How to Shuttle Bend’s Mountain Bike Trails: Routes recommendations & helpful tips

Cog Wild mountain bike shuttle carrying bikes

Log bridge with wood railing crossing backcountry river near Bend Oregon

Bend’s singletrack is pretty legendary, with the popular Phil’s trail system just outside town and other great networks a short drive away. I love pedaling my way through the beautiful high desert pine forests, but shuttling is a popular way to get more flow and fun, especially in summer.

That said, I’ve learned that shuttling doesn’t mean zero climbing…. There’s still plenty of pedaling involved, so don’t expect an all-downhill day!

In this post, I share how to shuttle your mountain bike rides around Bend and what to expect, plus my favorite routes for one-way ride days.

Why shuttle Bend’s trails?

More downhill, less uphill. Nuff said.
Beat the heat on summer rides
Maximize fun on shorter trips if you’re visiting

Ride more trails in less time
Perfect for groups with mixed abilities
Good for sessioning trails to build skills and confidence

Shuttling options

You have two options for mountain bike shuttles in Bend:

Shuttle yourself if you have two cars
Book a shuttle through Cog Wild

I highly recommend using Cog Wild because they are awesome and it’ll save you from extra driving and logistics planning. I did my Level 1 PMBIA certification with Lev, the owner, and he and his team are great. Their shuttles run on time, the drivers take good care of your bike, and they have multiple options for where to get dropped off (see more about that below).

You do need to reserve your shuttle by booking online ahead of time. Cog Wild is located at the LOGE Bend Hotel off of Century Drive.

Where to start & what to ride

There are three main areas you can shuttle to outside of Bend: Wanoga, Swampy, and Dutchman Flat. If you’re looking for something farther afield, keep scrolling for additional ride options.

a map of a the mountain bike trail networks around Bend, Oregon

1

From Wanoga

Wanoga is the trail network right above Phil’s and it requires the least amount of ‘bonus’ pedaling (there will still be some climbing…). The three trails to focus on here are Funner, Tiddlywinks, and Tyler’s Traverse. Here are a few one-way shuttle routes I like:

Funner at Phil’s: a classic run from Wanoga down to the Phil’s trailhead. If you parked at Cog Wild, take KGB instead of Lower Phil’s.
Wanoga: Even though this is a shuttled ride, there’s still quite a bit of climbing. I really enjoyed it, though. The descent down Tyler’s Traverse is a blast!

Mountain bike trail through green meadow with fir trails outside of Bend Oregon — A stretch of singletrack on Tyler’s Traverse

2

From Swampy Lakes

The Swampy Sno-Park trailhead is just a bit farther up from Wanoga and provides access to the other side of the ridge. The terrain here is more lush and reminds me of the Pacific Northwest. You will need to climb at least 600 ft (or much more) no matter what route you choose!

Phil’s shuttle option: This 17+ mile ride from Swampy Sno-Park back to Bend has more climbing than you’d expect from a shuttle, but it’s worth it for the fast, flowy fun of Lower Whoops. From there, you’ve got plenty of options to finish—Phil’s, Kent’s, or KGB—just make sure you end up at the right parking lot unless you’re up for bonus miles.
Sampy to Cog Wild: South Fork is a fast, flowy favorite with a bit of tech and beautiful forest views. This route drops from Swampy, follows Tumalo Creek and Skyliner’s Trail, and finishes through the Phil’s network. Again, keep track of where you parked to avoid surprise miles.
Swampy to Mrazek: This is a big backcountry day with nearly 2,000 ft of climbing, even with a shuttle to Swampy—most of it up the scenic (and waterfall-filled) North Fork. The descent down South Fork is a blast, and while Mrazek wasn’t my favorite, it’s a popular trail with an old-school feel that some riders really enjoy.

Tall rocky cliff behind river outside of Bend, Oregon — The singletrack stretch along Tumalo Creek is beautiful

3

From Dutchman Flat

Dutchman Flat is the highest shuttle drop-off and gives shuttlers the opportunity for a big backcountry day. You need to be prepared for a 25-30+ mile ride with quite a bit of climbing (1,500 ft+) regardless of your route.

Dutchman to Phil’s: This is one of my favorite shuttle routes in Bend, starting with a scenic backcountry traverse on Metolius-Windigo and a great descent. After a mellow climb up Skyliner, you’ll finish with fast, fun trails like Whoops and Phil’s—just keep in mind Dutchman Flat may not open until July depending on snow.

