Axis to Outer Limits

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Flow · Technical · Views

This loop grants some of the finest XC riding in the Western Gateway trails. Starting with a warmup down on Axis to a moderately techy and long climb, it tops out by the impressive Cockscomb formation where the real fun begins. Outer Limits deals some amazing desert flow with big views, followed by a rocky descent into Dry Creek gorge and climb back out.

From the Cultural Park trailhead, take Girdner Trail for a short distance to hop on Axis. This trailhead generally down on mostly smooth, but somewhat loose gravelly tread into the Dry Creek drainage. Once you cross the wash, get ready for the climbing to commence.

The slog out of Dry Creek is a bit long, but never overly steep or techy. Expect the typical amount of punchy maneuvers and maybe hopping off the bike here and there. There's a false highpoint to the climb in a flat meadow with nice views. Enjoy the respite and a brief downhill before the climbing resumes up to Cockscomb.

You'll hit Cockscomb trail on the shoulder of the ridge with the namesake formation, then cross a road and stay on this trail briefly before turning on Outer Limits. There's also the earlier turn for Ground Control, which you can take if you want a much spicier alternative to the first part of this descent.

Outer Limits is a scenic romp that deserves the name. As you'll see, it traverses the western slope of a broad plateau overlooking the Verde Valley. Enjoy the views and the cruiser singletrack that swoops along the hillside and pumps through little washes.

As the gorge of Dry Creek comes into view, the nature of the trail changes quite a bit. It gets steeper and rockier, requiring speed checks and tech skill to get up little steps and work eventually down into the gorge. The final switchbacks have some exposure but the moves are not too difficult.

After crossing the cobbly streambed, it's mostly uphill for the rest of the ride. This part is not as demanding as the initial climbing on Axis, but you might feel ready for it to be over. Pause for one more big view over Dry Creek and the Cockscomb at a junction with Ledge-N-Airy, then enjoy the remainder of fast singletrack back to the trailhead.