In addition to the joy of being out in nature, biking and hiking have benefits that go beyond fun and fitness.

As with other physical activities, when riders or hikers exceed what they perceive as their limitations, they realize they can go beyond their limitations in other parts of life, as well.

Mostly, though, mountain biking and hiking is about the simple pleasure of cruising or walking along a trail with the wind in your face. Hiking is experiencing the beauty of nature as well.

“For a lot of people, whenever they throw a leg over (a bike), it brings back a part of their childhood,” says Mike DiStefano, who works at Rage Cycles in Scottsdale. “You can forget your daily troubles when you’re on a bike.”

There are hundreds of miles of trails in and around the Valley, nearly all of which are suitable for mountain bikers and hikers. Some are perfect for beginners; many will challenge even the most experienced rider or walker.

We are so fortunate here that a lot of our areas have pretty much everything; South Mountain, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, McDowell Mountain (Regional) Park and Pima and Dynamite roads, they’re all good. A new addition last year is the McDowell Mountain Preserve

The trails range from fairly short and fairly smooth, perfect for beginners or social walkers or riders, to long, rugged, technically difficult routes for experts.

Because there are trails all over the Valley, it’s easy to find a good trail no matter where you live. Here are some ideas.

McDowell Mountain Preserve

From the Gateway Access on Thompson Peak just north of Bell, riders and hikers (and equestrians!) can access a network of over 45 miles of trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The Gateway is the location individuals regardless of their physical condition or biking or hiking capability can go to explore and experience the magic of the Sonoran Desert. There is a ½ mile Bajada Interpretive Trail, perfect for strollers, wheelchairs and just meandering, looking at the 15 stations with information about everything about the desert, wildlife and plants.

There’s a great video profiling the award-winning trails!

There’s also the Lost Dog, Sunrise and Ringtail trails off Via Linda, east of Frank Lloyd Wright. See the map here.

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

“For great single tracks, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is really hard to beat,” says Kurre, who works at the Arizona Hiking Shack in Phoenix. “It has well-built, well-designed trails. I think it’s world-class.”

A recommended trail is Trail 100 (formally known as the Christiansen Trail), especially the segment that runs from around Seventh Street to Seventh Avenue, for less-experienced riders or hikers. “For beginners, it’s a moderate trail. It’s wide and easy to navigate. But there are still some technically challenging sections to give beginners the flavor of being in the preserve.”

For intermediate riders and hikers, there’s the section of Trail 100 near the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area and Trail 220. It’s all single-track but with a little bit more elevation gain and climbing, with a few little more technical ride-ups (little rock steps that can be several inches to a foot or more high) on it. It’s a good, fun trail.

For advanced riders and hikers, there’s trails 8 and 8A as well as Trail 1A. Each entails more climbing and requires more skills. The trails are twisty and, in places, on the edge of substantial slopes.

There are also the “Bunny Hills,” from the end of 40th Street east to about 32nd Street. It has some dips and washes, but is a good place to take beginners.

Details: 602-262-7901, www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikemain.html

Papago Park

The easy-rolling trails here are a great place for novice mountain bikers and hikers to hone their skills. But even experienced riders and hikers can catch a thrill as they cruise along the gentle whoop-de-dos or work their way around Papago Butte on the “high route.” In addition to a close-up view of the park’s rock formations, riders and hikers can enjoy outstanding vistas of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and downtown Phoenix. Papago Park is considered a good place for beginners. Some people find that even though it doesn’t have any real hard ups, it has that loose pea gravel, which can be disconcerting for newbies.

Details: 602-261-8318, www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikepapa.html

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Another recommendation is the Pemberton Trail, which makes a 15.3-mile loop, as a way for beginners to get the full experience of desert riding and hiking.

The great thing about it, and this is true of all the parks, is that you don’t have to commit to the whole thing. There are a lot of side trails (where) you can cut off and return to the starting point.

There’s the park’s Competitive Loop for intermediate riders and hikers. It has lots of ups, lots of downs. It’s really tight in places, loose in others. The area consists of three loops: a short loop, a technical loop and a long loop. Each has its own challenges.

Riders and hikers can enjoy outstanding views of the Four Peaks, Superstitions, Mazatzals and McDowell Mountains.

Details: 480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell

South Mountain Park

Parts of the Desert Classic Trail, which meanders across the southeastern part of the park, are good for beginners, but some parts are more difficult. Only advanced riders and hikers should consider the National Trail, which stretches nearly 16 miles across the park. It’s a unique trail. It has everything from big obstacles to switchbacks

Details: 602-534-6324, www.phoenix.gov/parks/hiksogud.html

Pima and Dynamite roads

This is the area near Pima and Dynamite roads, in far north Scottsdale, for casual outings. Although there are enough elements to make it interesting, there’s nothing terribly challenging. You’re up higher and you can see more of the Valley and the Superstitions. Because the area is on state trust land, you’ll need a permit to ride ($50 per year, $75 for a family permit).

Details: 602-364-2753, www.land.state.az.us (click on “Recreation Permits”).

SRP canals

The service roads that run alongside the Salt River Project canals that crisscross the Valley are great places for beginners to get the hang of cycling, walking or hiking. They also are good places for those who haven’t ridden or hiked for a while to get reacquainted with their bikes and themselves before heading out to more difficult trails. Not only are the roads relatively level, riders and hikers can cruise along side by side, chatting and taking in the surprisingly varied views.

Details: www.srpnet.com/water/canals/distances.aspx

Also, check out my Hiking and Biking website, with lots and lots of good information.