Spring in Southern AZ is WINDY which makes mountain biking Miller Canyon one of my go to rides. Once you’re up in the canyons around Sierra Vista, you can hear the wind rushing through the tops of the trees but at ground level it’s just pleasant breeze.
Miller Canyon offers a mixed bag for the intermediate rider. Rocks, loose rocky climbs, trees and roots, a quick climb through a narrow, leaf strewn gully. There are a couple rocky creek crossings and flat open spaces including a small camp ground. It’s not a true beginner ride.
First up is an old carbon steel pipe crossing. A leftover from the Tombstone boom, the pipe was laid in the 1800s to provide water to the Wild West mining town.
Miller Canyon Trail Map
Miller Canyon, like all outdoor areas, has seen a surge in popularity in the last year. A lot more hikers and bikers on the trail and it’s not marked as one way so do watch for hikers and dogs.
Arizona Sycamores and Douglas Firs line the trail. The last bit of the trail on the lower loop is more open and exposed with sandy gullies and a rocky creek crossing. An easy, slightly rocky single track brings you back to the parking lot.
Start this ride at the lower Miller Canyon parking lot and end at the upper parking lot. You can link with Cooper Loop and Carr Canyon Trails at the upper parking lot. Catch Perimeter Trail across the road from the lower parking lot for a technical, rocky out and back or connect to Carr Canyon, Cooper Loop and Miller Canyon for a challenging loop.
Trail Location
Miller Canyon Road off Hwy 92 Hereford, AZ
Sierra Vista Local Hangouts
- 143 Street Tacos for Mexican food
- Bone Dry Tap House is our favorite place to have a beer and pizza with friends.
- Pizzeria Mimosa, best for Italian food and wine and patio dining with a view.
