The Desert Classic trail is just that, a classic at the South Mountain Park area. Because it is such a classic, the trail is well marked and well worn by high traffic flow of riders and hikers. The trail travels north or south for 9 miles depending on where the starting point is, then turns around at the end for another 9 miles, creating an out & back trail on hardpacked sand, some sandy washes, and small chunky rocks.

There are a few different ways to ride the DC trail: 1). Park at the Prima Canyon parking area, keep the mountains on your right and ride south. Shortly after leaving the parking area there is a map with the DC trail well-marked on it. Follow the signs for the DC trail and keep left as you pass the Marcos De Niza Trail. The trail ends at a junction with Telegraph Pass Trail, turning around and following itself back for 9 miles, creating the out & back. 2). Park at the Desert Foothills parking area and ride towards the mountain. Keep right as you pass the Telegraph Pass Trail, then ride for 9 miles keep the mountain on your left and following the DC trail markers. 3) Park at either of the parking areas and shuttle a car to the other parking area, making the trail only 9 miles of singletrack instead of the 17 mile out & back.

Because it is a multi-purpose trail, always be cautious of hikers and other riders.

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. Courtesy of mtbproject.com

Whether the trail is easy or not all depends on your fitness and skill. Yes, this trail is a piece of cake, compared to National, but it’s still fun, fast and furious and a singlespeeder’s hammerfest. Courtesy of mtbikeaz.com