8.6 miles

Distance

686 ft

Climb

-577 ft

Descent

00:47:35

Avg time

Desert Classic Details

Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

South Mountain Preserve
Phoenix, Arizona
Difficulty Rating

Blue rate
Voted Difficulty

Blue (3 votes)
Trail Type

Singletrack
Bike Type

DH, AM, XC, DJ
Direction

Both Directions
Popular in reverse
Climb Difficulty

Blue
Physical Rating

Moderate
Season

Year round
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

Yes up to Class 1
Ride in Rain

Yes
Global Ranking
#1843 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #2143 in E-Biking
- #12343 in Trail Running
- #16038 in Hiking
Local Popularity
90 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 85 in E-Biking
- 50 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
- 5 in Horseback
Land Owner

City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department

Desert Classic trail connects the east and west ends of the southwest quadrant of south mountain riding area. About 13 miles across the lower flats of the south west range it ascends from east to west and descends west to east. Pima Canyon which is a large ramada with parking at the east end and Telegraph pass which is a small ramada and parking at the west end. Desert Classic is the classic trail ride.

Access Info

Pima Canyon, Telegraph Pass, Warpaint, Western Star, various trailheads

Local Trail Association

Gravity Riders Organization of Arizona
Arizona Trail Association
Mountain Bike Association of Arizona
Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support
trail development & maintenance.
donate to earn trail karma!

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

More Stats for Desert Classic multi-use trail trail

Altitude change

109 ft
Altitude min

1,333 ft
Altitude max

1,587 ft
Altitude start

1,395 ft
Altitude end

1,503 ft
Grade

0.2%
Grade max

-19.4%
Grade min

15.4%
Distance climb

4 miles
Distance down

3 miles
Distance flat

1 mile
Avg time

00:47:35
Avg reverse time

01:12:14
view trail stats

Status:

on Mar 6, 2023

Dry

Avg: 3.95 (54 votes)

Your vote: 0

view (4,774)

Directions to desert-classic trailhead (33.362840, -111.986080)

update trails status or condition

Desert Classic Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Mar 6, 2023 @ 2:00am Mar 6, 2023
	Feb 11, 2023 @ 10:20pm Feb 11, 2023
	Dec 29, 2022 @ 1:14am Dec 29, 2022	The day after 1/2" of rainfall and the trail was perfect.
	Nov 6, 2022 @ 7:45am Nov 6, 2022
	Sep 24, 2022 @ 6:02am Sep 24, 2022

view all reports »

Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

Past Week

10 rides
17 miles avg distance

6 Months

390 rides
18 miles avg distance

All

4,155 rides
Last: Mar 23, 2023

Photos

375 |

Mar 12, 2019 @ 10:56pm

Mar 12, 2019

386 |

Nov 22, 2018 @ 3:20pm

Nov 22, 2018

404 |

Jul 16, 2017 @ 4:32pm

Jul 16, 2017

650 |

Mar 30, 2016 @ 12:19pm

Mar 30, 2016

Routes with this trail

title	distance
Naty-Eliminator-DC	25 miles
Desert Classic to Helipad	15 miles
SoMo: DC Beginner/Intermediate Loop	10 miles
SoMo Circumnavigation	40 miles

10 Reviews & Comments

Score Time Post Comment

Ddemlong

(Oct 8, 2022 at 11:32)

Depending on how far west you go will dictate how hard it is. The first 5ish miles is relatively smooth with a few rocky parts. After that it gets pretty rocky where you climbing uphill on a rock wall. The trail gets a TON of traffic, and had many ruts and grooves on a lot of the climbs and descents. The first few miles is definitely intermediate, but there are sections that are def intermediate/ Advanced that will require you to hike a bike unless you are in pretty good shape, and have the technical skills.

[Reply]

snwboarder48

(May 10, 2022 at 20:56)

Simple trail. Lots of walkers. Good for gravel bikes.

[Reply]

cmriggs1

(Jan 2, 2022 at 14:14)

Any chance someone found a set of keys on the trail today? They have a brass twist key chain, a white mini knife, and silver skull-key multi tool.

[Reply]

Creamcorn1

(Feb 3, 2021 at 13:53)

One of the best trails in the Valley in my opinion. the first part is flowy and fun. The second part (west) is much more rocky and techy.

[Reply]

Mel66

(Jan 3, 2021 at 18:49)

This was a fun trail. Super annoying how many people (dogs and kids) are on this trail. I wish it was mountain bike only....especially with “mtb trail” in the name.

[Reply]

rylanharrison08 (Dec 20, 2020 at 12:26)

Great Beginner/Intermediate trail overall, not as much fun north of the water tank.

[Reply]

BadKarma8049

(Nov 12, 2020 at 22:34)

I forgot how awesome this trail is! Rode W to E and there is a healthy mix of green and blue trail plus a good mix of so many other trail characteristics.

[Reply]

Almaadin

(Jul 12, 2020 at 10:29)

A great trail. Lots of flowy sections and short, semi-technical climbs. Great for beginners to to work on shifting practice. Many different trail conditions: rock, loose rocks, kitty litter gravel and dusty sections. Lots of fun small drops that can be bypassed if needed. Fun trail. The gate opens at 5 and if you go anytime between May and August that's when you want to start. Take lots of water.

[Reply]

marcmmtthomas

(Feb 29, 2020 at 10:12)

[Reply]