Mountain Biking in Bend has been on our wish list for years. With over 500 miles of singletrack trails it’s a must do for your mountain biking bucket list. We finally got an opportunity this summer. It was well worth the trip!
Our first stop was Hutch’s Bicycles – we’ve found that the best source of trail info is the local bike shop. Their recommendation for our limited time frame was Phil’s Trail Complex west of Bend.
Hutch’s Bicycles Mountain Biking Trails
The “Send to Device” link from the Ride With GPS map was very helpful. Having the ride synced to our Garmin device took the guess work out of several intersections.
Mountain Biking Phil’s Trail Complex Bend OR
Ben’s
Pinedrops
Storm King
COD
Phil’s Trail
This ride was 18 miles of pretty smooth singletrack trails weaving through pine trees, up and down hills and interwoven with some small rock gardens. Expect some climbing to start and again toward the end of the route. A moderate fitness level is required to enjoy this ride due to its length and, in our case, August made for extra warmth in the exposed area of the ride.
There are a few technical places in these trails. Up hill around corners, over and through rocks but most of it was doable for my intermediate skill level. The downhill was worth the climb!
Mountain Biking Phil’s Trail Complex Bend – Day 2
Kent’s
Voodoo
Ben’s
Phil’s
KGB
Marvin’s Garden
Super fun ride! Some climbing again but a lot of fast, flowing singletrack through pine forest. I definitely enjoyed this trail. Riding through pine scented forest, fresh air, great exercise, perfect temperature. Doesn’t get much better than that!
These trails are very smooth compared to what we normally ride in AZ. A few rocks here and there but by and large pretty darn smooth. Very dusty this August due to lack of rain in the area. Lots of fine volcanic ash dust.
We were a little concerned the trails in Bend would be very busy but our worries were unfounded. Despite many cars in the parking lot, the trails did not feel crowded.
Some trails are one way, some you can ride either direction. Fear not, the trail system is well marked. Pay attention to the directional markers and the rules which are clearly posted at the trailhead.
REMEMBER THE RULES:
1) Uphill riders and horses have right-of-way.
2) Please don’t ride off the trail to pass another rider.
3) If you’re letting a rider pass you while stopped, please keep your bike on the trail as much as possible.
4) Smile and have FUN!
No eBikes allowed in this trail system
– Hutch’s Bicycles
Trailhead Location
Parking lot on FS 4604 Rd off of Skyliners Road west of Bend. There is a restroom at the trailhead but no water. There is also a small pump track near the beginning of the trail. Catch the trails near the restroom.
Where We Stayed
Holiday Motel in Bend is a recently updated retro style motel located on SE Third Street. Nothing fancy but very clean and reasonably priced for Bend. The managers are on site and very accommodating. It was quiet at night despite being on a busy street. Close to restaurants, coffee shops and a pretty decent taco truck.
More to Come! These rides are just the tip of the iceberg for mountain biking in Bend. We’ll be back for more cross country mountain biking heaven!
