Looking for a long-distance bicycle ride in Phoenix that takes you beyond ordinary neighborhood bike paths? The Valley’s canal system offers an interesting way to explore Arizona by bicycle, connecting communities, parks, neighborhoods, and stretches of desert scenery.
One ambitious ride idea is to start in Surprise, follow available canal-side paths east and southeast through the northwest Valley, and work toward the Arizona Canal corridor and North Scottsdale. For riders interested in long-distance bicycle touring in Phoenix, this type of trip offers a different perspective on the metropolitan area.
There is an important distinction, however: this is a regional route-planning concept, not a verified, uninterrupted trail from Surprise to North Scottsdale. Some sections have developed shared-use paths, while others may require connecting streets, crossings, detours, or alternate routes. Before setting off, check current maps and confirm that each section is open and legal for bicycle use.
At MrBikeMan, we’re passionate about bicycles and exploring the Phoenix area. Here’s how to think about a longer canal ride, which routes are worth investigating, and how to prepare for a more ambitious day in the saddle.
1. Why Phoenix Is Interesting for Long-Distance Bicycle Touring
Phoenix is known for its sprawling metropolitan area, desert landscape, and extensive network of canals. While many visitors explore the Valley by car, cycling can provide a slower and more personal way to experience its different communities.
The Salt River Project and local governments have developed recreational paths along portions of the canal network. These routes support walking, running, and cycling, with conditions varying by location.
According to Salt River Project’s canal trail guide, more than 80 miles of canal trails have been developed through partnerships with cities and other organizations.
That network makes the Valley appealing to riders who want to plan a longer outing without spending the entire day on major roads. You may pass residential neighborhoods, local parks, bridges, public art, and commercial districts along the way.
Still, canal trails are not all identical. Some sections are paved, while others may be hard-packed dirt or have different access arrangements. A touring plan should account for the surface, access points, and connections between individual segments.
2. Start with Surprise and the Northwest Valley
Surprise is an interesting starting point for a regional cycling adventure because it sits in the northwest portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Before leaving, identify the exact starting location and the nearest legal bicycle route. Do not assume that every drainage channel, irrigation canal, or maintenance road is open to public cycling.
The Maricopa County Parks trail map collection is a useful resource for understanding regional trail connections, including routes around White Tank Mountain Regional Park and other northwest Valley areas.
However, the Maricopa Trail is a separate regional trail system and should not be mistaken for a continuous canal-side route from Surprise to Scottsdale. Some segments may be unpaved, unsuitable for certain bicycles, or disconnected from the canal paths you intend to follow.
For a long-distance ride, choose a starting point that offers safe access to the first confirmed segment. If necessary, begin at a more convenient trailhead rather than attempting to ride directly from your front door.
Before the trip, check the map, look for closures, and identify places where you can safely leave the route to get water, food, or mechanical assistance.
3. Follow the Arizona Canal Corridor Toward Scottsdale
The Arizona Canal is one of the most useful corridors to investigate when planning a long bicycle ride through the northwest and central Valley.
The City of Scottsdale’s paths and trails guide describes the Arizona Canal trail as a regional connection linking Scottsdale with Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
That makes the canal particularly relevant to cyclists interested in connecting several parts of the metropolitan area on one outing.
Rather than assuming the entire route is uninterrupted, plan around confirmed path sections. Note where the path changes surface, where crossings occur, and where you may need to use a designated street connection.
Pay attention to the canal’s access rules, as well. The presence of a canal does not automatically mean that its banks are open to public use at every location.
If your goal is a long ride rather than a technical trail adventure, a bicycle suited to pavement and occasional firm, smooth surfaces may be a practical choice. Always confirm the surface conditions before committing to a route.
4. Explore the Phoenix Canal Paths and Grand Canalscape
As you plan farther into Phoenix, the Grand Canalscape offers another developed section worth considering.
The City of Phoenix Grand Canalscape guide describes a multiuse recreational trail system along the Grand Canal. The developed corridor includes concrete paths, neighborhood connections, and designated crossings.
The Grand Canalscape is not the same canal as the Arizona Canal. They are separate corridors within the wider regional network, so connecting them requires careful route planning.
For riders who enjoy exploring, the canal paths can provide access to neighborhoods and parks that might otherwise be overlooked during a drive across the Valley.
One option is to plan a shorter section of the Grand Canalscape as a separate day ride before attempting a longer regional journey. This lets you become familiar with the trail’s surface, crossings, and surroundings.
Use official trail maps to establish where your route begins and ends. A regional ride becomes much easier to manage when each segment has a clear start, finish, and backup option.
5. Finish Near North Scottsdale and the Desert Foothills
North Scottsdale offers a very different atmosphere from the more densely developed central Valley. The area has desert views, neighborhood pathways, parks, and access to the surrounding Sonoran landscape.
