The iconic National Trail on South Mt might be the best ride in Phoenix - Just Ride Ep. 16

If you're looking for best mountain biking in Phoenix AZ, I highly recommend checking out the National Trail on South Mountain. The gnar is top notch and the views are incredible.
This was my first time ever to the South West. As a MTB rider from the NE I didn't know what to expect. South Mt did not disappoint! We did an out and back on the National trail which was full of hard tech and breathtaking looks outs.
Starting from the Pima Canyon parking lot we took the Pima Canyon Dirt Road about 1.5 miles to the National trail. But instead of staying on that we made a quick right onto the Mormon Loop. You can climb either, but Mormon is more doable. At the 3 mile mark we connected back into the National trail.
At mile 4 you will come to the infamous Waterfall which was crazy difficult. After messing around on that for a while we continued on the National Trail for another 4.5 miles before it dumped us out onto Summit Road. Rather than climbing the crazy tech we just came down we used Summit to Buena Vista to South TV Road to connect back onto National.
In total, our ride ended up being about 18 miles with 2600 ft of climbing. If want to follow the route we took, check out my Strava or Trailforks links below.
Table of Contents
0:00 Intro
0:40 National to Mormon Loop
2:01 National West Bound
3:21 The Waterfall Climb
4:50 National Continued
6:55 My Crash
8:54 National East Bound
10:03 The Waterfall Descent
11:28 Big Slab Roll
12:04 National Continued
12:40 Conclusion
13:15 Bloopers
Trail Details & Additional Info
Pima Canyon Parking Lot
4500 E Pima Canyon Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Strava: / strava
Trailforks: www.trailforks.com/ridelog/vi...
Featured rider: Dan @the_ride_abides
Wordpress Post: trail-sage.com/2022/03/30/sou...
Bikes: Ibis Mojo 3 and Specialized Stumpjumper
If you are looking for an awesome bike shop check out Action Ride Shop. I needed my wheel straightened and Dan needed a tune up and they took us in right on the spot. Top notch mechanics and the store was filled with bikes, gear and accessories. Highly recommend them!
Action Ride Shop
1316 S Gilbert Rd Ste D1, Mesa, AZ 85204
www.actionrideshop.com/
If you like what you see, or have some feedback/questions, let me know in the comments below. If you enjoyed the video “Subscribe” to see more content like this, or join me on Patreon for some extra perks.
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/ trailsage
Trail Sage Apparel and Gear
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#Phoenix #SouthMountain #MTBAZ #POV #IbisCycles #IbisMojo3 #MountainBike #MTBing

[@PhillyMTB]

excellent video Sage! I saw your az rides on Strava and was looking forward to the vid. I squeezed in a south mountain ride back in 2019 while a on a trip through Phoenix and only got a taste, but loved it.

[@TrailSage]

OMG wait till you see the other places we hit in AZ Sam. It only gets better. We even ran into Jeff Lenosky on Day 6. He put me in his latest video which was super cool of him. Stay tuned for mine.

[@PhillyMTB]

@@TrailSage that's awesome I'll have to check that out. Unfortunately I was there for one day and had to pedal from the rental place so I basically just hit national. Did you guys do that 24th street descent from Mormon? I had a friend that was just there and said it was pretty legit

[@TrailSage]

@@PhillyMTB Yeah please do. No, on our last day we hit Holbert and Corona de loma.

[@JeLanadventure]

What a great fun. You all have very strong power over the rocks.

[@TrailSage]

Thanks JeLan. Those rocks were crazy.

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

Great video!! Awesome adventure that y’all experienced. Thank you for sharing!!

[@TrailSage]

Thanks Andrew, this was a great trip and certainly an eye opener, lol.

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

@@TrailSage you’re welcome!! I be it was eye opening. It looked very challenging!!

[@homeworkouthealthhub3158]

Oh my goodness! I live at the base of the South Mountain!!!!!! I am always on the trail!🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@TrailSage]

Super jealous that these trails are local to you!

[@homeworkouthealthhub3158]

Great views! Loved this "That's my story and I'm sticking with it." I usually hike Telegraph Pass four times a week. Pyramid Trail is DIFFICULT!!! Great bloopers at the end! 😀-Val

[@TrailSage]

I’ve heard great things about that trail Val. It’s on my list for next year! Thx for watching

[@themiddleagemasher8108]

Ahhh the SoMo. Love that Mormon nation ride.

[@TrailSage]

Such a great rip, especially coming down National. Thanks for watching!

[@AllBikeCommunity]

Yes it was wonderfull track. The weather is so good for riding...

