Awesome Trail Adventures by The Mountain Biker Lady: Review of the Lake Pleasant Beardsley, Wild Burro and Pipeline Trails (Prickly Cactus Race Loop)

For my last day off before returning to work after the holidays my friends Greg and Kerry suggested doing the portion of the Prickly Cactus race loop first 13 miles. We attempted to find the 87 ave entrance into the Maricopa trail but could not find it and decided to go to the Aqua Fria Trail head instead 10 miles off of I17 on the Carefree Highway(74). This cuts off over 3 miles of the the Maricopa trail portion of ride (that is mostly flat) and we start right at the Beardsley trail instead.

Right from the beginning we crossed 2 water crossings in a marshy wet area and then crossed a gate and started our journey.

This trail starts off somewhat rugged but soon becomes well groomed with lung busting and leg burning climbs. The views took my breath away (or was it the heavy breathing?). The first 4 miles is the Beardsley trail that opened to hikers in March 2015. After several rode crossings we find a bathroom area (4.1 miles from start). The trail turns into the "Wild Burro". At first this trail is a bit rugged with somel texture but is easier on the legs and it gives way to scenicviews along coast of lake for a about a mile. We run into the water area and sewers right by views of Lake Pleasant.

This trail is for the intermediate level Mountain Biker who has good cardio. It gives you spectacular views similar to BCT (Black Canyon Trail) without the wicked exposure! These trails were just recently opened to Mountain Bikers so please execute good trail manners!

I rode the trail just past the pipeline trail head down to the floating bridge. My friend Greg climbed the steep trail in the canyon after the bridge (many baby heads and very steep!). Coming back was really fun since it was more downhill. I did 13.8 miles and climbed 1568 feet (good cardio!).

The "floating bridge" is cool and there there is a picture of Greg's Bike below.