Coconino Loop With David Lamb

The Coconino Loop is a 240 mile bikepacking route that weaves together some of Arizona’s finest trails, including the AZT and the iconic red rock singletrack of Sedona. The route immerses you in desert vistas, cholla cacti, and dirt roads that stretch into infinity. You will pedal your way through forests enjoying the wonderful smell of burnt Ponderosa pine. Controlled burns are a regular occurrence in this area and it is remarkable how much it improves the forest. There is very little deadfall and blowdowns to contend with on the AZT Section.Requirements: Mountain bike (hard tail or full sus) with 2.5+ tires4-6 liters water capacity (driest stretch is between Mingus and Cottonwood, only one water resupply on Verde river)Strong legs/lungsTimeframe:4-6 days (6 is optimal)

Thank you David for sharing your story and video with us!

A unique aspect of the Coconino Loop is its combination of varied, rugged terrains within an organized stage race format. The Coconino 250, a multi-day event, splits the ride into four main stages, with checkpoints offering riders rest between segments. This setup is rare in bikepacking, encouraging community-building and camaraderie during rest periods. Along the route, the Mingus Bypass offers an alternate path, enabling some relief from the challenging climb and descent on Mingus Mountain, though it's slightly longer. This mix of structure and challenging landscape makes it ideal for riders looking for both adventure and connection.