[@TrailSage]

Yes, absolutely perfect. Thanks for watching

[@goatlocker219]

@12:03, it looks like the Salsa team is doing some testing. Great video. Thanks.

[@TrailSage]

Yeah, I think they were, good call. And thanks for watching and commenting.

[@BIIIKES]

Duuuuuude- that terrain looked AMAZING. Crazy exposure lol

[@TrailSage]

OMG Todd the exposure in some spots was legit! So happy to have the opportunity to do this trip. I have 5 more days of riding coming up so stay tuned brotha.

[@ZRMTB]

You made it look easy! Lol… glad you stayed injury free. awesome stuff Sage!

[@TrailSage]

Relatively injury free lol. Thanks Omar

[@RunSensible]

Ever son e I was a kid I have wanted to go to Phoenix, Arizona. I think I first saw it in a BMX magazine. This video reminds me of the fascination I had with it as a young boy. Great shots and wonderful terrain. Your videos are really really good. Very engaging and wholly entertaining.

[@TrailSage]

Thank you so much Neil, that means a lot. I put more time than I would like to admit into these videos and your comments keep me going.

[@GillFisherRunningMySpace]

Amazing day you had, wow! Love all the different terrain! Cool cactuses! I’m glad your fall was not a bad one. Some of those trails had pretty steep drops. Sage, I hope you and Dan got another ride in before coming home!

[@TrailSage]

Gill the exposure was insane in some spots. Dan and I were out there for a week and got six rides in at different locations. Stay tuned...

[@GillFisherRunningMySpace]

@@TrailSage That’s a great holiday! Looking forward to another video!!

[@jt218]

wow awesome footage! love the change of scenery! great vid

[@TrailSage]

Thanks Jo! Dan has a place in AZ so we spent a week out there, it was awesome!

[@barnesandrewc711]

Used to ride these lines in the early 90s , on my Og Stumpjumper Fs lol i used to ride from Tempe and back. 😅 thanks for video was able show my son what it looks like

[@TrailSage]

Right on Andrew! It's amazing how much bikes have changed over the years. Thanks for the comment, and I hope it inspired your son to get out and ride.

[@TheRideAbides]

1st ride for TrailSage in the southwest! South Mountain is like riding on the moon... crazy and barren terrain. You were slaying it too! Great video brother.

[@TrailSage]

Dude! Thank you again for making it happen!

[@DaniellaJoyFitness]

Ah! There it is! I’ll be back later to watch this in full! Saw this on my notifications and I had to drop by and say I’m excited to watch this!

[@TrailSage]

OMG don't hype it up to much. It's just two middle aged mountain bikers failing and crashing all over the mountain, lol. Hope you like it Daniella

[@SoGoMTB]

It is a gorgeous day indeed. Amazing ride with besties that cover each other. Pedal strike? It a must I guess! Never actually consider Arizona but I do now. SUBSCRIBED!

[@TrailSage]

No, the crash was caused by some big rocks that caught my tire. The GoPro does not show how steep, or big, the rocks on in that section. If you get a chance to visit AZ I highly recommend this ride. Thanks for watching.

[@DevRunner]

Amazing riding! Beautiful scenery! There was a point where you were climbing a ridge with a drop-off on your right when my vertigo kicked in! Insane but fun! Keep pushing Sage!

[@TrailSage]

Paul the exposure on this mountain was insane for sure. More to come from this trip stay tuned and thanks for watching.

[@NomadTerraCrawlers]

Fun line. You scale those rocks with such ease even if we know they are tough moves. Bravo!

[@TrailSage]

Thank Simon, I feel the same way about your videos!

[@ckMTB]

That was a pleasure to watch Sage, great video and you both rode awesome. A fantastic place with beautiful trails and great stuff. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work buddy. Have a great time and take care. Ride on

[@TrailSage]

This place was eye opening for sure. Thanks for the continued support Christoph.

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Gorgeous weather indeed, Sage! Nice two camera footage! Great Holy Molly steep and rocky trails, haha. Beautiful bloopers, as always, mate! 👏👍

[@TrailSage]

This was a great opportunity and amazing experience. Thank you for watching Mihai. Glad you enjoyed the bloopers.

[@gobikeyourself]

Awesome ride Sage! 6:55 is a testament to always ride with a buddy 😆😎

[@TrailSage]

OMG you ain't kidding Christian! Although, riding with buddies has other benefits too. Thanks for watching brotha!

[@gobikeyourself]

@TrailSage It sure has ;-) Also, always save the bike first 😜 😂

[@Runnerrwe]

Very cool video. Glad your fall was not on a cactus. I did Javelina Jundred twice out in the Fountain Hills area which is East of Phoenix. The Phoenix area is amazing for MTB and running.

