South Mountain: F/S MTB & e-MTB Rentals

Imagine cruising through the rugged trails of South Mountain with a modern, well-maintained bike, and a knowledgeable guide showing you the best spots. That’s exactly what this mountain biking experience from Emigos Bike Shop offers. Whether you’re a seasoned rider craving technical descents or a beginner eager to explore Arizona’s desert landscapes, this tour can suit a wide range of skill levels.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the brand-new, top-tier full suspension and e-Mountain Bikes promise a smooth ride on Arizona’s diverse terrain. Second, the direct access from the shop to South Mountain’s trails means you start your adventure without a lengthy transfer, maximizing your ride time.

A potential consideration? The price of $169 per group may seem steep for a 3-hour session, especially if you’re just looking for a quick ride without guides. However, the value comes from the quality bikes, expert guidance, and the convenience of local access—particularly for those staying near Phoenix.

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want an authentic trail experience, gear enthusiasts who appreciate good equipment, or families and groups seeking a guided adventure in a scenic setting. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from this mountain biking outing.

• Quality Equipment: New model, full suspension mountain bikes and e-MTBs ensure a comfortable ride.
• Convenient Location: Ride directly from the shop to over 100 miles of South Mountain trails.
• Guided Options: Knowledgeable local guides can tailor the route to your skill level and maximize fun.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: Trails range from beginner green to challenging double black diamond.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve in advance with the option to pay later, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.
• Inclusive Essentials: Helmets, water bottles, and accessories are available, although riders should bring their own helmets.

Starting Point: Emigos Bike Shop

Located just 15 minutes from Phoenix International Airport, Emigos Bike Shop offers a highly convenient jumping-off point for your adventure. You can easily reach the shop via ride share, allowing you to start riding almost immediately after arrival. The shop’s focus on quality gear and customer service is evident in their inventory of new model, top-tier full suspension and e-Mountain Bikes, plus electric bikes (e-MTBs) for those looking for a little extra boost.

Before heading out, you’ll want to reserve your bike so it’s ready for you. The shop makes it easy to plan by offering bike sizes in all options, ensuring a proper fit for every rider. Helmets, water bottles, and nutrition supplies are all available, but bringing your own helmet is recommended for safety and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Getting to South Mountain Trails

The best part? You ride directly from the shop to the trails. This immediate access allows you to maximize your mountain time without the hassle of long transfers. The trails stretch over 100 miles, providing enough variety for a full day or multiple rides, though this tour is a 3-hour snapshot.

Trail Variety and Skill Levels

South Mountain’s terrain is one of its greatest assets. The trails range from easy green routes, ideal for beginners or families, to double black diamond trails that challenge even seasoned riders. From sandy stretches to rocky descents, the landscape offers a true Arizona desert mountain biking experience.

The guides are a key part of this experience. Their local knowledge and trail expertise help you find routes suited to your ability, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was fantastic—knew exactly how to match the trail to our skill level and pushed us just enough.”

Guided Tours and Custom Routes

While riding solo is an option, many opt for the guided tour. These tours last 2 to 3 hours, providing a comfortable pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. The guides can create a custom route based on your skill level and interest, showing you the most scenic or technical parts of South Mountain.

If you’re a group of friends or family, the small group size—limited to 10 participants—ensures personalized attention. This makes for a friendly atmosphere and a chance to ask questions about local trails or Arizona’s desert ecology.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The pricing of $169 per group covers full suspension mountain bikes or e-MTBs, flat pedals, and a water bottle cage. You also get direct access to the trails, and guided tours are available if you prefer a more curated experience.

However, helmets are not included in the rental, so you’ll need to bring your own or rent one separately. The same goes for water bottles, SPD pedals, or any additional accessories. If you’re planning to do multiple days or more challenging routes, you might consider renting a tailgate pad for your vehicle, although that’s more relevant for multi-day trips.

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Rider Experience and Fitness Level

This tour is not suitable for people who can’t ride a bike. Having at least basic riding skills is essential, especially to handle the more technical or challenging trails. The guide can help beginners navigate easier routes, but full control of your bike is a must for safety.

Additional Options

Beyond the single-day ride, Emigos offers multi-day trips to places like the Sonoran Desert, Sedona, or Flagstaff. These options are perfect if you want to extend your Arizona mountain biking adventure.

While $169 might seem like a premium price, it includes top-grade bikes, local expertise, and the convenience of leaving from a nearby shop. The guided element adds value, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with South Mountain’s extensive trail system.

Reviews highlight the expertise of guides, with one reviewer mentioning, “They knew the trails inside out and kept us safe while showing us some of the best scenery.” The quality of the bikes and gear, along with the ease of access, mean you’re paying for peace of mind and a smooth, enjoyable ride.

This experience is tailor-made for travelers who value well-maintained gear, local knowledge, and convenience. It’s ideal for riders of all levels who want to explore South Mountain without the hassle of planning their own route or transportation. Families, groups, or solo adventurers seeking a guided, authentic Arizona mountain biking experience will find this tour a worthwhile choice.

This mountain biking tour from Emigos Bike Shop offers a blend of quality equipment, local expertise, and straightforward access to one of Phoenix’s most scenic trail systems. Whether you’re a beginner eager to try out mountain trails or an experienced rider looking for a quick, guided ride, this experience can fit your needs.

The new bikes and guided options make it especially appealing for those who want a hassle-free way to enjoy Arizona’s desert terrain. Plus, the flexible booking policy and small-group setting make it a practical choice for spontaneous plans or carefully curated trips.

In essence, this tour delivers value through convenience, expert guidance, and top-tier gear, making it a smart pick for anyone wanting to experience South Mountain’s rugged beauty with confidence.

Do I need to bring my own helmet?
Helmets are not included with the rental, so it’s recommended to bring your own for safety and comfort. If you don’t have one, check if the shop offers rentals.

Can I rent a bike for multiple days?
The information provided focuses on the 3-hour tour. Multi-day rentals might be available through the shop but aren’t explicitly detailed here.

Are guided tours suitable for beginners?
Yes, guided tours can be tailored to your skill level. The guides know the trails well and will match the route to your abilities.

What should I bring on the ride?
Bring sunscreen, water, cycling clothing, and your helmet. Accessories like water bottles and nutrition are available if needed.

How long are the guided tours?
Guided tours last approximately 2-3 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the trail and scenery at a comfortable pace.

Is this experience good for families?
Yes, especially if the family members are comfortable on bikes. The variety of trail difficulty allows for safe experiences for all skill levels.

How close is the shop to Phoenix Airport?
Just about 15 minutes away, making it easy to start your ride shortly after arriving in Phoenix.

This review should help you decide whether this mountain biking experience is the right fit for your Arizona adventure—whether you’re seeking a quick thrill or a guided exploration of South Mountain’s trails.

You can check availability for your dates here: