This is a nice link up of a some newer and some older trails in the Dry Creek area. It is a pretty short, quick loop which makes it nice if you have limited time or for beginning riders.
From the
Aerie Trailhead, head southeast towards the
Cockscomb on the
Aerie Trail. When you reach the
Cockscomb you'll head north towards the Dawa and
Cockscomb trails. This whole first section is generally moderate, with some twists and turns and very short climbs and small rock obstacles.
At the T junction you'll turn left (west) on the
Cockscomb Trail, an easy old two-track that takes you through a fence and eventually meets up with the
Aerie trail north of Doe Mountain. Turn left here and head up the
Aerie trail which climbs somewhat steeply up some switchbacks and then winds through pinyon juniper forest and some easy/moderate rocky sections on the side of Doe Mountain; you'll pass the Doe Mountain Trail and the paved road to the
Aerie housing development before ending right where you started, at the
Aerie trailhead.
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Aerie Loop
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Unknown Hometown
I find the above loop description a little confusing. Since you are going to do this ride on your bike, I would recommend you start this ride at the Fay Canyon trailhead next to Boynton Pass Rd.. There is plenty of parking and you will use less fuel to get to the ride. By doing so you will add about 1/3 mile to your ride on a flat section of the Cockscomb trail. I like to think of the Cockscomb trail as a J shaped trail, and just for the record the Cockscomb formation is shaped like the cockscomb on the top of a roosters head. The Cockscomb/Dawa trail intersection is somewhat confusing. That intersection is shared by both trails for about 30 to 40 yards. The Dawa/Cockscomb signage at the southeast end of the intersection is confusing. There are two signs on the same post back to back one says Dawa the other says Cockscomb, they both point the same direction which confuses a number of tourists. In my opinion there needs to be reinforcement markers beyond the trail signs like what you will find on the Aerie trail. Note that you can lengthen this ride about 4 miles by riding the Dawa trail and connecting it to AZ Cypress and the OK trail. Also note that the Dawa trail is shaped like a slightly collapsed L, which is confusing to some riders. Mar 24, 2014
Unknown Hometown
I agree with John about starting at Fay Canyon instead - that way you get the big climb out of the way at the start and get to finish with some great downhill. The downhills are very fun, flowy, and good for beginners while the uphill beside Doe Mountain has some more rocky sections but is fully rideable by intermediates and has switchbacks to make the climb more gradual. The views from the trail are wonderful making this one of my favorite quick loops in the area. May 29, 2016