The Arizona Strip District in northwest Arizona is a remote and undeveloped region, where you can leave civilization behind.  From Mojave Desert lowlands to forested mountains, the Arizona Strip has something for everyone.  Over 5,000 miles of unpaved and uncrowded roads are open to the public.

People ride mountain bikes for physical fitness, an opportunity to "get away from it all" or just for fun.  Whatever your reason or ability, you're sure to find something to your liking on the Strip.  You can ride a designated trail with known length and difficulty or head out on your own down a backcountry road.

Arizona Strip Mountain Bike Trails

Difficulty Ratings

BLM has rated designated mountain bike trails on their difficulty. This rating includes overall length, steepness and length of slopes, and trail surface.

For Your Safety

Know your equipment, your ability and the area:

• Carry extra drinking water, there is no reliable water available on the Strip. Summer temperatures can be over 100°F (38°C).
• Recommended safety equipment: Bicycling helmet, appropriate scale maps, spare tire tube or patch kit, pump, first aid kit and basic tool kit.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• See the Arizona Strip Visitor Map for additional travel information.

Trail Ethics

You may be familiar with the physical challenge of mountain biking. Now think about another challenge - your responsibility as a public land user to protect the environment and the rights of other users. Mountain biking is only one of a variety of uses on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Future opportunities for exciting travel with your mountain bike are in your hands, so please observe a few common courtesy rules.

• Ride on open trails only: All roads and trails on public land are available for mountain biking unless designated closed or in a wilderness area. Respect road and trail closures (ask if not sure) and avoid possible trespass on private lands.
  
  
• Practice low-impact cycling: Please be sensitive to the resources - stay on the trail and do not create new trails. Avoid skidding or spinning your wheels. Do not ride under conditions that would leave evidence of your passing such as wet and muddy trails. There is no garbage collection, so pack out at least as much as you pack in. Leave gates as you find them (open or closed).
  
  
• Control your bicycle: Pay attention to the trail and surroundings to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Always remain in complete control of your bicycle.
  
  
• Always yield the trail: Make known your approach to other trail users well in advance. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well. Show your respect by slowing down when passing or stopping to let others pass. Anticipate that other users may be around corners or in blind spots. Downhill riders should yield to uphill riders. Be aware that motorized vehicles may be on multi-purpose roads or trails.
  
  
• Be careful around animals: Mountain bikes are relatively slow and quiet, allowing the rider to see wildlife unnoticed by passengers in motorized vehicles. However, livestock and wildlife are startled by a unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. This can be dangerous to you or others. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horseback groups, use special care and follow the directions of the riders. Chasing cattle and disturbing wild animals are serious offenses.
  
  
• Plan your trip: Always be self-sufficient. There are no services or visitor amenities available on the Strip. Keep your machine in good condition, take the right maps and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A little planning is well worth the effort to make for an enjoyable trip.

For more information and to check on road conditions, contact:

Bureau of Land Management
Arizona Strip Field Office
345 East Riverside Dr.
St. George, Utah 84790
(435) 688-3200

The Dutchman Trail for Mountain Bikes

The Bureau of Land Management invites you to ride the Dutchman Trail through the engaging Mojave Desert landscape. The 9 mile (14.5 km) loop trail has a Difficulty Rating of Easy so most everyone can enjoy this half-day trip. Dutchman Wash, the main drainage for the area, gave the trail its name. Normally dry, the wash can be full of water after heavy precipitation.

A highlight of the trail is a ½-mile side trip to Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. This ancient rock art site is an outstanding showcase of petroglyphs (rock carvings) created by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Please leave your bicycles outside the fence.

At a Glance

The trailhead is located 10 miles southeast of St. George, Utah. Take Sunshine Trail road to parking area just south of the Arizona state line (map on reverse). The trail starts on the road heading west along the fence, just follow the bicycle trail markers. If you wish to visit Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site, stay right at the junction marked with a two-headed arrow. To ride the entire loop, take the trail that heads left (South). This trail heads south to the power line road. Turn left (East) on the power line road and stay on the main road as it turns to the north and back to the trailhead parking area.

The Sunshine Loop Mountain Bike Trail

Experience peacefulness and solitude as you ride the BLM's Sunshine Loop through fascinating desert scenery. Interesting dry washes, colorful buttes and abruptly rising escarpments impress mountain bikers all along this half-day trip. The 8.5 mile (13.5 km) loop trail has a More Difficult Rating mostly because of difficult trial surfaces in some stretches.

Flash flooding is possible any time of year, so keep an eye on the weather and watch for rising water in the washes. To avoid conflicts and help ensure continued mountain biking opportunities, please stay on the marked trail and leave all gates as you find them.

At a Glance

The trailhead is located 10 miles southeast of St. George, Utah. Take Sunshine Trail road to parking area just south of the Arizona state line (map on reverse). The trail starts on the main road heading north. Cross Ft. Pearce Wash and take the first road to the right (East). Follow the bicycle trail markers through a gate and across Ft. Pearce Wash again. From there, the trail works its way south to a fence. Go through the gate and turn right. Follow the trail as it heads northwest to the main road and back to the trailhead parking area.

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