The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is a trail that offers a lifetime experience. Picture this: thousands of miles of rugged terrain, from the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the arid beauty of New Mexico’s deserts.
It’s a ride that tests you in every way possible and rewards you with memories that last forever.
As someone who’s journeyed through it, I’m here to share some insights, highlights, and a few stories that might just spark your adventurous spirit.
How the GDMBR Came to Be
In 1997, the Adventure Cycling Association brought to life a vision that would change the world of bikepacking forever—the GDMBR.
Designed to be the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world, it was created for riders who crave the adventure of remote trails, stunning vistas, and a true connection to the Continental Divide.
I remember learning about the origins of the route and feeling amazed at the dedication that went into mapping this colossal path. It wasn’t about finding the easiest roads or the smoothest trails; it was about forging a link through some of the wildest parts of North America.
They meticulously connected dirt roads, gravel tracks, and secluded trails to make this challenging dream a reality.
What Lies Ahead
The GDMBR stretches from Jasper, Alberta in Canada all the way to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, right at the U.S.-Mexico border. That’s over 2,700 miles (about 4,345 kilometers) of cycling, nearly all of which is unpaved.
High-quality dirt roads make up the majority of it, though you’ll also find some singletrack and the occasional unmaintained trail thrown in for good measure. Crossing the Continental Divide close to 30 times means constant climbs and descents—an elevation gain totaling more than 200,000 feet (roughly 60,960 meters).
For me, the sheer amount of climbing was both a literal and metaphorical high point of the journey. There’s something indescribable about feeling your legs burn as you crest a pass and then looking out over miles of untouched wilderness.
Regional Highlights to Keep You Hooked
Canada
The adventure starts strong in Jasper, Alberta. The Canadian Rockies are simply breathtaking, with massive peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and those thick pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Wildlife sightings are frequent here—I caught glimpses of elk, and even a distant bear. The sense of remoteness really sinks in here, reminding you just how vast and beautiful the world can be.
Montana
Once you cross into Montana, the Flathead Valley takes center stage. It’s full of dense, almost mystical forests and tranquil lakes that are perfect for a pause (and, honestly, a snack).
Helena and Butte offer some unique historical charm, with their deep mining roots. For me, Montana was where the sense of adventure truly solidified; the wilderness felt limitless, and the trails seemed to carry me further from everything I knew.
Wyoming
Wyoming has a split personality, and I loved every moment of it. On one hand, there’s the grandeur of Grand Teton National Park—those jagged peaks were like something out of a dream.
On the other hand, there’s the Great Divide Basin—a high desert area that’s eerily quiet, almost lunar in its landscape. The contrast between the mountain views and barren plains really keeps you on your toes, both physically and mentally.
Colorado
Colorado is home to the highest point on the route: Indiana Pass at 11,910 feet (3,630 meters). Tackling that climb was one of the most physically grueling things I’ve done, but the reward of cresting the pass was worth every drop of sweat.
South Park and Boreas Pass offered a scenic ride that felt quintessentially Colorado—rolling hills, sweeping meadows, and just enough old railroad history to make you feel like you’re pedaling through the past.
New Mexico
New Mexico marks the final stretch, and it’s full of rugged desert beauty. Polvadera Mesa and the Gila Wilderness provided challenges of their own—think rough trails and unrelenting sun—but the feeling of nearing the finish line made every difficulty feel like a triumph.
Crossing into Antelope Wells at the end is a mix of exhaustion and pride that’s hard to put into words.
Preparing for the Ride of a Lifetime
Riding the GDMBR isn’t something you can do on a whim. There’s an immense amount of planning involved, and if you’re considering it, preparation will be your best friend.
Here are some things to keep in mind based on my own experience:
- Gear Up Wisely: The route is remote, and the longer stretches between resupply points can exceed 100 miles (160 kilometers). Make sure you’ve got enough space to carry water and food, as well as the right bike for mixed terrain—sturdy, reliable, and capable of handling some rugged paths.
- Navigation Tools: Even though the GDMBR is mapped, some sections are poorly marked. A good GPS system or offline maps saved on your phone are absolute musts. I also had printed maps, just in case.
- Bike Maintenance Skills: Imagine being 50 miles from civilization and having a mechanical issue you can’t fix. You don’t want that—trust me. Knowing how to fix a flat, adjust your derailleur, and deal with a broken chain will save you a lot of headaches (and possibly days of walking).
The right mindset is as important as any piece of gear. The GDMBR is not just physically challenging; it’s a mental battle, too. There will be tough days.
Days when it’s raining, you’re covered in mud, and the next town feels impossibly far. But those moments also make the highlights shine even brighter—like when the sun breaks through after a storm and paints the mountains in shades of gold.
Weather and Timing
If you’re planning a southbound journey, the best time is from mid-June to late September. Any earlier, and you risk running into snow-packed passes up north.
Any later, and the early winter storms can be a real threat—especially in places like Montana and Colorado. Personally, I found starting in late June gave me a good balance between weather and traffic on the trail. The conditions were great, and I wasn’t too worried about snow. If you are going during the winter, use a fat tire bike.
The Tour Divide
The GDMBR also happens to be the course for the annual Tour Divide race. If you’ve never heard of it, let me tell you—this is a whole new level of extreme. Riders tackle the entire route as fast as they can, self-supported, with no help beyond what’s publicly available.
It’s about endurance, speed, and determination. The record stands at a mind-blowing 12 days, 12 hours, and 21 minutes—set by Lachlan Morton in 2023. I met a few Tour Divide racers along my journey.
The intensity they had was inspiring. While I was focused on enjoying the views and making it from one campsite to the next, they were chasing their own limits—something that really spoke to the different ways people experience the GDMBR.
Cultural Encounters and Moments to Cherish
Riding through the GDMBR is more than just breathtaking views and physical accomplishments—it’s also about connecting with the people, the history, and the cultures you come across along the way.
I remember cycling into tiny towns in Montana and Wyoming where locals were always curious about what I was doing. Conversations about the trail, swapping stories with other cyclists, and learning about the area from people who lived there made every town stop unique.
There’s also the Indigenous history of the regions. You’re cycling through lands that have been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
It adds a layer of depth to the journey, a feeling that you’re a guest on land that holds stories far older than the wheels beneath you.
Final Thoughts
Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is not just about the destination; it’s about every pedal stroke in between. It’s a chance to feel small in the face of towering mountains, to feel connected to nature and to the people you meet, and ultimately, to discover your own resilience.
The GDMBR is a grueling test of endurance, but it’s also an immensely rewarding journey—one that will forever change how you view adventure and the limits of your own abilities.
If you’ve ever wondered if you could take on a challenge like this, my advice is simple: start planning. Even if it feels intimidating, even if it takes months or years to finally set out, the GDMBR is worth every single ounce of effort.
You’ll get sore, tired, and probably sunburned, but I promise that you’ll also experience something utterly unique—a kind of freedom and joy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
