6 Best Winter Mountain Biking Destinations For Year-Round Riding

1. Hurricane, Utah: A slickrock playground

When most people think of Utah mountain biking, Moab is usually the first place that comes to mind, and fair enough. Its red slickrock trails and jaw-dropping views are legendary. But Moab isn’t the only option for winter riding. In fact, it often gets snow.

That’s where Hurricane comes in.

Tucked into Utah’s southwest corner, Hurricane is a winter riding dream: big skies, (mostly) mild temps, and miles of stellar singletrack, much of it on vast slabs of slickrock. I’ve ridden there a few times, and it never disappoints. Trails networks like Gooseberry Mesa, Guacamole, and Wire Mesa deliver epic views and a fun mix of tech and flow.

There’s something for everyone, too. The Hurricane Cliffs (aka JEM trails) are great for mellow spins, while Grafton Mesa dishes out steep, chunky descents for the adrenaline junkies. There’s also the 24-mile Hurricane Rim IMBA Epic, which is more of a long cross-country grind than a must-do, but worth checking out if that’s your thing.

2. Phoenix, Arizona: Classic Desert Singletrack

Phoenix is one of my favorite winter mountain biking destinations, hands down. I spent almost two months here are few winters ago, camping in my van and exploring all the singletrack trail networks around the city. There is SO much! And it is good. Think flowy desert singletrack, unique boulder tech, great views, and almost endless riding opportunities.

While soaring summer temperatures make it almost impossible to ride in southern Arizona during warm months (unless you’re willing to wake up at the break of dawn, which I’m not), the milder winter temps make Phoenix (and Tucson below) perfect destinations for winter mountain biking.

A few of my favorite places to ride in Phoenix are Hawes (a MUST), Brown’s Ranch, and National Trail on South Mountain.

3. Tucson, Arizona: Riding among the Saguaros!

While I don’t love the mountain biking in Tucson as much as I love Phoenix, it’s still a good option for a winter mountain biking getaway. There are fewer miles of singletrack, but for the most part, what Tucson does have is pretty decent.

One of my favorite places to ride in Tucson in Sweetwater Preserve. If you’re looking to ride among the giant Saguaro, this is the place! The 50-Year Trail in Catalina State Park is also a classic, but expect to work for your descents 🙂 And finally, if Mount Lemmon is snow-free and you’re looking for a full-day, full-on adventure, the Full Lemmon Drop is a ride to remember.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

When you think of Las Vegas, you probably conjure up images of glitz and glamor. But while Vegas is known for its nightlight, it’s also home to hundreds of miles of really good mountain biking singletrack. I know, I was surprised, too! And winter is arguably the best time to explore the vast network thanks to mild temps.

The riding around Vegas ranges from rocky and challenging (there are more pro-line trails in Las Vegas than anywhere else I’ve ridden) to fast and flowy. One of my favorite places to ride is Southwest Ridge for its great views and variety of terrain while Blue Diamond is also a classic. The Cowboy Trails punch things up a notch or two (Bone Shaker is one of my favorite trails if you’re looking to get rowdy!).

Every time I pass through Las Vegas to ride on my winter travels, I’m always impressed with the trails there. And the best part? There are wild donkeys everywhere! 

5. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is hands down one of my favorite winter mountain biking destinations. Why? Because everything… the beautiful views, the mild temps during the day (mid-day temps typically hover around 60°), great restaurants and bars and, of course, the trails. The red dirt singletrack around Sedona is unrivaled.

I usually start my trips to Sedona in the Village of Oak Creek then make my way through the other ones with at least one run down Hiline Trail. Honestly, you can’t really go wrong with any of the trails in Sedona. But that being said, it’s important to point out that Sedona mountain biking is not easy. It’s not the best place for beginner riders, so just keep that in mind before planning a winter mountain biking getaway there.

Also, the trails in Sedona can get busy with foot traffic, jeeps, and crystal gazers so watch your speed and remember that you’re all out there to have fun. I also highly recommend going out of your way to hit up Indian Gardens for breakfast or lunch. It’s the best spot to eat in Sedona!

6. Texas Hill Country

One of the most surprising places I’ve ridden in the winter is Texas Hill Country. I’d heard good things about it from friends and fellow mountain bikers, but I didn’t really know what to expect until I got there. It’s awesome! Between Spider Mountain (which is open year-round), Reveille Peak Ranch, Flat Rock Ranch, and more, the mountain biking scene outside of Austin is definitely worth a trip. I visited in late March and the temps and conditions were ideal.

Known for its rolling hills, limestone cliffs, sparkling rivers, wineries, and charming small towns, Texas Hill Country spans across multiple counties so it is a bit spread out. But with a little planning, it’s a great place for a winter mountain bike getaway.

(Note: I wasn’t able to ride in the city limits of Austin, but I’ve heard the trail networks there are really good as well. They might be worth checking out).