Why Phoenix and Scottsdale Are the Best Places to Train Year-Round
Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, are two of the best cycling destinations in the United States, full stop. Year-round sun, an enormous and motivated endurance community, bike-friendly roads that thread past Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, and a post-ride food scene that makes the suffering worth it. This is a place that takes training seriously, and then takes the taco stop just as seriously.
I grew up here. I know these roads. And after a recent trip back for a conference, I squeezed in a 45-mile ride with my dad and his cycling crew that reminded me exactly why this city produces the kind of athlete that gets up at 5am without an alarm.
Is Phoenix Good for Cycling Year-Round?
Yes, and it is not even close. Phoenix and Scottsdale offer rideable conditions 12 months a year. The key in summer is the early start. By the time most people are having their first cup of coffee, the local cycling groups have already logged 20 miles. 5am is standard. The roads are quiet, the air is cool enough to move in, and you are back before the heat becomes serious.
Fall through spring is the sweet spot. Temps in the 50s and 60s at ride time, clear skies, zero humidity, and no mud. Compared to riding in the Northeast where you are dealing with cold, rain, and sketchy road surfaces for months, Arizona feels like cheating. It is not cheating. It is just geography working in your favor.
The community out here is second to none. They live for this. Endurance is not a hobby in Phoenix and Scottsdale, it is a lifestyle, and riding with people who treat it that way is genuinely motivating.
The Gainey Alt: A 45-Mile Loop Through the Heart of Phoenix and Scottsdale
We rolled out at 5:08am on a Tuesday. My dad has been riding with this group for years. These are the kind of cyclists who know every segment, every climb, every shortcut. Getting dropped by a 65-year-old on a Camelback climb is a humbling and excellent experience.
The Gainey Alt covers 45.67 miles with 1,437 feet of elevation gain. The route threads through North Phoenix, drops into Paradise Valley, loops around Camelback Mountain twice, hits the edges of Piestewa Peak, and finishes back where you started. Moving time was 2 hours 30 minutes. Average 18.3 mph, max 32.6 mph.
Four PRs on the day. The segments through the Camelback area are legitimate, not gimme PRs. The group pushed the pace consistently and the route gave you nowhere to hide.
The Route at a Glance
- Start and finish in the North Scottsdale / Paradise Valley area
- Passes Camelback Mountain (1,200 ft) and Piestewa Peak (2,545 ft)
- Mix of bike lanes, wide residential roads, and low-traffic arterials
- 56 degrees at start, clear, southwest wind at 4mph
- Coffee stop off Via De Ventura post-ride: a local tradition
Where to Eat and Drink: The Real Reason You Ride
The Coffee Stop: Village Coffee Roastery
After the ride, the group rolled to Village Coffee Roastery off Hayden and Via De Ventura. This is a place I have been going to since I was younger. The kind of place where everyone knows each other and the post-ride debrief lasts longer than the actual ride. If you are riding in Scottsdale, this is the stop. No debate.
The Food Stop: Filiberto's Mexican Food
After the coffee stop and a shower, we went to Filiberto's. If you grew up in Arizona you already know. If you did not, here is the briefing: this is a Phoenix institution. Multiple locations, consistent, fast, and exactly what you want after a hard morning in the saddle.
The order: carnitas burrito, rolled tacos with cheese, regular crispy tacos. The hot sauce situation is three deep: verde, a hot, and a more mild option. All three are legitimate. Combine them. This is not a recommendation, it is an instruction.
This is a childhood memory for me. Every time I come back to AZ, Filiberto's is non-negotiable. Some things are just locked in.
Zipps Sports Bar (The Night Before Fuel)
The night before the ride, we hit Zipps Sports Bar off Greenway near Kierland. Chicken focaccia and their fries. If you are looking for a low-key spot to carb load with good food and a game on, this is it. Another one of those Phoenix spots that does not need a Yelp review because everyone already knows.
What Helmet Do You Actually Need for Riding in Phoenix?
This is not a theoretical question in Arizona. When temps hit 100 degrees by 9am in July, your helmet choice has real consequences. Ventilation is the primary spec. Everything else is secondary.
The helmet of choice in the Phoenix cycling community is the KASK Protone Icon. Fourteen large vents, MIPS protection, and a design built around airflow from the ground up. It is the right call for desert heat.
For riders who want more aerodynamic performance at a similar price point, the KASK Utopia Y is the move. Aero meets airflow is not just marketing copy here. It delivers meaningful aerodynamic efficiency without shutting down your cooling system. Both helmets land at a similar price tier and both are well worth it if you are riding in Phoenix regularly.
| Category | Item | Price | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet (Ventilation) | KASK Protone Icon | $300 | 14 vents, MIPS, ideal for AZ heat |
| Helmet (Aero) | KASK Utopia Y | $300+ | Aero meets airflow, similar price tier |
| Kit | Bib shorts + jersey | varies | Moisture-wicking, rear pockets |
| Post-ride | Salt. Tee (AS Colour 5001) | $38 | Saddle to taproom without looking like a race kit |
Is Phoenix and Scottsdale a Future Salt Trip Destination?
Short answer: yes. This trip was part riding, part recon work, and the city checks every box. Year-round training conditions, a world-class cycling community, incredible food, a legitimate craft brewery and bar scene, and hotel options that actually have character. Salt Trips are about combining the ride with the full experience, and Phoenix and Scottsdale deliver the full package.
The format basically writes itself: early morning group ride on the Gainey Alt or a similar route, coffee stop with the local crew, afternoon recovery, a dinner that does justice to the city, and a full day of riding the next morning before departure. Three days, two rides, one unforgettable stop at Filiberto's.
Salt Outfitters is actively exploring Phoenix and Scottsdale as a 2027 Salt Trip destination. If you want first access when dates drop, get on the newsletter at saltoutfitter.com.
Earn Your Salt.
FAQ
Is Phoenix good for cycling year-round?
Yes. Phoenix and Scottsdale offer rideable conditions 12 months a year. Summers require early starts (5am is standard among local riders) to beat the heat. Fall through spring is ideal with mild temps, clear skies, and dry roads. The cycling infrastructure is excellent with dedicated bike lanes, wide roads, and a large, active cycling community.
What is the Gainey Alt cycling route in Phoenix?
The Gainey Alt is a 45.67-mile road cycling route through Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale. It passes Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak with approximately 1,437 feet of elevation gain. The route is popular with local cycling groups and offers a mix of bike-friendly roads through some of the most scenic areas of the Phoenix metro.
What helmet is best for cycling in the Phoenix heat?
For cycling in Phoenix and Scottsdale, ventilation is the top priority. The KASK Protone Icon is a top choice with 14 large vents and a design built around airflow. For riders who want more aerodynamic performance at a similar price point, the KASK Utopia Y balances aero efficiency with meaningful ventilation. Both are well-suited for the heat of Arizona riding.
Where should cyclists eat and drink in Phoenix after a ride?
Filiberto's Mexican Food is a Phoenix institution and a go-to post-ride stop for locals. The carnitas burrito, rolled tacos with cheese, and three-variety hot sauce lineup make it a mandatory stop. For coffee before or after a ride, the Village Coffee Roastery area off Via De Ventura in Scottsdale is where established cycling groups have been meeting for years.
Is Phoenix or Scottsdale a good destination for an endurance sports trip?
Phoenix and Scottsdale rank among the best endurance sports destinations in the US. The combination of year-round riding and running conditions, a large and welcoming athletic community, excellent trail systems, and a strong food and beverage culture make it an ideal destination. Salt Outfitters is actively exploring Phoenix and Scottsdale as a future Salt Trip destination for 2027.