Pedal Through Tempe: Top Bike Routes, Craft Beer Stops, and Tour de Fat Fall Fun
We're excited to share this guest post from Christopher Matthews, a passionate local expert in biking and craft beer. Follow him on Twitter here for more insights.
Navigating the Valley of the Sun is effortless on two wheels. Riding to, from, and around Historic Downtown Tempe offers a delightful way to explore this cultural hub of the East Valley, whether starting from Downtown Phoenix, Arcadia, or South Scottsdale (SoSco).
A successful ride requires minimal prep and strategic stops. Choose from bike lanes or Tempe's 175 miles of dedicated paths. Head to Phoenix via the Grand Canal from Curry Road west to Roosevelt Street for a smooth downtown ride. Other options abound with paths, lanes, and scenic neighborhoods. In a hurry? Hop on the light rail, which features bike racks onboard. From Arcadia, Papago Park provides an excellent paved route along canals, greenbelts, or historic areas to spark your urban adventure.
Another prime route starts in Arcadia (centered at 48th Street and Indian School Road). The Arizona Canal Trail, accessible from 40th Street and Camelback or 48th Street and Indian School, leads southbound via 64th Street to Papago Park. Its 10 miles of trails connect directly to Tempe Town Lake and Downtown Tempe, winding through historic neighborhoods for added inspiration.
Recharge along the way at nearby coffee shops, breweries, or benches. Canal and greenbelt paths feature parks, ponds, and pet-friendly spots, plus local businesses. With outposts in Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sky Harbor, and Tucson, Cartel Coffee Lab welcomes cyclists and offers cold brews. Tempe favorites like Huss Brewing and Four Peaks Brewing Company are en route, alongside Mother Bunch Brewing (Downtown Phoenix's first microbrewery), O.H.S.O. Eatery & nanoBrewery (Arcadia), and Papago Brewing Co. (South Scottsdale). Refreshed? Continue your discovery.
Test these routes on Saturday, October 4th, at New Belgium Brewing Company's Tour de Fat. This bicycle parade kicks off at Tempe Beach Park from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., closing their nationwide summer tour with specialty brews, live music, performances, local food, and more.
Discover it all in the Valley of the Sun, navigating to Tempe's vibrant core.
Big thanks to Christopher for this contribution. For more on biking in Tempe, visit our site or call 480-894-8158.
About the Author
Arizona native and Valley resident for eight years, Christopher has biked since his paperboy days. Off the bike, he's on social media, especially Untappd for craft beer check-ins—his other passion. For three years, he's rocked a signature beard, his third favorite pursuit.
