Updated January 15

The Sonoran Desert might be a desert by definition, but in practice, it is built a little differently. Instead of being a barren rocky expanse, the Sonoran is the most ecologically diverse desert in the world, with hundreds of unique species of animals and plants that call the American Southwest home. 

These plants and animals all have particular conditions where they thrive. Some like the hotter, more barren flat lands, and others enjoy the cooler mountains and highlands of the desert. Yet all of it coexists in and around Phoenix, Arizona, where the desert meets one of the biggest cities in the West. 

For half the year, the Sonoran Desert is an inhospitable place. Temperatures soar, water is scarce, and bike riding is reserved for early morning rides before the heat monster comes roaring with the midday sun. For the other half of the year, however, you have an off-road cycling paradise. 

In the winter, Arizona is Trail Donkey and Flaanimal country. Migrate with us to the desert to see what it’s all about.

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