Scottsdale’s trail network includes the Indian Bend Wash path, Crosscut Canal path, Arizona Canal path, and portions of the developing Central Arizona Project Canal pathway network.
However, these are different routes with different alignments. The city notes that portions of the northern Indian Bend Wash path and the Central Arizona Project Canal path remain planned or incomplete. Do not treat them as fully connected, uninterrupted paths.
Check the Scottsdale bikeway network information to understand existing connections and planned improvements.
If North Scottsdale is your intended destination, select an exact finishing point with safe bicycle access. A park, public trailhead, or other accessible destination may work better than ending at an arbitrary point on a canal bank.
For a one-way touring trip, also arrange transportation home or plan a return journey. A long ride can become considerably more demanding if you underestimate the distance and need to pedal back after a full day.
6. How Far Is the Ride from Surprise to North Scottsdale?
The exact distance depends on your starting point, finishing point, the canal sections you can legally access, and the streets or paths needed to connect them.
It would be misleading to publish a single mileage figure without mapping and checking the actual route. Straight-line distance, driving distance, and bicycle-path distance are not interchangeable.
Before planning your ride, enter your chosen start and finish points into a bicycle routing tool. Then compare its proposed route with official local trail maps and check any uncertain connections manually.
Pay particular attention to:
- Whether each path segment is open to bicycles
- Whether a section is paved, gravel, dirt, or a canal maintenance road
- Major road crossings and areas without a dedicated path
- Construction, detours, and temporary closures
- Water, restrooms, food, and possible repair stops
- Safe options for shortening the trip if necessary
Once the route is verified, divide it into manageable stages and estimate the time needed for riding, stops, and unexpected delays.
7. What Bicycle Is Best for Long-Distance Canal Touring?
The best bicycle depends on the confirmed surface and your preferred riding style.
Hybrid bicycle
A hybrid bicycle can be a practical option for riders who expect mostly paved paths with occasional smooth, firm surfaces. It often offers a comfortable upright position and versatile gearing.
Road or endurance bicycle
A road or endurance bicycle can suit longer paved sections, especially for riders who prioritize efficiency and distance. Confirm that the tires and bicycle are appropriate for the actual surface.
Gravel bicycle
A gravel bicycle may be useful if your verified route includes both pavement and suitable unpaved paths. Tire choice, handling, and comfort matter more than the label on the frame.
Electric bicycle
An e-bike can make a longer outing more accessible for some riders, but battery range depends on the model, battery condition, assistance level, rider weight, terrain, wind, and other factors.
Do not assume that a manufacturer’s maximum range will be achieved on every ride. Plan charging and battery reserves carefully, and verify that your e-bike class is permitted on each route segment.
8. Prepare for Phoenix Weather and Long Hours in the Saddle
Long-distance riding in Arizona requires more preparation than simply carrying a water bottle and checking your tires.
During cooler months, start by checking the forecast and the expected temperatures along the route. Mornings can be cool, while afternoon temperatures may rise significantly.
During extreme heat, postpone the trip or choose a shorter indoor or outdoor alternative. Do not rely on shade along canal paths to make dangerous temperatures safe.
Carry enough water for the planned distance, identify reliable refill opportunities, and bring food suitable for the length and intensity of your ride. Your needs will depend on weather, exertion, and individual circumstances.
Check your tires, brakes, chain, and shifting before departure. Carry a spare tube or suitable repair equipment if appropriate for your bicycle, along with the tools needed to use them.
Wear a properly fitted helmet, use lights when visibility is reduced, and make yourself visible at road crossings. Share your intended route with someone and keep your phone charged.
Finally, remember that canal paths follow open water. Salt River Project advises trail users to stay clear of the water’s edge and supervise children and pets around canals.
9. A Smarter Way to Plan Your First Regional Canal Ride
If you’ve never completed a long-distance ride through the Valley, consider testing the route in stages rather than attempting the entire journey immediately.
First, ride a shorter section near your starting point. Confirm the surface, identify crossings, and learn where you can access water and food.
Next, explore a longer section of the Arizona Canal or Grand Canalscape. These practice rides can help you evaluate your comfort, bicycle fit, and preferred pace.
After that, map the proposed connections between the northwest Valley and your North Scottsdale destination. Verify every uncertain section rather than assuming two nearby paths connect.
Keep a backup plan. If the weather changes, a trail is closed, or you encounter a connection that is unsuitable for your bicycle, know how to shorten the ride safely.
The goal is to enjoy the journey, not to finish a particular distance at any cost.
Explore Phoenix by Bicycle with MrBikeMan
From the northwest Valley to Scottsdale, Phoenix offers plenty of opportunities to explore by bicycle. The canal system is a valuable part of that experience, especially for riders willing to plan carefully and discover the network one section at a time.
If you have a bicycle you no longer use, MrBikeMan may also be interested in purchasing it.
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