Trail Guide: The Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain in Phoenix

As much as I pretend (or not pretend…) to shutter at the mention of a long cross-country mountain bike ride, I do actually – occasionally – enjoy an easy spin along fast-rolling and obstacle-free singletrack.

So when I found myself camping at McDowell Mountain Regional Park not really wanting to drive anywhere and not liking the idea of tackling the more rugged trails in the park, I decided to give the full 15-mile Pemberton Trail a go.

The Pemberton Loop is a bit of a superstar amongst mountain bikers in Phoenix, particularly the XC enthusiasts. It’s a nice length, has great views, and isn’t overly challenging while still being interesting.

I enjoyed my ride more than I thought I would and in this guide, I share everything you need to know before setting out on this iconic Phoenix desert trail.

Quick FAQs

Where is the Pemberton Trail? It’s located in McDowell Mountain Regional Park on the northeast side of Phoenix.
Where should I park? The main parking area for the Pemberton Trail is this parking area which has bathrooms, water, picnic tables, a repair station, and even showers.
Is there a fee? Yes, there is a $7/vehicle day-use fee to enter McDowell Park.
How long is the trail? The full loop is 15.3 miles, but there are options to make it shorter.
Is there water? No, there is no water along the trail, but there is water at the trailhead
Is it well-signed? Yes, the Pemberton Loop is well-signed. However, I still recommend you have a mountain bike app downloaded to your phone.
What’s the elevation gain/loss? There is about 785 ft of elevation gain/loss.
How hard is Pemberton? Overall, Pemberton Trail is pretty easy aside from the mileage. Pemberton (SW) on the west side is a bit rocky and loose and might be harder for newer riders than the east side.
Which direction should I ride it? Pemberton can be ridden in either direction. See below for my take on the best way to ride it.
Are e-bikes allowed? Yes, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed.
What bike should I bring? A short travel or hardtail mountain bike is ideal. I have seen people riding their drop bar gravel bikes with wide tires but I’d only suggest this for experienced riders.

Views out over handlebars of mountain bike on to Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Phoenix

Pemberton Trail Map

This map shows the full 15.3-mile Pemberton Trail loop. For more information about the other trails in McDowell, head over to my McDowell Mountain Biking post.

Why (or why not) ride Pemberton Trail?

The Pemberton Loop is one of the most popular cross-country desert singletrack trails in Phoenix. While it may not be the most ‘exciting’ mountain bike trail Phoenix has to offer or even the most beautiful, it is an iconic trail that is super popular with locals and visitors alike.

Here are a few reasons to put it on your bike-it list:

Good beginner or family-friendly trail or a nice ‘rest day’ option
No need to drive anywhere if you’re camping at McDowell
Beautiful views, especially as you get higher up the slope
Take a break at the funky JackAss Junction
One of the few places e-bikes are allowed in Phoenix

Of course, Pemberton Trail isn’t all fun downhills and smooth singletrack. Here are a few reasons it might not be the trail for you:

It’s a true cross-country trail that may be ‘boring’ to more adventurous riders.
It gets really busy with hikers and mountain bikers, especially on weekends.
It’s not flat – you will feel like you’re climbing (unless you’re motor-powered).
The west side is a bit more technical with loose and rocky stretches.

New to mountain biking? Check out my top picks for best beginner mountain bike trails around Phoenix.

Mountain bikers on sandy trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Phoenix with moody skies overhead — The Pemberton Trail is 15.3 miles of pure desert cross-country riding

How to Ride It

Since the Pemberton Trail is a loop, you can ride the full 15.3-mile trail in either direction.

I rode the loop counterclockwise, but here are the pros/cons of each:

Clockwise: climb the loose, rocky west side and descent the fast, flowy eastside
Counterclockwise: Have a mellow pedal up and a chunkier descent down

Pemberton Loop

Trail Basics

Skill level: Beginner
Fitness level: Moderate
Miles: 15.3
Elevation Gain/loss: 785 ft
High point: 3,479 ft
e-bikes allowed? Yes
Map: TrailForks, MTB Project

Ride it for:

Easy desert pedaling
Great views

Need to know:

Watch out for other trail users
Carry plenty of water

Route directions: Main Trailhead Parking > Pemberton Trail (clockwise or counterclockwise)

Make it shorter: A great way to make this route shorter is to descend down Bluff Trail, which is arguably more fun than completing the full Pemberton Loop

Make longer: Add Scenic trail (clockwise) either at the beginning or end. This trail has a moderate climb at the start but then traverses a beautiful ridge before descending down the other side.

Mountain bike leaning against wooden shelter at Jackass Junction on the Pemberton Trail Loop at McDowell Mountain Regional Park — Be sure to stop at Jackass Junction for a rest – sometimes there are fun finds!

Gear up for your ride

The Pemberton Trail is pretty mellow and doesn’t require any specific mountain bike gear other than your helmet, mountain bike pack essentials, and a way to carry water.

If you’re new to mountain biking, here are some posts that you might find helpful:

Looking for a new hydration pack?

Osprey Raven mountain bike hydration backpack

Carry all your tools, water, and snacks for your ride. I know there are three camps when it comes to mountain bikers: the hydration backpackers, the hip packers, and the water bottlers.

I fall firmly in the hydration backpack club for a few reasons. I drink a lot of water, I eat a lot of snacks, and I like to be prepared with all the tools and spares I might need (especially when mountain biking alone).

The Osprey Raven (Raptor for the guys) is my favorite pack that I’ve tried. It has a ton of organization including its own tool roll, it’s comfortable, and it can carry a 3L water reservoir.

Buy AT REI Buy AT Osprey Buy AT Backcountry

Feeling ready to tackle the Pemberton Loop? I hope this blog post has answered all your questions and inspired you to hit the trail. Have fun out there!

Trail Guide: The Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain in Phoenix

Quick FAQs

Pemberton Trail Map

Why (or why not) ride Pemberton Trail?