Cycling in United States
Including Blue Ridge Parkway, Boulder Foothills and Peak to Peak Highway, and Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Montana Section). On the map.
The vibe
Pedaling through these landscapes means trading urban traffic for endless ribbons of smooth asphalt and gravel tracks that roll across wide-open horizons. Autumn and spring deliver the most forgiving weather for long endurance efforts before extreme heat or snow sets in. You ride largely unsupported, sharing wide shoulders with touring cyclists and local club riders out for a weekend spin.
Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A legendary 469-mile paved ribbon winding along the crest of the Southern Appalachians. Famous for continuous climbing, sweeping mountain panoramas, and vibrant seasonal foliage.
Access. Accessible from gateway cities like Asheville, NC and Roanoke, VA. Numerous campgrounds and motels sit directly along the route.
Notes. Open spring through autumn; winter weather frequently closes sections. Rolling to steep climbs with moderate traffic that slows down for scenery.
Boulder Foothills and Peak to Peak Highway
Colorado
Hustvedt / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A mecca for high-altitude road and gravel cycling, featuring legendary climbs up Lefthand Canyon, Sunshine Canyon, and rugged dirt roads weaving through the Rockies.
Access. Based out of Boulder, CO, with direct access to extensive bike infrastructure and international flights into Denver.
Notes. Summer and autumn are prime; winter brings snow to higher passes. High altitude (5,000 to 10,000+ feet) presents a cardiovascular challenge.
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Montana Section)
Montana
Gary Miotla / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The northern stretch of the world's longest off-road touring route, traversing remote mountain passes, sweeping valleys, and the Continental Divide.
Access. Enter via the Canadian border at Roosville or start from Glacier National Park / Helena, MT.
Notes. Best ridden July through September to avoid snowbound high passes. Fully self-supported bike touring requiring robust gear.
Guam Central Ridges and Latte Trails
Guam
hasano_jp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A challenging network of red clay fire roads and jungle singletrack traversing Guam's central plateau and interior hills. Mountain bikers navigate technical roots, steep descents, and panoramic ridge views overlooking the island's bays.
Access. Accessible via trailheads in Mangilao and Yona. Local bike shops in Hagåtña provide trail recommendations, gear, and mountain bike rentals.
Notes. Red mud can become extremely slick during the rainy season; dry-season riding is recommended for technical tracks.
Haleakala Volcano Climb
Hawaii
JeanTessmer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
One of the world's longest paved continuous climbs, ascending from sea level to the 10,023-foot summit of a massive shield volcano through shifting ecological zones.
Access. Start from Kahului or Paia on Maui. Bike rental and guided sunrise descent operators are widely available.
Notes. Summit temperatures near freezing despite tropical base; layered clothing is mandatory. High elevation and strong winds require caution.
Kingdom Trails Network
Vermont
Animaladventures / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A premier New England mountain biking network boasting over 100 miles of meticulously maintained singletrack across rolling pastoral hills and deep forests.
Access. Centered around East Burke, Vermont. Easily accessible via Boston or Burlington airports.
Notes. Open May through October. Requires a trail pass. Known for exceptionally smooth flow trails suitable for a wide range of rider abilities.
Moab Slickrock Trail
Utah
Daniel Erlandson · Pexels
The Slickrock Trail is a legendary gravel cycling route that winds through Moab’s iconic red‑rock landscape. Riders experience a challenging mix of rocky outcrops, smooth gravel, and breathtaking vistas of Arches National Park. It’s a must‑visit for gravel enthusiasts seeking adventure and scenic beauty.
Access. Bike rentals are plentiful in Moab, with shops such as Moab Bike Rentals offering gear and local guides. Luggage transfer services are available from Moab town center to the trailhead. The trail is typically tackled in 10‑km segments, making it suitable for multi‑day tours or day‑trips.
Notes. Best riding season is April to October; the gravel can be dusty and the terrain demanding. E‑bikes are allowed on most sections but may be restricted on the most technical parts.
Moab White Rim Road
Utah
Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A world-famous 100-mile loop traversing the sandstone benches of Canyonlands National Park. Known for technical slickrock, dramatic canyon drops, and unmatched desert vistas.
Access. Access via Moab, UT. Shuttle services and permit reservations through the National Park Service are required for multi-day bike-packing.
Notes. Best ridden in spring or autumn. Extreme heat and lack of water make summer riding hazardous. High clearance support vehicle recommended for multi-day trips.
Oregon Coast Bike Route
Oregon
Gabor Eszes ( talk · contribs ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A stunning ocean-side touring route stretching the entire length of Oregon's rugged coastline along US Highway 101. Features dramatic sea stacks, lighthouses, and dedicated hiker-biker campsites.
Access. Accessible via Astoria in the north or Brookings in the south. Easily reached via Portland International Airport.
Notes. Ridable year-round, but summer and early autumn offer the most reliable weather and tailwinds (riding north-to-south). Frequent heavy fog and steady traffic.
Sedona Red Rock Trail Network
Arizona
CGP Grey / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
An iconic mountain biking destination featuring technical slickrock, ledge drops, and flowing singletrack framed by glowing red sandstone monoliths.
Access. Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and drive two hours north. Full-service bike shops and shuttle services operate out of Sedona.
Notes. Best ridden from October through April. Summer temperatures are excessively hot. Trails are heavily used by hikers.
Sun Valley and Wood River Valley
Idaho
Gord Schindell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
An extensive network of pristine gravel roads and paved paths set against the rugged backdrop of central Idaho's mountains. Known for the iconic Rebecca's Private Idaho gravel event routes.
Access. Fly into Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey or drive from Boise. Bike rentals and full-service shops available in Ketchum and Sun Valley.
Notes. Best June through October. High altitude requires acclimatization. Mix of smooth dirt, gravel, and occasional washboard.
The Flint Hills of Kansas
Kansas
NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Home to some of the finest unpaved grid roads in North America, rolling through the last remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie. Famous for hosting massive gravel races like Unbound Gravel.
Access. Emporia, Kansas serves as the central hub for route planning, bike shops, and accommodations.
Notes. Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures; summer brings high humidity and strong winds. Mud can become impassable after heavy rain.