Biking & Cycling in Mesa

Whether you prefer the road or hitting the trails, be sure to slow down and enjoy the view.

Cycling

Mesa earned a spot among Forbes' top 10 cities for bicyclists, placing it alongside renowned bike-friendly hubs like Portland, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.

What put us in the top 10?

With over 40 miles of bike lanes and easy access to a variety of desert trails, Mesa offers something for cyclists of every skill level! Whether you're a road biking enthusiast gliding down the scenic Usery Pass Road toward Usery Mountain Regional Park, surrounded by towering saguaro cacti and desert brush, or cruising along the city’s canals, safely distanced from traffic, there's no better way to experience Mesa’s breathtaking desert landscape than on two wheels.

Cyclists can also explore the expansive terrain along North Power Road, riding parallel to the Lower Salt River and taking in some of the best views of the iconic Red Mountain. With so many scenic routes to choose from, Mesa’s roads and trails invite you to slow your pace, soak in the beauty of the desert, and truly enjoy the ride.

Mountain Biking

If you prefer to hit the trails...

For visitors seeking the thrill of biking among the mountain terrain, Mesa offers easy access to unforgettable adventures.

If you’re planning to explore beyond Mesa, the Arizona Department of Transportation offers mobile-friendly cycling maps to help you discover bike-friendly routes throughout the state. No matter where your ride takes you, Arizona's diverse terrain promises an incredible journey.

Hawes Trail is extremely popular among locals and its popularity is spreading. The seven-mile loop is considered the choice for mountain bikers who want the right amount of technical mixed with the right amount of fun. Hawes Loop climbs through the desert via a narrow single track that zigzags over a gravely terrain. Bordered by cactus of all kinds, desert brush and boulders that turn up unexpectedly around fast bends, you’ll lose your breath climbing some of those hills but then experience the joy of the downhill flows. Expect a lot of gear switching to reach the end. Since these are also hiking trails, cyclists must yield to hikers on approach. Click here for a digital Map of the Hawes Trail:

Parking: Many people park behind Walgreens on Power and Thomas and then ride across Power Road, as Thomas turns into Eagle Crest Drive. Just past the canal and canal access roads, but before the Las Sendas sign, the Fenceline Trail heads north behind the houses located there. There is also parking just past the canal after Power Road becomes Bush Highway. If you park here, it's closer to access the Hawes Trail System entrance directly off of Bush Highway. Most, but not all of the trails have signs at the intersections. No need for a parking pass.

Trailhead Location: Bush Hwy / Power Rd (just past the canal)
Trail Length: 7.3 miles / 1,013 ft elevation gain / 3 hours 9 minutes (on average)
Difficulty: Moderate

For those seeking a flatter route, the Rio Salado Pathway runs along the northern central border of the city. This picturesque ride along the Salt Riverbank is lined with tunnels and features a collection of public art installations. Mesa’s Bike and Pedestrian Program offers guided rides through the pathways, allowing visitors to enjoy Mesa on two wheels.

Parking: Riverview Park (2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway)

Trailhead Location: N. Priest Dr. to Indian Bend Wash Trail (Tempe) (north side); SR 143 (Tempe) and Dobson Rd., just east of Riverview Park (Mesa) (south side)
Trail Length: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Usery Mountain Regional Park offers more than 29 miles of multi-use trails and wind caves to explore, making it a favorite among mountain bikers. Park trails range in length from 0.2 miles to over 7 miles, and range in difficulty from easy to difficult. Trails here are popular because they offer enough elevation to experience spectacular vistas of the Valley. Entry fee. Detailed trail maps available at the on-site Nature Center. With a variety of trails available, there’s something for riders of all skill levels.

Parking: Parking at Usery Mountain Regional Park is covered by the $7 daily fee. This will cover your visit without requiring any additional passes. Multiple parking lots are scattered throughout the park upon passing the Ranger Station.

Trailhead Location: Usery Mountain Regional Park
Trail Length: 0.2 miles to 7+ miles
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult

San Tan Mountain Regional Park offers more than eight miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Park trails range in length from 1.1 miles to over 5 miles, and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The trails within the San Tan Mountain Regional Park offer a unique perspective of the lower Sonoran Desert with wildlife, plant-life and scenic mountain views. Entry Fee.

Parking: San Tan Mountain Regional Park offers parking at its main entrance along Phillips Road off Thompson Road, which includes ample space and access to various visitor facilities such as a ranger station and picnic areas. The park has an entrance fee of $7 per vehicle and $2 for walk-ins, with payment required at all entry points, including additional trailheads accessible from the north and south. Roads to the park and its parking areas are paved, making it easy to reach by car year-round.