March Trip – Struggling for Ideas

[Denacho]

I turn 50 at the end of March and was wanting to ring it in on a mtb trip. My hubs and i have biked lots of places in the US as well as Whistler BC. March is proving difficult for 2 reasons: decent weather/trails and Spring Break crowds. We live in the Midwest but have biked CO regularly, along with some great parks in other states (AL, GA, NC, FL, etc). I was hoping to spend my bday at Santos in Ocala FL since we would probably have good weather. However, we pull a 24′ hybrid camper/toy hauler so we want somewhere we can camp. Parks in and near Santos are full already and it’s looking to be pretty crowded during Spring Break (as I had expected). So i’m thinking of heading West (we live in IL). Suggestions for locations where we could get decent weather for biking during the day. We can handle cool weather, but not interested in snow/fat bikes at this time. Also, we have researched AK and it’s not an option due to wanting to use our camper. So suggestions for other states like KS, OK. TX, etc? I’m researching trails using Singletracks map, Trailforks, and MTB Project. Just hoping to get some 1st hand ideas from the community. My hubs is Advanced and Technical. I am Intermediate with some Technical.  TIA

[dschmitz8565]

AZ might not be a bad idea… tons of great trails and between Phoenix, Prescott/Sedona, and Flagstaff the weather is just about perfect that time of year. Depending on location there are some decent campgrounds around as well.

[Bike Nerd]

I would recommend Sedona AZ which has some of the best singletrack in the US in fantastic red rocks country. The weather in March in Sedona is perfect—not to hot, not to cold and every thing is blooming. Stay at the Rancho Sedona RV Park which is the one of most beautiful RV parks in the US—right along Oak Creek and shaded by beautiful trees. From Rancho Sedona RV you can easily ride to fantastic singletracks via a bike path and also walk to many restaurants, brewpubs and the Downtown Tourist area of Sedona. Make your reservations with Rancho Sedona RV now—they will sell-out! The only downside is that Sedona will be busy that time of year.

[Denacho]

thank you so much. that is some super helpful info! i will look into it.

[Alvin Mullen]

As far as Florida goes, Alafia river state park, FL has camping and is the second best bike park in Florida, although with some of the improvements in the last year or so, some people are saying it is as good as Santos. When were you planning the trip?

Also, it would be bit a longer trip, but Markham Park down by Miami is very good, we did a week down there for spring break a couple years ago. It is probably third best in the state, and there are three other trail systems near there for day trips, Virgina Key, Amelia Earhart, and Oleta River.  The places with camping in Broward county are C.B. Smith, Easterlin, Markham, Quiet Waters, and T.Y.?    Quite Waters does NOT have full hookups.

[GJmtb]

Checkout Moab and/or the Grand Valley.

[ACTHEGR8]

Texas. Flat Rock Ranch Mountain. It’s in Comfort Texas. It’s in the hill country. On site camping. It’s really  secluded. But awesome riding. Look it up on singletracks of  course.

[mongwolf ✓ supporter]

I will pipe in and repeat what others have said.  Go for Sedona.  Gorgeous weather in March, and amazing scenery along with amazing trails.

[rhut]

One more vote for Sedona. My wife and I went there last April and the weather and trails were about as perfect as you can ask for.

You can also make a stop on your way there or back in western Colorado. Some of my favorite rides are right off of I-70. We just did the Ribbon Trail and Horsethief right before Christmas. Tons of BLM land right at the trailhead for 18 Road that would be perfect for a camper.

[abegold]

Arizona is more than Sedona, Phoenix has several trails around town, don’t miss Gold Canyon. Black Canyon and South Mountain. Tucson also with 50 Year, Tucson Mountains and the AZ Trail as highlights. Prescott and Flagstaff also, but March is early for there.

One area I haven’t hit yet but may around then is Big Bend, TX.

[Matt Miller ✓ supporter]

Sedona and Phoenix area are great choices in March. St. George, Ut might also be a great choice for that time of year.

[rajflyboy]

I agree with the others.  Arizona.

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