Best Bike Trails in Mesa: Cycling in Arizona

Before we cover the best Mesa bike trails, let's discuss a few of the most common types of biking in case you'd like to switch it up and try something new:

Road Biking:
Description: Biking on paved roads, often covering great distances.

Bikes: These bikes are designed for efficiency and speed. Typical road bikes are lightweight with skinny tires, and drop handlebars.


Mountain Biking:
Description: Biking off-road, on mountainous trails. This type of biking usually involves traversing obstacle-ridden paths with rocks and roots.

Bikes: These bikes have very sturdy frames, wide tires, and often front or full suspension for navigating bumpy terrain.

Tour Biking:
Description: Biking centered on long distances, often covering hundreds or even thousands of miles over several days or weeks.

Bikes: These bikes are designed for comfort and durability, with features like relaxed geometry, sturdy frames, mounts for racks, and stable handling.


City Biking/Electronic Biking:
Description: Biking within cities or urban areas for commuting, recreation, or errands. Sometimes accomplished on e-bikes, equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling.

Bikes: City bikes, commuter bikes, or e-bikes offer a comfortable experience with wider tires for stability, racks or baskets for carrying items, and sometimes fenders for weather protection.

Thanks to Mesa's modern layout and desert landscape, you can enjoy all of these styles of biking in the area, and we've included the best method for each trail. So, where should you go? Here's a list of the best bike trails in Mesa, AZ:

Located right next to our historic inn, Pioneer Park offers multiple outdoor activities for families and young children. If you're a beginner and want to start biking without much difficulty or you've got the kids with you, start with a simple bike ride around Pioneer Park or Review Park.

Pioneer Park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1-2 miles
Route Type: Loop
Address: 526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ
Amenities: Jungle gyms, picnic tables, suspension bridge, basketball courts, splash pad, restrooms.


Review Park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1-2 miles
Route Type: Loop
Address: 2100 W 8th St Mesa, AZ 85201
Amenities: Lake views, fishing, playgrounds, picnic tables, suspension bridge, basketball courts, splash pad, restrooms.

Visitors can take advantage of downtown Mesa's road biking paths, taking them along the city's modern businesses and eclectic activities. If you're looking for an official road bike path, this one is located a bit outside of downtown Mesa but offers great views nonetheless.

Rio Salado Pathway

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 10.5 miles
Route Type: Point to Point
Address: Starting Point in Mesa is Dobson Rd., just east of Riverview Park (south side).
Amenities: Parking and restrooms are available at Tempe Beach Park.

For those craving more adventure, Mesa is surrounded by rugged desert terrain that is perfect for mountain biking. These trails vary in difficulty, offering options for both novice and experienced mountain bikers.

Desert Trails Park
Perfect for a simple introduction to mountain biking, Desert Trails Park is a popular mountain biking spot in Mesa. Offering a short 0.8-mile loop, this park is considered easy and will take visitors an average of 16 min to complete.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.8 miles
Route Type: Loop
Address: 2955 N Recker Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215
Amenities: Shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and a parking lot

Hawes Ridge Loop
Part of the Tonto National Forest, the Hawes Ridge Loop is another great choice for seeing the sights and has a good mix of uphill and downhill terrain. This trail is located near Mesa and is considered an easy route for mountain biking. The trail will take an average of 1 h 3 min to complete.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.7 miles
Route Type: Loop
Address: 11781-13115 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ (You can use the parking area across from Roadrunner Trail or start at the Bush Highway Trailhead).
Amenities: Parking Lot

Usery Mountain Regional Park


To get the most breathtaking views of the area, you'll have to step outside of downtown Mesa and capture some elevation gain. The Usery Mountain Regional Park is located northeast of Mesa and is well-known for its beautiful paved and mountain paths.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Distance: The park covers 29 miles of terrain, including bike trails with varying lengths (0.2 miles to over 7 miles).

Route Type: Multiple routes

Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd Mesa, AZ 85207

Hydration and Sun Protection: Arizona's desert climate can be harsh, especially during the summer months. Cyclists should always carry plenty of water and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect themselves from the sun.


Trail Etiquette: Respect other trail users, including hikers, runners, and equestrians. Stay on designated trails to preserve the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.


Safety First: Always wear a helmet and carry a basic toolkit for minor repairs. Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.


Maintenance Basics: Follow bike maintenance basics including lubricating the chain, checking tire pressure, inspecting brakes, and cleaning.