Via Linda Tag

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Scottsdale, AZ, US

Route Overview

AZ Bike Garage

road, mountain, gravel

32 mi.

1,041 ft.

A great route in central Scottsdale with one of the most popular climbs in town!

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Route Details

This route is a very popular ride with the local group rides and others looking for a longer climb without leaving town.  This route begins at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park.  There is also a shopping center/office complex across the street.  The highlight of the route is the @slice[climb up Via Linda beginning at 136th Street](d,24834.37,27037.23).  Most riders turn around at @point[the traffic circle](d,27045.32), however the option of climbing an additional mile up the @slice["Via Linda Stelvio"](d,27069.26,28842.11) (a newly opened switchback-filled path that leads to even more climbs in Fountain Hills) will take you to @poi[the top](7277050) of this route at 2180'.

The return trip basically follows the same route until you reach the @point[Scottsdale Bike Path](d,44120.24) just past Mountain View & 92nd.  From there, it's an easy cruise back to the Railroad Park.

# Route

* From the park, there is an underpass to cross under Indian Bend Road.  
* Be careful after crossing Scottsdale Road - @slice[there may be debris & trucks from the construction](d,471.94,1263.53).
* If you miss the turn onto @point[Golf Drive](d,3822.14) in Camelback Country Club, don't worry - Merion Way rejoins the route shortly.
* Traffic can be quite fast along Doubletree Ranch Road - @slice[pay attention early](d,9304.14,9494.39) before your next left turn onto Via Linda.
* @point[Crossing Hayden at Arabian Trail](d,11349.01) can be tricky due to traffic - plan accordingly to avoid rush hour.  The option of continuing on Via Linda will reopen soon!
* Drivers turning right at the intersection of @point[90th Street & Mountain View](d,13403.37) sometimes do not recognize oncoming cyclists - pay close attention to traffic if using the bike lane or follow traffic through their lane.
* Once Mountain View crosses Via Linda, you have a @slice[great (mostly) uninterrupted stretch](d,15740.43,18880.43) of bike lane. There is one stop sign close to the end.
* @slice[Weaving through the neighborhoods](d,20649.3,22662.76) can be tricky - loose gravel, a few rounded curbs and blind corners.  
* Shea Boulevard is always busy and the lights change slow.  @point[Pushing the button to cross is worth the diversion and few seconds.](d,23055.9)
* The @slice[Via Linda Climb](d,24834.37,28749.06) starts in earnest once you have crossed 136th Street.  The grade kicks up to 3 to 5 percent with a short break in the middle.  The last @slice["kick"](d,26671.41,26988.17) begins when you see the overflow parking lot for Sunrise Trail.  There is also a @poi[water fountain](7277049) there.
* The @slice[addition of 145th Way](d,27037.23,28842.11) just opened this past winter.  The gates to the neighborhood are spaced far enough to allow a cyclist to pass through easily but slowly.  The grade of this climb reaches 8% but the pavement is very smooth and clean.  Once you are close to the top, you will see another @point[gate to your right](d,28177.76).  Weave through those gates and you will see the "Via Linda Stelvio" - a dedicated bike path that weaves up to the Copperwynd Resort Club.
* The return trip basically follows the same route until you reach the @slice[Scottsdale Bike Path](d,44127.57,48933.44) just past Mountain View Road & 92nd Street.  Once you cross through the stoplight turning left onto Mountain View Road, be careful as you cross the traffic lanes into the turning lane.  You will ride on the sidewalk for a short stretch before dropping down onto the bike path.
* The Scottsdale Bike Path weaves through a few different neighborhoods.  Be mindful of the runners and dog walkers (sometimes off-leash!).  The direction of the path is quite easy to navigate.

# Notes

* In the Summer, this route is best ridden EARLY in the morning.  During the Fall & Winter, the route is great EXCEPT for during rush hour when traffic can be heavy at the intersections.
* There are some great climbs to the west of @slice[Mockingbird Lane ](d,1578.6,2082.98)- Hummingbird & Cheney are very popular!
* Once past Stonegate Park, there are multiple ways to get from Mountain View to Via Linda.  The one shown bypasses the most traffic (school & neighborhood).  
* This route is best for experienced cyclists with some climbing skills.  
* There is a @poi[drinking fountain in the overflow parking lot for Sunrise Trail](7277049), near the gates at the top of Via Linda.
* There are various coffee shops along the way.  @poi[Lakeview Coffee](7277051) is a popular stop on the way back!

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