gravelevents.com

Best Gravel Events in Arizona 2027

Arizona's gravel scene is booming, offering some of the most diverse and challenging riding in the United States. The 2027 season is packed with standout events that showcase the state's breathtaking landscapes, from the iconic Sonoran Desert to the cool pine forests of the high country. Whether you're seeking a multi-day bikepacking adventure or a single-day sufferfest, our guide to the best gravel events in Arizona for 2027 has you covered.

Gravel events in Arizona 2027

Why ride gravel in Arizona?

Arizona offers a gravel cycling experience unlike any other. It's a state of dramatic contrasts, where you can ride through saguaro-studded deserts in the morning and climb into cool, alpine forests in the afternoon. The sheer scale of the landscape is immense, providing a true sense of adventure and escape. The state is crisscrossed by a vast network of unpaved roads, from well-maintained Forest Service roads to rugged, chunky Jeep tracks, offering endless possibilities for exploration. For UK riders accustomed to damp trails and narrow lanes, Arizona's wide-open spaces, big skies, and the sheer novelty of riding through desert landscapes make it a bucket-list gravel destination.

The Terrain

Don't make the mistake of thinking Arizona is all flat desert. The state's topography is incredibly varied. In the south, you'll find the Basin and Range province, characterized by flat desert floors punctuated by imposing "sky island" mountain ranges. This is where you'll find events like BorderLands Gravel, which explore the rugged terrain near the US-Mexico border. Central Arizona, home to the Chino Grinder, features high-desert grasslands and rolling hills. Head north, and you ascend the Mogollon Rim to the Colorado Plateau. Here, at elevations of 6,000-8,000 feet, you'll find the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world, the setting for events like Village Gravel in Flagstaff.

This variety means you need to choose your tyres wisely. For the chunky, rocky routes in the southern deserts, 45-50mm tyres with reinforced sidewalls are recommended. For the smoother Forest Service roads around Flagstaff, a faster-rolling 40-42mm tyre will often suffice. Tubeless is non-negotiable.

Climate & Seasonality

Arizona has two main riding seasons: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Summer (June-August) is generally too hot for riding in the southern half of the state, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F). However, this is the prime season for the high country around Flagstaff, which enjoys pleasant summer weather. The infamous summer monsoon season (typically July-August) can bring dramatic, localized thunderstorms in the afternoons, especially in the mountains, so early starts are crucial. Winter can be a great time to ride in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, but snow and ice make the high country inaccessible.

Best Time to Visit

For a gravel-focused trip, October is arguably the perfect month. You can catch the tail-end of the high-country season in Flagstaff while enjoying sublime temperatures in the central and southern deserts. This is when major events like the Chino Grinder take place. Spring is also fantastic, offering pleasant weather across the state and the chance to tackle an epic like Ride Across Arizona as the desert wildflowers bloom.

2027 Event Highlights

Arizona's 2027 gravel calendar is shaping up to be a classic. Here are the events you shouldn't miss, ranked for their unique appeal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year for a gravel cycling trip to Arizona?

The best times for gravel riding in Arizona are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer the most pleasant temperatures for riding across the state's diverse elevations. Autumn, in particular, is ideal as you can ride in the high country and the desert in the same trip.

What kind of tyres do I need for Arizona gravel?

It depends on where you're riding. For the smoother, cinder-based Forest Service roads around Flagstaff, a 40-42mm tyre will be fast and comfortable. For the rocky, loose, and often sandy terrain in central and southern Arizona, a more robust 45-50mm tyre with reinforced sidewalls is highly recommended. Always use a tubeless setup.

Is Arizona a good destination for beginner gravel riders?

Yes, but with caveats. The extensive network of Forest Service roads in the national forests around Flagstaff, Prescott, and the White Mountains offers thousands of miles of relatively smooth, low-traffic gravel perfect for beginners. However, many of the desert routes can be very remote and technically challenging, requiring more experience.

How hot does it get during the summer?

Summer in the southern and central parts of Arizona is extremely hot, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F). Riding at midday is not recommended. However, the high country around Flagstaff (above 2,000m) enjoys a pleasant summer climate, making it an ideal escape for summer gravel riding.

Explore more

Keep exploring