MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Sidewinder Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.2 (38)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. Anthem & New River
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“One of the toughest trails in the Sonoran Preserve. ”

Pierre Munger
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

7.1

Miles

11.4

KM
Singletrack

2,082' 634 m

High

1,739' 530 m

Low

683' 208 m

Up

806' 246 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Trailhead Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Need to Know

This is a multi-use trail also frequented by hikers and horseback riders.

Description

Built for mountain biking, Sidewinder Trail is the longest, most technical trail in the North Sonoran Preserve.

Beginning from the Apache Wash Trailhead, head around the east side of Apache Hill and gradually climb before dropping down on the north side, intersecting Apache Wash Loop. The trail then heads into the north flats before climbing again, passing the 14th and 10th St. connectors and Ridgeback Trail. It descends into some tight washes as it climbs steadily again before passing the Central Avenue connector trail. From there, it briefly joins the Ocotillo Trail and quickly starts climbing again.

At about mile 5, Ocotillo diverges toward the south while Sidewinder continues to climb west and then north, eventually bending northeast after passing the communication towers, descending the last 1 mile to the Desert Hills Trailhead.

Contacts

Local Club: Cave Creek Bicycle Association

Land Manager: City of Phoenix - Trails and Desert Preserves

Shared By:

Pierre Munger
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 38 votes

#1

in Anthem & New River

#401

Overall
  4.2 from 38 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
3%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Anthem & New River

#25

in Arizona

#401

Overall
59 Views Last Month
5,308 Since Oct 20, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
58%
15%
24%
3%
Add a Photo

Photos

Sidewinder Trail cutting through the saguaros
Feb 14, 2015 near Anthem, AZ
Sidewinder, Ridgeback, and Ocotillo loop in 4K
Mar 10, 2022 near Cave Creek, AZ
The hills are alive...with poppies.
Mar 5, 2017 near Anthem, AZ
Poppies bloom all around you on a ride along the Sidewinder Trail.
Mar 5, 2017 near Anthem, AZ
SW peak of Sidewinder trail in the early fall morning.
Oct 19, 2017 near Cave Creek, AZ
Sidewinder Junction
Jan 4, 2015 near Cave Creek, AZ

4 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 23, 2023
Mountain Park
7.6mi — 0h 35m
May 6, 2023
Mountain Park
5mi — 0h 20m
Mar 25, 2023
Mountain Park
1.7mi — 0h 15m
Mar 22, 2022
Mountain Park
5mi — 1h 00m
Jan 11, 2022
Mountain Park
7mi — 1h 15m
Dec 4, 2021
Mountain Park
7.1mi — 1h 18m
Apr 30, 2021
Ed Abula
Jan 1, 2021
Kevan H.

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started