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Desert Classic

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.0 (121)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. South Mountain Park/Preserve
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“The chillest trail in South Mountain, and fun for everyone ”

Henry Braun
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17.5

Miles

28.2

KM

50%

Singletrack

1,573' 479 m

High

1,345' 410 m

Low

881' 268 m

Up

881' 269 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Flow · Views

Family Friendly Makes a decent introduction to Phoenix mountain biking

Overview

Also known as DC, the "classic" in the name means it's good, but it also means it's crowded! This trail is without a doubt the easiest and least technical ride in South Mountain Park. Crossing the many small washes that run down from the mountain adds some interest and fun without much difficulty. For the more daring rider, there are a fair number of optional jumps and drops as well. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during the summer!

Need to Know

This is a busy trail. Expect to share it with plenty of other riders as well as hikers and runners. The Pima Canyon trailhead has maps, water, restrooms, and ample parking but it does fill up on weekends.

Description

From the east parking lot, go south, keeping the mountain on your right. You'll see the Desert Classic Trail leave from a map kiosk just after you leave the parking lot. Stay left as you go by the Marcos De Niza Trail and follow the signs as you continue around the mountain toward the TV towers. From this point, the DC Trail meanders along hardpack and through sandy washes before reaching its end in a junction with the Telegraph Pass Trail. Go any distance along the DC until you are satisfied, then turn around and enjoy it all in the opposite direction.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Phoenix - Trails and Desert Preserves

Shared By:

Henry Braun
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 121 votes

#1

in South Mountain Park/Preserve

#179

Overall
  4.0 from 121 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in South Mountain Park/Pr…

#12

in Arizona

#179

Overall
325 Views Last Month
43,208 Since Apr 20, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate
4%
7%
85%
2%
2%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Sun setting on Desert Classic Trail
Jun 26, 2015 near Guadalupe, AZ
Desert Classic Trail
Dec 25, 2014 near Guadalupe, AZ
A brilliant sunset behind petroglyph rocks.
May 11, 2017 near Guadalupe, AZ
Classic sunrise on Desert Classic Trail
Jul 31, 2016 near Guadalupe, AZ
South Mountain, Arizona 8
Mar 3, 2015 near Guadalupe, AZ
Climbing out of the wash on Desert Classic
Dec 25, 2014 near Guadalupe, AZ

14 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 19 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 19, 2025
Matt B
Out and back with a few detours to explore other connecting trails. 17.8mi — 2h 05m
Jan 2, 2025
Matt B
17.5mi — 1h 35m
Nov 6, 2024
Geoffrey Burch
10mi — 1h 02m
Oct 20, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
May 5, 2024
Pete Krebill
Hard. Fun.
May 5, 2024
Bridget B
Fun! I found it a good challenge for a beginner who is trying to improve their skill.
Sep 17, 2023
Nick Stamos
First real mountain bike ride. Definitely pushed my limits
Aug 26, 2023
Alan Streit
6mi

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