Reviewed by: NEF , from Flagstaff

Summary:
A good trail for beginning or ending a loop, also a great trail for somewhat experienced beginners to get a taste of what South Mountain has to offer. As with almost all of the trails here, after a rain things can change dramatically, depending on how much water comes down. Don't think it's the same as it was yesterday. Watch out for the Devil of South Mountain! Clear it and Beer it. PS - Does anyone know of an economically viable way to fill a 100 oz CamelBak with Red Bull and Vodka?

Recommended Route:
Park at ramadas, take loop one to bottom of Javelina, up Javelina, up mormon loop, down bottom section of national and back down the fire road for a quick fun loop before work.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Anything at South Mountain is fun.

Reviewed by: Mason , from Laveen, AZ, USA

Summary:
I like plop's review below... Very true about the technical parts being much more difficult when you're winded. You can always get a workout on this trail. It just depends on how fast ya climb it! I prefer climbing this one. It's a good butt-kicker. As for going down this trail... well the last time I rode it I chased a dude on his Intense 8798797-inch travel downhill bike. MAN I want a downhill bike! He made this trail look like it was a sidewalk! But my hardtail did allright. If ya push yourself too fast on the descent - like, say when you're trying to catch a guy on a badass downhill bike - you can get yourself into some trouble. XC bike riders gotta pick your lines... and if ya try to do some of the sections too fast, you're gonna meet Mr. Rock or Mr. Cliff! No worries. Take it easy on the sphyncter-clenching parts or opt for the uphill climb instead!

Recommended Route:
If you want lung test, go UP from the 46th St Beverly Canyon parking lot. If you want to get your downhill jollies, go DOWN from the Ridgeline/Mormon Loop intersections.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
National, Desert Classic, Mormon Loop, Alta, Loops 1 and 2, Ridgeline

Reviewed by: klop , from phoenix, az

Summary:
i just bought a home near the raven golf course so i use this trail as my access route to all of south mountain. as such, i know the trail pretty well. javelina is a roughly 1.5-2.0 mile run of constant climb/descent depending on your direction. it is quite doable in both directions however clearing the entire trail uphill is quite a challenge. there are only three or four sections that require a whole lot of technical skill but, when your sucking wind, these sections can knock you off your ride pretty quick. all in all, javelina is a great, pure singletrack run that's quick down or long constant up. personally i think its a much better access route to mormon/national than is the dirt road.

Recommended Route:
1) from the beverly canyon parking lot (at the top of 46th street on the north side of south mountain), head west up, up, up until you eventually hit mormon.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
mormon, national, loop 1, loop 2, desert classic, mormon trail, geronimo

Reviewed by: T-Dog , from Phoenix

Summary:
The skill level of this trail depends on the speed that you ride at. You are better off if you have a "free-ride" or a down-hill bike, but hardtailers can do it too, just a little slower. The first mile of this trail is the most fun and verticle. There are some blind corners, so either make a lot of noise to warn hikers and equestrians or just be careful.

Recommended Route:
there is only one way...

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I just rode Usery Mnt. Pass the other day, and i can definately recommend it. I haven't rode the whole thing yet, but when I do I'll put up a review of that as well.