Itinerary

Elevation Range: 2,000–4,300ft

Day 1: McDowell Mountain Park

McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers over 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The trails range in length and difficulty from easy to strenuous. We will design today’s ride based on the group’s preferences and abilities, but you can be sure you will be happy at the end of the day!
Total Mileage | 20 miles Camp: Bumblebee

Day 2: South Mountain

The South Mountain Park boasts 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels. Today’s ride will chosen by your guide and dictated by the ability level of the group. The riding here is world class and not to be missed, so leave the details to the experts and enjoy the ride!
Total Mileage | 22 miles Camp: Bumblebee

Day 3: Big Bug to Bumblebee camp

A short shuttle ride from Phoenix will deliver us to the BCT trailhead. Our first ride begins with the Big Bug segment in the Prescott National Forest. Today marks the highest points on our ride and will result in a net downhill for the day! We will see much of the high desert and catch some great views as we head through the towering Saguaro cactus towards the Bradshaw Mountains. As we head into camp a delicious dinner awaits us.
Total Mileage | 25 miles Camp: Bumblebee

Day 4: Bumblebee to Black Canyon City

Energize with a hearty breakfast for this morning’s invigorating ride to Black Canyon City! Our second day of riding paints the true picture of why the Black Canyon Trail was named Arizona’s best trail in 2012. We will ride through miles of cactus, across awe-inspiring mesas and along spectacular singletrack. Today’s ride is more technical than the day before, making those views well worth the effort! When we arrive in Black Canyon City we will shuttle back to our comfortable camp at Bumblebee.
Total Mileage | 22 miles Camp: Bumblebee

Day 5: Black Canyon City to Emery Henderson Trailhead

Wake up to fresh brewed coffee and a hot breakfast. We will break camp and hop in the shuttle for a ride to Black Canyon City and the start of today’s adventure. Our final day cuts through to the heart of the BCT. Today we have it all, from tight twisting cactus filled singletrack, river crossings and wide open desert views.
Total Mileage | 22 miles

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

Best of Phoenix Black Canyon

Campground: Bumblebee

We choose well-maintained public campgrounds with scenic vistas and comfortable arrangements. You’ll move seamlessly from one day of your trip to the next, camping outdoors and enjoying wildly healthy, delicious homemade meals.
The majority of our selected campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. Conversely, in more remote backcountry camping scenarios, we’ll provide portable toilets and private solar showers.
Cell phone service is very spotty. All meals on this trip are prepared by your guides with the exception of dinner on the 4th day and breakfast of the 5th day.

Our rental camp gear package includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. $108.00

Camping gear may be rented or you may bring your own. All of our camping gear is tested and hand-chosen from top manufacturers to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

There is also an upgrade to Inn’s version for an extra fee of $1678.- pp
Casual Inn: Homewood Suites by Hilton | Phoenix, AZ

Included:

• Meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages,
• Community camping gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.)
• Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations.
• At least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s).

Not included:

• Airfare to and from our departure point.
• Lodging before or after the tour.
• Personal camping gear, rental possible $108.-
• Rental bike.
• Gratuities for guides.

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2025: $ 1515.- pp.
Camp gear package includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. $108.-
Rental bike: Specialized Full suspension mountain bike from $380.-
Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Full Suspension from $ 460.-
There is also an upgrade to Inn’s only version for an extra fee of $1678.- pp. (ask for single fee)
Tour dates 2025
20 Jan – 24 Jan
17 Feb – 21 Feb
17 Mar – 21 mar
14 Apr – 18 Apr
13 Oct – 17 Oct
03 Nov – 07 Nov
15 Dec – 19 Dec
NOTE
Start time: 09:00am, meeting location: Best Western Airport Inn
Please arrive in Phoenix at least 12 hours prior to tour departure to allow for rest and acclimation.
We will return to Phoenix around 5pm on the last day

Conditions

Deposit $500.- pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.

Food is a big part of the experience. Our guides prepare all of your meals on our camping trips. Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods. These include fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as meats. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you are out riding. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.