Coconino Loop, Arizona

The Coconino Loop is one of the best bikepacking loops Arizona has to offer, especially if you care about quality singletrack. It moves through a range of landscapes that actually feel different under the tires. Up high around Flagstaff and Williams you’re in big ponderosa and pinyon-juniper on the plateau, then it gives way to the red rock and more technical riding around Sedona and the Verde Valley.

It’s a must-do. But not all of us have the 6 to 8 days it’s typically ridden in, so we did it differently. We ditched the camping kit, carried what we needed for the day, and moved town to town. Light bikes packed with only clothes, riding essentials, and food/water for the day, enabled us to move faster and cover more ground. In short, we were able to ride the majority of the route, with a couple small alterations, in 4 very full days.

Check Bikepacking.com’s resource for this route, it’s the perfect resource w/ helpful comments from others who’ve ridden the route.

Coco Fast & Light Itinerary

• Day 1 — Mingus Mountain to Williams
  ~60 miles | ~4,000–5,000 ft vert
  Started near the top of the Mingus HAB across from the Green Gate. Rolled into Williams by evening and skipped the short Bill Williams section.

• Day 2 — Williams to Flagstaff
  ~70 miles | ~3,500–4,500 ft vert
  Covered ground through the pines. Pizzicleta in Flagstaff and a cheap motel.

• Day 3 — Flagstaff to Sedona
  ~60 miles | ~4,000–5,000 ft vert
  Slower, rougher miles dropping into Sedona. Technical in spots and worth every bit of it.

• Day 4 — Sedona to Mingus Mountain (via Cottonwood)
  ~50 miles | ~5,000+ ft vert
  Through Cottonwood and back up the Mingus HAB. Skipped the final ~10 miles of singletrack for the road after sunset.

Recommended Bike Setup

This isn’t a gravel route. Run a mountain bike. A capable hardtail or short travel full suspension is the move. Something that can handle real singletrack but still carries speed on the forest service roads. A little bit of suspension goes a long way out here.

Gearing matters. There’s a lot of climbing and it stacks up. Wide cassette is worth it. A couple of guys singlespeeded it, which is wild, but that’s hardman shit.

Tires are a balance. Most of us were on faster 29 x 2.6” options like the Maxxis Rekon. Fast enough to cover ground, still holds its own when it gets loose or rocky. Don’t go too light on casing. Sidewalls matter out here.

Honestly, kind of a perfect route for the Buena.