Arizona Mountain Bike Ride
Cathedral Loop Ride
Sedona, Arizona

Ride Synopsis:

Description:

This is a pretty good loop ride, located sort of on the north side of Oak Creek Village near Sedona. The quality is somewhat dimmed by the fact that you ride a bunch of pavement before you get onto the trail proper (at least in this configuration of the ride). But you can mix and match this loop with other trails in the area and sort of skip the pavement part if you want. I always liked the loop, though, and I've done it a few times.

Start out from near the Bike and Bean, either parking in the Plaza Del Sol parking lot (right next to the B&B) or at the Bell Rock Trailhead, essentially across the street. Head west on Bell Rock Boulevard (the street right next to the Plaza Del Sol) and follow it over west and south until you intersect with the Verde Valley School Road. Take a right and start pedaling uphill. You crown the hill and then get to cruise downhill to the start of the ride. Keep your eyes peeled for the turnoff onto the trail somewhere around the 4.5 mile point. Once on the trail, just follow it over north and east as it goes up , down and through the stumpy trees. Most of this is just nice rolling hills with the occasional technical climb-out. You will pass right along Buddha Beach and Oak Creek. You will likely have to walk your bike here as heavy flow has scrambled the boulders along the creek and sort of turned the trail into a trials course. Shortly after leaving the creek behind, you will encounter a fairly horrendous climb up switchbacks. Most of this is pretty ridable, so go for it. As you top out, you'll get a nice view of the Cathedral Rock Group. Cruise along the platform below the group, eventually dropping down into the brush and trees again. Continue on over to a pair (there are two now) of tunnels that take you under highway 179. Once past that, you get back on the Bell Rock Pathway and head south, flying all the way back to your vehicle.

Excellent fun!