[@TrailSage]

OMG right! That would have totally sucked, lol. Yeah, we saw a lot of trail runners throughout our trip in AZ. Thanks for watching Richard

[@DaniellaJoyFitness]

“We’ve let the east coast down” 😅 you’re good. As someone who was born and raised on the east coast (toronto) and now living on the west coast (Calgary 🏔) it’s all good! But i do miss the east! It’s been almost 2 years here. Anyway, my son and I are enjoying your video! It’s very well done! The fact that you got my 7 year old’s attention it’s a win! We love it Sage! Keep rocking the awesome content!

[@TrailSage]

That is awesome Daniella. I can't even keep my own kids attention, lol. I appreciate all the love and support, thank you so much! I will get you on a mountain bike one of these days ;)

[@DaniellaJoyFitness]

@@TrailSage KIDS LOL! Oh, you know it! Like HOW CAN I NOT! Every time I go for one of my walks I see mountain bikers and even talk to a few at times because i like to take the bike trails with my dog as they're off path and shes a crazy puppy just attacking everyone! It's a goal of mine trust!

[@jeffbratteson7007]

Busy work week and...finally got to see your video. Man, do I miss South Mountain. Loved how you pointed out stuff. Really great video.

[@TrailSage]

Thanks for watching and your feedback Jeff. We had a blast in AZ. More to come from this trip so stay tuned!

[@OpenDoorYogaSLC]

Beautiful weather and scenery! I’ve been wanting to get into mountain biking, but I’ll definitely be starting much smaller😂

[@TrailSage]

Thank you Michelle. This was my first time in AZ and I was taken away by the beauty. You should def get into MTBing, no better way to see the world.

[@kiloyardstare]

Great job clearing the Waterfall your first try going down.

[@TrailSage]

Thanks. That is a tricky section for sure. I hope to get the climb the next time I am out that way.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Man looked like an epic ride! Such different terrain than back east. Oh man! That crash looked scary! Glad you were ok.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Man that waterfall looks darn near impossible

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Wouldn’t want to fall in a cactus 🌵

[@TrailSage]

@@UltraTrailSteven Dude, I couldn't believe how different this place was from where we live on the East Coast. If you get a chance to visit AZ it is totally worth it. And yes, cactus would have sucked, lol. Thanks for watching Steven.

[@splooshmtb]

Finally got around to checking this out properly. What a ride. Honestly loose traction is one of the hardest things to gain confidence on for me. Glad you didn't land in a cactus😂

[@TrailSage]

Dude I was so fortunate not to land in cactus. That would have added pain to an already humiliating situation, lol. Thanks for watching Zane

[@KirstenQuickFit]

Gorgeous! Holy Moly!!! It's awesome you have a riding buddy for sure! That looks like a super hard climb up the waterfall-legs have to be burning! Mesmerized by your video!! Especially downhill! Sage- you and Danny are super brave to be riding on those steep areas-and your crash-yikes! What an amazing trip! East coast ripper! Let's go-Benny Hill music-hilarious!

[@TrailSage]

More to come from this trip stay tuned Kirsten. Thank you for watching and for the kind words. I know you don't mountain bike so the fact that you take the time out to watch this means a lot.

[@kembangeceng]

Wuhhh mantap banget kawan luar biasa cukup menatang

[@TrailSage]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@kramonut]

Awesome video Sage! My bro-in-law lives in Az. Next time I go to visit I’m taking my bike. IIRC he said he was close to South Mtn. Looks gnarly!

[@TrailSage]

Yes! You def have to do that. AZ was an absolute blast and I was so grateful for the opportunity. Hope you get out there soon.

[@IVANMTB]

Hi, friend! I don't understand much the language but your videos are very nice, a great editing job and I give you my congratulations!! greetings bro

[@TrailSage]

I know what you mean Ivan. Thanks for watching anyway brotha.

[@movemorenowjames]

I am taking the scenery for granted these days… tough looking rocky trails

[@TrailSage]

I hear ya James, this trip was a real eye opener for me. Great to change it up sometimes right?! Thanks for watching.

[@FoCoFlowShow]

What an epic ride! Trail looks relentless - nice work 🤘

[@TrailSage]

Thx Forrest. We had an awesome trip out there and even ran into Jeff Lenosky on our last day. Stay tuned for more stuff.

