5,000+ Handpicked Adventures 4.8 Avg Across 185K Reviews Book Direct With Local Experts Every Booking Funds Conservation

5K+ Adventures 4.8 Avg Eco-Funded

Adventure, Curated

Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.

Local Legends, Real Reviews

We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐

Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee

Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.

Protect What You Love

Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.

Black Canyon Trail - 3 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

Guided ·

4.9

Phoenix

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Small Group Sizes

Duration: 3 days

Pricing

Adult

18+

$1,345

Youth

14-17

$1,245

Description

Ride the Epic Black Canyon Trail on a 3-Day Guided Arizona Mountain Biking Adventure

Tackle one of Arizona’s most iconic singletrack adventures on the Black Canyon Trail—an 80-mile stretch of purpose-built trail designated both a National Recreation Trail and an IMBA Epic Ride. This three-day journey weaves through the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, offering flowy desert riding, rugged canyon crossings, and panoramic views across a landscape studded with towering saguaros and sculpted mesas. Starting near Prescott and descending toward Phoenix, each day delivers a mix of fast-rolling trail, technical features, and the kind of solitude only the Sonoran Desert can offer. Whether you're chasing tight switchbacks or kicking back under the stars, this trip packs the thrill of a weeklong ride into just three unforgettable days.

With a variety of terrain ranging from packed dirt to exposed ridgelines and rocky washes, you'll experience why this trail has become legendary in the mountain biking community. The ride features everything from high desert plateaus to steep canyon descents and even a few splashy river crossings, keeping the pace dynamic and engaging. And while the riding is exciting, the off-the-bike moments—like desert sunsets, camaraderie around camp, and the feeling of being totally off the grid—make this trip just as rewarding.

Trip Details, Duration & Difficulty

RIDING TYPE | Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 3-Days

SEASON | March & October – November

*Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Mostly singletrack. Includes packed sediment, some rocky and sandy sections and smooth dirt sections.
Overall Rating: Intermediate/Advanced
Technical Difficulty: Advanced—rocky, loose and sometimes steep singletrack, some moderate exposure.
Physical Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced— short but steep climbs, longer days and technical sections make this ride a challenging one.
Altitude: 1,000 - 4,000 feet

Ages & Requirements

This trip is designed for intermediate to advanced riders who are confident handling rocky, loose, and sometimes steep singletrack. Riders should be prepared for short but steep climbs, some exposure, and long days in the saddle, averaging 20–25 miles per day on mostly singletrack terrain. While the overall elevation is relatively low (1,000–4,000 feet), the technical nature of the trail demands solid bike handling skills and physical stamina.

While there’s not a specific minimum age for this trip, it’s important that all participants meet the physical requirements and are confident riding intermediate mountain bike terrain. Because this is a group tour, riders should be able to keep pace and not impact the overall group experience. If you’re considering bringing a younger rider, please include their age and biking experience in your booking request form. We’re happy to assess whether the trip is a good fit or discuss the option of a private tour better suited to your family’s needs.

Location / Where to Meet

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Phoenix, AZ The trip will meet at 8:30 AM local time at The Holiday Inn Express, 3401 E. University Dr. & I-10. You may park your car here for free during the trip. You will need to spend the night before in Phoenix.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Phoenix between 4:00-5:00 PM on the last day.

What's Included

The trip price includes food and drinks for the trip, guides, support vehicle, campsites, permits, and any entry fees into national parks and public lands.

meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
1 cycling water bottle
camp chairs
dry bags to pack your gear
solar showers
sunscreen & bug spray
bike stand and lube
guides bring their own tools
first aid kit with basic medications

Not Included

Rental fees (bikes and camping gear), alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your guides, and applicable sales tax. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages we will store them for you at the appropriate temperature.

Rental Options & Additional Services:

Camping Gear: We rent three-man tents (comfortable fit 2 adults), 20-degree sleeping bags and Thermarest pads.
Bike Shipping & Handling: Having your own bike for the trip is never a bad idea. We recommend BikeFlights when shipping your bike to and from the trip. Check with our office staff on our partnered bike shop in the area of your trip.

Multi-Day Guided Mountain Biking Adventures

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Western Spirit Cycling Adventures

FAQs

Itinerary

DAY 1

We begin our trip from our Phoenix meeting point with a shuttle north to the start of the BCT. We’ll start near the town of Mayer which is just outside of Prescott National Forest. From here, we’ll get a glimpse of what to expect for the next few days as we head toward the Bradshaw Mountains. We’ll begin by riding south through varying desert terrain in between the tiny towns of Cleator and Cordes and on to camp among the towering Saguaro cactus near Bumblebee. The trail is fun and challenging, you’re going to love it. TOTAL MILEAGE: 25 miles

DAY 2

As we head on down the trail the major geographic features include the deeply incised canyons of the Agua Fria River and the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains. On today’s ride, passes and ridgelines will offer views east to Black Canyon City. Complementing this are the rugged landscapes and many flat topped mesas of Black Canyon. The trail itself continues to be as exciting and rugged as yesterday, but with a few more technical sections thrown in, not to mention a potentially exciting river crossing! TOTAL MILEAGE: 22 miles

DAY 3

Our final day on the Black Canyon Trail is really the heart and soul of the trail. Another river crossing, fantastic views and vast Saguaro forests round out the day as we transition from the rugged terrain of the higher elevation to the rolling hills of the Emery Henderson area. The closer we get to the end, the flatter and faster the trail gets—which makes for a perfect finish. Our trip will end with a shuttle back to Phoenix where we will say our goodbyes. TOTAL MILEAGE: 22 miles

Packing List

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

cycling shoes
3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
3 - 5 cycling shirts
long sleeve cycling shirt
long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
cycling socks
windbreaker
tights or leg warmers
2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

camp shorts
shirts
warm socks
long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
2 pair warm long pants
long sleeve fleece or sweater
pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
warm gloves and hat
brimmed hat or visor
bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
hiking shoes
sandals
rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

toiletries
medication (daily and emergency)
towel
biodegradable soap
wet-wipes
flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
sunglasses
optional day bag
stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

camera, extra batteries
binoculars
alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
books or maps
we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Lodging Before Your Trip

Phoenix is a popular vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a couple of recommendations:

Holiday Inn Express, Phoenix Airport 3401 E. University Drive & I-10 602-453-9900 This is where the trip meets. We recommend making reservations here ahead of time.

The Clarendon Hotel 401 W. Clarendon Ave www.theclarendon.net 602-252-7363

For transportation from the airport either call Discount Cab (602-200-2000) or use the Uber app on your smartphone.

TAXI SERVICE

Paul’s Taxi: 602-222-2227 Ejecutivos Taxi: 602-678-1444 Discount Cab: 602-200-2000

Cancellation Policy

We would hate to see you go but if something does come up here is the cancellation policy.

Should you need to cancel for any reason, we will apply the following cancellation policy: For cancellations prior to 60 days before departure, a $50 handling fee per person is retained and the remainder of your deposit is refunded. For cancellations 60-31 days before departure, 50% of your trip fees are refunded. For cancellations 30 days or less before departure, no monies are refundable.