You’ll find hundreds of miles of mountain-biking trails around Central Oregon, but one particular network of paths has gained acclaim among riders from across the Pacific Northwest since its creation in the 1980s: Phil’s Trail.
There, just four miles west of downtown Bend, sits dozens of miles of trails that cater to mountain biking enthusiasts of all skills and abilities. Beginner riders enjoy fast, flowing singletrack trails and easy-going grades, while more advanced riders appreciate technical trails and a variety of obstacles—including dirt jumps, berms, gaps, and rock gardens. Along the way, riders pass through a thick forest of ponderosa pine.
Phil’s Trailhead is the primary access point for most of the network’s trails; a vault toilet is available there. Some of the forest around the Phil’s Trail Complex is occasionally logged, so riders should consult with the Deschutes National Forest before heading out.
If you’re not sure where to begin, plenty of outfitters around Bend offer mountain-bike rentals—and friendly employees are happy to provide recommendations tailored to your skills, time constraints, and desired riding experience.
Open Season
Year-round
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Leashed dogs are permitted.
Best time to visit
April-Oct.
Don’t Miss
The various loops at Phil’s Trail Complex ride well as long as they’re snow-free, but a fall ride is especially rewarding—when summertime dust doesn’t get kicked up as easily, solitude is easier to come by, the air is perfectly crisp, and foliage brings pops of color to the expansive forest.
Fees or Pass Needed
None
Restrictions
E-bikes are not permitted.
Activities
Hiking
Biking
Parking
Parking is available at Phil’s Trailhead; the network is also accessible via bike from Bend.
Directions
Phil’s Trail is about four miles west of downtown Bend via NW Galveston Ave., which turns into Skyliners Road, and Forest Road 4604.
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Why is Bend, Oregon So Popular?
Bend and the broader Central Oregon region are unlike anywhere in the state. Nowhere else in Oregon, after all, can you hike to alpine lakes, ride bikes through the sprawling high desert, and celebrate with creative cuisines and award-winning craft beers—all in one day. Couple that with a sunny climate and plenty of Bend, Oregon, tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why this region resonates so broadly.
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Central Oregon Mountain Biking Trails
Two-wheeled fun for everyone. From magazine spreads to filtered Instagram images, Central Oregon is making a name for itself in mountain biking. Consider this: More than 300 miles of linked singletrack (mountain biker talk for biking trails that are only wide enough for a single rider) is so close to town that many of the riders actually ride to the trails from town (or from Pine Mountain Sports, where a full fleet of Trek and Santa Cruz rentals are available.)