Century Rides in Arizona
The comprehensive 2026 directory of 100-mile centuries, metric centuries (62 miles), and endurance cycling tours across Arizona.
Cycling in Arizona: Terrain & Route Overview
Arizona stands as one of America's premier cycling meccas, famous for radiant sunshine, pristine desert tarmac, and incredible topographical diversity. From the vibrant road cycling scene in Tucson—home to the world-renowned El Tour de Tucson—to the steep red-rock canyons of Sedona and the pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona accommodates century riders throughout every month of the year. During winter and early spring, the desert floor basks in ideal cycling weather with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making it the country's prime destination for early-season base miles. In the summer, endurance riders ascend to the Mogollon Rim and northern plateaus above 7,000 feet to escape the heat. Century courses in Arizona offer wide highway shoulders, smooth asphalt, and long, gradual climbs framed by towering saguaro cacti and jagged mountain skylines. Proper hydration and electrolyte management are critical given the arid climate, but the reward is world-class riding under wide-open, sun-drenched Western skies.
Terrain Characteristics: Sonoran Desert basins, saguaro-lined foothills, and high-altitude alpine plateaus.
Riding Season & Weather: October through April (Desert) & May through September (High Country).
📍 Arizona Century Rides Map
8 Plotted EventsBike MS: Arizona
NovemberTwo-day desert ride traversing rolling Sonoran roads past Fountain Hills and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Black Canyon Crusher
FebruaryEpic point to point downhill courses through scenic vistas and towering saguaro cacti.
Chino Grinder
OctoberArizona's oldest and toughest gravel race, traversing 75–95% unpaved terrain, suitable for all ages and experience levels, with multiple distances and a vibrant community celebration at Chino Valley Community Park.
El Tour de Tucson
NovemberA premier bicycling event in the country, enabling nonprofit, charitable agencies to raise funds for their respective organizations, while promoting charity, community, and health and wellness.
El Tour de Zona
MarchMulti-day stage ride featuring daily century options across scenic southern Arizona and historic frontier towns.
GABA Spring Century
AprilGreater Arizona Bicycling Association spring classic across open, flat desert plains and agricultural valleys.
Loop de Loop
SeptemberPaved, vehicle-free urban century challenge entirely along the continuous Chuck Huckelberry Loop trail network.
San Tan Century
FebruaryA 100-mile and metric century ride through the beautiful Usery Mountain Regional Park and the San Tan Mountains, with a hot meal at the finish.