pdxjohn wrote:
I live in Sedona approx. 6 mos. of the year. Mountain Bike a lot. I'd send you to Over The Edge bike shop for rentals. Good folks, and right on 89A en route to some great riding. I think you'll find areas in West Sedona off Dry Creek rd. most user friendly. Plenty of options there. Get a map from the shop. Another shop as an alternative in The Village of Oak Creek, is Absolute bikes. If you rent MTB's in Phoenix but bring them to ride in Sedona, consider riding the Black Canyon Trail which lies west of I-17 halfway between Phoenix and Sedona. It's over 70 miles long point to point. You can pick up any of numerous sections to do a ride. Great trail. A little known gem of an area is just outside Cottonwood starting from Dead Horse State Park. Great trails, way fewer people than Sedona. PM me if you need more info. Enjoy. Sedona is one of the best MTB destinations in America. Yes, it can be technical, but it's not all gnarly. Plenty of great trails for intermediate level riders. No, I would not do "Hangover" or "Highline" my first ride, but the shops can point in in many other directions.I'm also a "6 months per year in Sedona" guy (and here as I type this). But I'm more road cyclist than MTB. I thought Over The Edge shop changed name to Thunder Mountain Bikes. Is your understanding different?
From my experience, Absolute Bikes in the Village is best shop in the area. Lots of rental options. I'm told the MTB trails south of town off 179 are, in general, better for beginners and intermediates. I see lots of folks riding on Bell Rock trail during my trail runs. Agree that Cottonwood/Clarkdale area in underrated for MTB riding. If you are in that area, stop by for trail riding advice at Verde Valley Bicycle Co. Good folks.
Also lots of good gravel routes in the area, many of which are best ridden with MTBs. Not much "Gucci Gravel" around here, but lots of gravel mileage available with MTB.