[@AxlHambone]

And you’re rocking an Action shirt 🤘

[@TrailSage]

Love the folks at Action! The best in the biz for sure

[@RbnWebSolutions]

I really love your videos go ahead

[@TrailSage]

Thank you so much, you are too kind

[@BradleyWherry]

Sweet trail Sage! You have some mean skills out there! great work

[@TrailSage]

Thanks Bradley. You may want to re-watch the bloopers and take back that statement, lol.

[@josecepeda6194]

Awesome video love to see these other lines other riders do, I ride Somo 2-3 times a week and haven’t got tired of it 😎🤙🏽

[@TrailSage]

Thank Jose. I'm jealous that you get to ride SoMo all the time, but I totally understand getting bored of it. I have a few local trails back here on the East Coast that I have to get creative with to keep it interesting, lol.

[@josecepeda6194]

@@TrailSage as long as you make it fun is what matter! Be safe out there

[@DirtCityMTB]

Great vid! How I long for nice weather here on the East coast.

[@TrailSage]

I know right?! I came back to cold weather and was like wtf, lol. Thx for watching brotha.

[@Musicandbikes848]

Great video Sage! You and Danny put out some amazing content together. You’re climbing skills are out of this world. And I still love what you consider to be “fantastic” 😂

[@TrailSage]

Ha! You know I love a technical challenge Kris. Although that place got the best of me a few times lol. Thx for watching brotha.

[@TrailTales]

Place looks Baller Sage!! And I suppose it one of your videos wouldn't be complete if you didn't search out every "Alt-Line" on the whole trail!! Hahaha Nice work mate!! Great video as always!! :D

[@TrailSage]

Lol you know me too well Phil. Thanks for watching man!

[@BenNotley]

Absolutely nuts stuff Sage! You boys looked like you had a blast out there! That looked like a bit of a prickly bush 😂 I agree with the outtakes you both made it look easy! 😂 Awesome video as always Sage! 😎🤘🏻

[@TrailSage]

Hey Ben! Yeah, I was super grateful for the opportunity to travel and ride some completely different stuff. Thanks for watching brotha!

[@VRShanghainese]

Great video👍thank you for your sharing 👍This is a great place for a vacation😀😀😀i like your video❤️😀New friend here+1😄❤️

[@TrailSage]

Thank you so much for watching

[@MTB-Portugal]

Amazing video Sage. That waterfall climb seems really difficult, but I bet next time you'll clear it. Amazing climbing skills and awesome willingness to try again whenever you fail to clear something on your first try. Kudos to you! Ride On dude.

[@TrailSage]

OMG that waterfall is 100% legit. I could have spent all day sessioning that one, lol. Thanks for all the support Andrade.

[@TRUCK365ETS2_ets2mod]

Super vidéo my friend have Nice day 👍

[@TrailSage]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@johnglynn7795]

Enjoy So Mtrn....Make it a point to ride Hawes Trail System East of Phoenix my home trails. Ensure you ride Red Mtn Rush, High Ridge, Big Sister, etc!!!!!

[@TrailSage]

Thanks John, we did Hawes (Sunset Ridge) on day two. Stay tuned for more content from this trip. Thanks watching man.

[@cidaalvinlifestyle456]

Very vídeo 👍🥰💖

[@TrailSage]

Thank you for watching

[@mark1john]

Great riding as usual Sage ... rock climbing is ur thing for sure lol ... also share some of them problems with me lol I need to drop some weight as well hahahah

[@TrailSage]

lol right on. Thanks for watching Mark.

[@noelquiambao1447]

Awesome video by the way. I see you guys had camel backs, are 2 16 oz bottle work for that trail or should I just bring a camel back with me with a bigger reservoir. First time will be getting this trail, we’re coming from Vegas. Ty

[@TrailSage]

Hey Noel, it gets pretty hot and exposed so I would air on the side of caution and bring the Camelbak. Have a great ride!

[@Fuckstupidlibtards]

Definitely need more talking... Not enough talking. Talking incessantly is what biking is all about.

[@TrailSage]

Sry Dillie, to each his own I guess. I try and describe what I’m seeing and feeling for those that might not have the opportunity to make it out there, or for those thinking of going. I appreciate the feedback regardless.

[@mattkeyes8385]

First time on National today... glad I'm not the only one who struggled :) Great trail but takes some specific lines for sure

[@TrailSage]

Totally agree. Super underrated trail for sure. Are you visiting AZ? If so, are you planning on riding anywhere else Matt?

[@mattkeyes8385]

@@TrailSage I have ridden Maricopa State Park and Brown's Ranch. I'm planning on riding at McDowell and Hawes hopefully soon!

[@TrailSage]

@@mattkeyes8385 Right on. We rode Hawes and had a blast. Check out my video on Sunset Ridge if you get a chance.