sail through Aspen groves and carve turns right on the rim! A stop in the mountain town of Flagstaff tops off a week of Arizona’s best high elevation singletrack.
Available May 15-October 15. This program is a SELF GUIDED and is available in Summer only or according to park open dates for the North Rim. We also offer a Sedona adventure in winter time and can customize Sedona to any time of the year. This trip can also be made guided at any time.
ADD ONS: combine some road riding routes or Multisport adventures: combine hiking, kayaking, horse back riding, and so many other adventures! We can build you a perfect package!
About the riding: while this is a mountain biking trip, the riding can be almost entirely free of technical obstacles. Options for more technical rides exist. We encourage riders who have some mountain bike riding experience to join, but it isn't for someone with no mountain bike experience. As a mountain bike tour, we rate this moderate to challenging - there are options for most all levels.
Day 1: arrival - meet in Scottsdale at AOA-Pure offices
You arrive on your own and meet in Scottsdale at our AOA-Pure offices for bike set up, orientation, and bike carrier install. (arrive by own rental car). Test ride possible nearby before leaving to Sedona. Suggestions for stops along the way are included. Arrive Sedona, visit or go for a short walk at your leisure. Our lodging has been carefully selected in Oak Creek Village, well away from the tourists and T-shirt shops of uptown and right next to some of the area’s best trails. Lodging: Red Agave Studio Suite (Chalet Upgrades available)
Day 2: Sedona Rides - Moderate 12+ miles; 2-4 hours
After breakfast get ready to ride! You will be met by our local mountain bike guide who will go over the rides and answer any questions. We propose 2 rides today: For starters and as a warm up for more novice-intermediate riders we recommend the Big Park Loop. Accessed right across the street from our lodge, this short loop is a great introduction to Sedona riding complete with killer views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. After lunch we suggest exploring the ungulate trails: Little Horse and llama. Again, head just across the street and follow the route we outline for you going North to the beginning of singletrack bliss. Tonight we have you covered with suggestions for some of Sedona’s best post-ride dining experiences.
Lodging: Red Agave Studio Suite (Chalet Upgrades available)
Day 3: Sedona Rides - Moderate 19+ miles; 2-4 hours
This morning we head right out the back of the resort and follow the single track trail as it contours along an incredible slickrock bench at the base of stunning Cathedral Rock. After a steep downhill take a break and stack some rocks or take swim at Buddha Beach before completing the loop. Next up on the opposite side of the creek is the Carroll Canyon Trails with lots of ups, downs, and great views - don’t forget your camera. This evening head into Sedona’s uptown for some of the most distinctive shopping and dining experiences to be found in the Southwest. Galleries and unique shops live in harmony with the natural environment. It would be hard to find more beautiful surroundings anywhere to enjoy an evening on the town.
Lodging: Red Agave Studio Suite (Chalet Upgrades available)
Day 4: Lake Powell Rim Trail - Moderate 8 miles; 2 hours
Say goodbye to Sedona, but not the red rocks, and head northeast to the shores of Lake Powell. Here an evening loop ride on the rim trail is a can’t miss way to finish your day. Riding straight out of the hotel this winding, 8 mile ride takes in views of the Lake Powell, the Vermillion Cliffs, the Echo Cliffs, the Kaibab Plateau, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, the Kaparowitz Plateau, Navajo Mountain, LeChee' Rock, and the surrounding desert environment. Tonight you overnight in Page.
Lodging: Quality Inn Page (Upgrade to Best Western Lake View)
Day 5: North Rim Grand Canyon - Moderate 17 miles; 2-3 hours
After arriving at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon it is time to roll north onto the famed Rainbow Rim trail. The trail never exceeds more than a 9% grade and was carefully crafted for bikes with amazing flow. The trail connects a series of points that stick out into Grand Canyon by swooping up the side canyons and into the forest before returning to the rim. Tonight you will overnight in the rustic and cozy Kaibab Lodge Lodging: Kaibab Lodge
Note: Car Camping is available right on the rim of the Canyon and the trail. If you enjoy camping this can’t be beat and we offer full camping equipment rentals should you choose this option in lieu of the Kaibab Lodge.
Day 6: North Rim Grand Canyon - Moderate 19 miles; 3 hours
Today get ready to tackle the southern section of the Rainbow Rim trail. Revel in the experience of riding the only single track open to bikes at the Grand Canyon, plus don’t forget to keep your eyes on the trail and out of the abyss. This afternoon take advantage of the hiking in the National Park or simply grab a cold one on the front Porch of the North Rim Lodge where the view is unparalleled.
Lodging: Kaibab Lodge or camping if you choose.
Day 7: Flagstaff - Altitude riding, 9 miles, 2 hoursAfter a morning drive to Flagstaff, AZ it is time to cash in the altitude adaptation you have been building on the North Rim. Your ride today is on the shoulder of Arizona’s highest peaks (nearly 13,000 ft at the top) and a fire road climb leads you to some of the sweetest mountain singletrack you can imagine. Celebrate you final night at the historic Monte Vista in the heart of Flagstaff’s eclectic downtown scene.
Lodging: Monte Vista Hotel
Day 8: Departure
Travel Day. After breakfast in Flagstaff you are just 2 hours away from your bike drop and the Phoenix Airport.
What's Included
INCLUSIONS:
- Route Book and personal review with expert staff day 1 and 2
- 3 nights lodging at Red Agave Resort – double occupancy
- 2 nights lodging at Kaibab Lodge– double occupancy
- 1 Night lodging at the Quality Inn Page
- 1 night lodging at Hotel Monte Vista
- Rental Mountain Bike and emergency repair kit– Giant Revel or equivalent
- Gloves, helmet and specific pedals when requested
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to and from Phoenix
- Airport transfers
- Park Entry fees and Red Rock Pass
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations
- Optional gratuities to Pure Adventures staff
- Transportation
- Personal insurance and expenses
OPTIONAL UPGRADES:
- Guide Services - on request, this can be a fully guided or partially guided trip; our guides are professional Wilderness First Responder certified
- High performance bike upgrade: Giant Anthem and Trek Superfly AL 100 ($125-175 per bike)
Lodging
Accommodations: charming hotels in each location with intimate settings and incredible views. All lodgings include private bath and a variety of other amenities. Hotels include:
- Red Agave Resort
- Page Quality Inn or Best Western Night
- Kaibab Lodge
- Hotel Monte Vista