4.9 miles
Distance
988 ft
Climb
-988 ft
Descent
1,844 ft
High Point
-1 ft
Altitude change
1,372 ft
Altitude min
1,391 ft
Altitude start
1,391 ft
Altitude end
-34.5%
Grade max
39.9%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
1,499 ft
Distance flat

The start of Cholla has a series of rock steps straight off of Coach Whip... if you walk most or all of this short section, turn back now. You will hate this loop.

For those who survived the squirrel catcher... another 3/4 mi climb on rocky technical trail, the worst bits are at the switchbacks, catch your breath on easy sections in between. The tech difficulty level eases up the higher you go (even has a few short steep smooth slabs near the top that are super fun to roll up).

Cholla descent starts techy, has one really gnarly (but short) section of spikes/wheel catchers before a long section of janky but fun white slab and another mile plus of flow after.

Head up Coachwhip to the bridge (loose, kinda sucks, not too exciting, but not too long). Once across the bridge, can rest at the ramadas, or jump straight into Arrowhead (from the ramada head south, take left fork).

Ok, hang in there at this point, Arrowhead Pt climb is very loose, pretty pedally and doable but sliding out and losing traction gets annoying after awhile. Make it to the flagpole at the top and prep for an awesome descent

The grand finale... big steps/rock gardens/jank, but more solid/more predictable than the climb. Take this for a slow (partly due to hikers) steep tech but endorphin filled ride all the way down to the flat finish to the parking lot.

Detailed Description
TBird Tech Fest is a 5 mile popular expert route located near Glendale Arizona. This mountain bike primary route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 988 ft with a max elevation of 1,844 ft then descends -988 ft.

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Stats

  • Distance
    5 miles
  • Altitude min
    1,372 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,391 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,391 ft
  • Climb
    988 ft
  • Descent
    -988 ft
  • Grade max
    -34.5%
  • Grade min
    39.9%
  • Distance climb
    2 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    1,499 ft

15 Reviews & Comments

Ampfrog Ampfrog
I originally added in the Ridgeline climb with these two trails hoping for a trifecta... but skip it, short and not very fun, save your energy and stick to this loop.

PS You'll probably be the only biker on the loop during that entire month, please be friendly with the hikers, they won't be expecting you Smile A Timber-type bell helps a lot!

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Thunderbird
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Activity Logs
    2
Avg: 4 (1 votes)
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  • Singletrack

Photos

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Summit 2Views 1

Videos

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Lovin' the Downhill - Cholla Loop in Glendale,...
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Lovin' the Downhill - Cholla Loop in Glendale, AZ - Season 2, Episode 2
11:32 | 371 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 31, 2023

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Cholla Loop
Mar 17, 2025 @ 6:37pm
Mar 17, 2025
Arrowhead Point
Mar 3, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Mar 3, 2025
more reports »
  • By Ampfrog & contributors
  • #54304 - 611 views

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