Mountain bike propped up on log at intersection of trail in Bend, Oregon

Before you head out…

e-bikes are NOT allowed: e-bikes are not allowed on most (actually, pretty much all…) of the trails and trail networks in Bend, Oregon. Please respect this.
There is always climbing: A big mistake a lot of people make when they book a Bend mountain bike shuttle is thinking that it will be all – or mostly – downhill. That is definitely not the case. With the exception of a few routes (mainly Tiddlywinks and Funner – see route recommendations above), you still need to do a substantial amount of climbing after getting dropped off at your shuttle destination. Most shuttled routes will have at least 600 ft or more (sometimes much more) of climbing. If you truly only want downhill, head up to Mt. Bachelor bike park.
Be prepared for 15-20+ mile rides: Most Bend mountain bike shuttled rides will be at least 15 miles (with climbing) so make sure you have everything you need for a couple of hours out on the trail including water and snacks.
Know where you want to end: You can definitely end up doing bonus miles (and bonus climbing) if you pop out not where you expected to be. For example, if you end at the Phil’s Trailhead, but you parked your car at Cog Wild, you’re in for a several-mile and several hundred-foot climb back over to your car. Keep an eye on trail signs and your map to make sure the trail you’re on will take you to where you want to go. I highly recommend having TrailForks or MTB Project downloaded to your phone.
Uphill technically has the right of way: Out of all the places I’ve mountain biked (and that is a lot), the tension between uphill vs downhill riders in Bend is far greater than anywhere else I have ridden. Yes, technically uphill riders have the right of way, but it’s almost taken to an extreme on Bend trails. Just be courteous. Don’t play chicken. Yield to each other and remember that we’re all out there to have fun.

Log bridge over creek on trail outside of Bend, Oregon

Wooden bridge over grassy area next to river on mountain bike trail in Bend, Oregon

More shuttled rides outside of Bend

Still looking for more? Here are two other Bend mountain bike shuttle options:

McKenzie River Trail

The McKenzie River Trail is about an hour from Bend and offers 20+ miles of riding along a stunning, crystal-clear river. It’s got a bit of everything—smooth flow, lava rock tech, and more challenge than many riders expect.

You can catch a shuttle from Bend with Cog Wild, but a better option is Horse Creek Lodge near the trail’s end. They offer multiple shuttle times and a cold beer when you finish.

Newberry Crater

I’ve ridden Newberry Crater as a loop, which was awesome. Cog Wild also offers a private shuttle option from Horse Butte (where you leave your car) to Newberry Crater. You can then ride the Crater Rim Trail, but instead of finishing the loop, you’ll take Swamp Wells back to your car at Horse Butte.

This is close to a 40-mile day.

You also miss the super fun descent back to the parking area at Newberry Crater! I haven’t done the shuttle, but I highly recommend the loop.

Views out over blue lake in Newberry Volcanic National Monument near Bend, Oregon — Views out over the lakes at Newberry Volcanic National Monument

Need gear recs?

Head over to my gear closet! I’m always testing out new pieces of bike gear and if I really like them, they earn a place on this page.

See my gear favorites

Shuttling is an awesome way to cover more ground and hit some of the best trails around Bend. If you’ve got two cars, you can DIY it—but booking with Cog Wild is super easy and highly recommended.

Just keep in mind that even with a shuttle, you’ll still be climbing and putting in 15–20+ miles. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and make sure you know your route so you don’t end up miles from your car.

Have fun out there!

What is your favorite shuttled mountain bike ride in Bend? Have you ridden any of these routes? Let my know in the comments!

2 Comments

Jeremy says:

August 4, 2023 at 12:42 pm

respect ebike ban? there is no way I will visit Bend. Oakridge is a better option for ebikes.

1. Becky Timbers says:
  
  August 4, 2023 at 1:32 pm
  
  E-bikes are not allowed in Bend because the trails are designated as non-motorized trails on USFS land. It’s not because ‘someone made a ban’. Enjoy Oakridge.

How to Shuttle Bend’s Mountain Bike Trails: Routes recommendations & helpful tips

Why shuttle Bend’s trails?

Shuttling options

Where to start & what to ride