Discover Tempe's Best Bike Trails: 217 Miles of Scenic Paths and Routes
NOTE: To help cope with stresses from COVID-19, enjoy Arizona's spring sunshine outdoors. See our blog on Tempe outdoor options during COVID-19 and the City of Tempe website for updates on closures.
Tempe is renowned for Mill Avenue, Arizona State University, ASU Gammage, and vibrant festivals. It's also a top bike-friendly city, earning a Gold-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community Award from the League of American Bicyclists in 2019 for safe paths and promoting cycling for commuting and recreation.
Spanning 40 square miles, Tempe boasts 217 miles of bike paths, from desert trails to urban lanes. Explore details, safety videos, and more at the City of Tempe bike page.
No bike? Rent from The Bicycle Cellar or borrow from hotels like Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, Moxy Phoenix Tempe, or Graduate Tempe.
Rediscover Cycling: Top Tempe Bike Trails
Crosscut Canal Path and Tempe Town Lake
Recently enhanced, the Crosscut Canal Path winds through Papago Park. Access from Mill Avenue north of Curry Road. Enjoy public art, disc golf, tree-lined canals, Papago buttes, golf courses, and aqueducts. Return via paths behind Marquee Theater along Tempe Town Lake's north shore, cross the pedestrian bridge, and relax in Tempe Beach Park.
Kyrene Canal Path
Escape traffic on this southern Tempe path through quiet neighborhoods and shaded stretches. Starts southeast of Kyrene and Warner Roads, linking to Western Canal near Ken McDonald Golf Course. Spot birds, rabbits, and golfers amid scenic views.
Western Canal Path
From Mesa between Guadalupe and Elliot Roads, it parallels Kiwanis Park. Exit for laps around the park pond, observing waterfowl and anglers on hilly paved paths suitable for all skill levels.
Explore neighborhoods like Maple Ash Historic District and ASU Tempe Campus by bike to truly experience the city.
Tested Bike Routes for Your Adventure
Route 1: ASU Tempe Campus, Downtown Tempe, and Tempe Town Lake
Start from The Bicycle Cellar, head south on Mill Avenue, east on University Drive to Original ChopShop for an Açai Bowl. Enter ASU via Palm Walk, view McCord Hall, Desert Financial Arena, and Sun Devil Stadium. Continue north to Tempe Town Lake amid fellow cyclists and joggers.
Compact yet rewarding: Distance: 5.5 miles | Riding Time: 48 minutes
Route 2: Kiwanis Park and South Tempe
From All America Way south to Guadalupe Road, join Western Canal Path west of Kiwanis Park. Follow past Ken McDonald Golf Course, east to Rural Road. Nearby, refuel at The Crepe Bar or Clockwork Pizza with convenient bike racks.
Continue west on Elliot to Kyrene Canal Path north, back through the golf course to Kiwanis Park. Burn ~200 calories on this leisurely ride.
Distance: 5.3 miles | Riding Time: 52 minutes
