Jail Trail River Walk – Thumper Trail loop from Cottonwood
Jail Trail River Walk – Thumper Trail loop from Cottonwood
2.7
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89
riders
Jail Trail River Walk – Thumper Trail loop from Cottonwood
03:12
35.8km
500m
Mountain biking
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 21.1 km for 1.93 km
Customers only
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.03 km
Jail Trail River Walk
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
26.8 km
Thumper Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
35.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
28.6 km
3.65 km
3.19 km
376 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
30.5 km
2.45 km
1.39 km
1.26 km
217 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,310 m)
Lowest point (1,000 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 23 June
39°C
19°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a mountain biking route that offers both serene riverside paths and engaging technical sections, the Jail Trail River Walk – Thumper Trail loop from Cottonwood delivers. This moderate 22.3-mile (35.8 km) mountain biking route features 1634 feet (498 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 11 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for riders seeking diverse terrain and a popular route for exploring Cottonwood mountain biking trails.
What to expect on Jail Trail River Walk – Thumper Trail loop from Cottonwood
This loop offers a dynamic journey through the Verde Valley. You'll start with the Jail Trail River Walk, a relatively flat singletrack that hugs the picturesque Verde River, shaded by willows and towering cottonwood trees. This section provides tranquil views of running water and cattail-ringed coves, feeling surprisingly remote despite its proximity to Old Town Cottonwood. As you transition to the Thumper Trail, expect a shift to more challenging mountain biking terrain, featuring banked corners, undulating ups and downs, and some steeper switchbacks with potential drops of up to 2 feet. It's a blend of easy cruising and technical riding, perfect for those who appreciate varied scenery and a bit of a challenge.
Planning your visit
Accessing this loop is straightforward, with a large parking lot available in Old Town Cottonwood, making it convenient to combine your ride with exploring local shops and restaurants. While the trail is enjoyable year-round, the fall foliage, particularly from the cottonwood trees, makes autumn an especially scenic time to visit. Always carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as parts of the trail can be exposed to the Arizona sun.
Trail details
- Distance: 22.3 miles (35.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 1634 feet (498 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 11 minutes
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