Phil's Trail system is by far the most popular trail in Central Oregon. It is close enough to ride from town and it was built by bikers for bikers. There are occasional runners in the first mile or two but there is plenty of room for bikers and runners to pass. Except for a few technical sections most notably on C.O.D. and lower Grand Slam, most of the riding is fast singletrack. For the first five miles or so, the riding is gradual and suitable for beginners or riders not in the best biking condition. Where the climbing does get a bit steeper, like past the Road #300 on Ben's and Phil's, less experienced riders will likely be ready to turn around anyway. There are dozens of variations on routes that can be made out of the various trails especially if you use the logging roads to connect them. This helps locals from getting bored on the same old loop. For those in good shape, these trails can be continuously linked to the higher elevation trails long enough to tire just about anyone. No matter where you are, if you are not tired enough there is no doubt some loop you could add. The truly great thing about most of the riding on Phil's is that the descents do not require a lot of constant breaking and you can let em run, not to mention that many of the ascents are gradual enough that you can actually have fun cornering going uphill.

The maize of trails can be challenging to newcomers but most of the intersections are marked with numbers and names that are on just about any mountain biking trail map of the area. The printable map provided on this site also has intersection numbers. Also, if you are lost, you can generally ask directions from other riders who are usually not too hard to come by. In the last few years there have been many trails that used to have one name that now have many names, mostly personal names. For some reason it has been deemed necessary lately that every little segment have it's own name. Consequently you will see names in magic marker on intersection posts that do not necessarily agree with maps or even the names on the posts made by the Forest Service. This could possibly be a source of confusion. The intersection numbers should be consistent with the maps.

This is not a particularly scenic trail system. It is almost all forested and there are scant few viewpoints. This was one of the first areas to be completely nuked by early loggers so most of the ride is in second growth ponderosa pine. It has been so long since then, that it is starting to look like a forest again. However, on November 1st, 2007, a big thinning operation started, covering a major portion of the Phil's trail system. This thinning effort is getting a big shot in the arm as of 2011 and will go all the way up to Swampy Lakes. Ultimately, this will be a good thing, and it needs to be done, but it will look like a bad haircut for a few years in places. There are other rides in the Bend area that are more scenic if that is what you're after. Phil's is more for blasting around and racing your friends where you are not too focused on the scenery. If you want to meet other riders, the trailhead at Phil's is the place.

Trail Fee: Although this trailhead is in the National Forest you do not need a forest pass and there is no fee.

Getting to the Trailhead: From Google Maps copy and paste "NF-4606 @44.043520, -121.385600" as a destination. If you pass the parking lot with all the cars with bike racks, and people getting ready to ride you have gone too far.