There’s something uniquely satisfying about loading up a bike, setting off down a remote trail, and watching the miles melt into memories. In the world of bikepacking, the U.S. delivers big – coastlines, mountains, deserts, and forests all stitched together by trails that challenge, inspire, and reward.
As 2025 rolls in, more riders than ever are trading screens for singletrack and finding freedom in the rhythm of pedaling under open skies.
If you’re planning a big ride this year, or just dreaming up your next two-wheeled escape, the routes below are widely considered the gold standard.
Let’s dig into them, shall we?
A Quick Look
| Route | Distance | Terrain | Best Time | Why Ride It |
| GDMBR | 3,097 mi | Mostly gravel/dirt | June–Sept | Wilderness immersion & national parks |
| Colorado Trail | 567 mi | High-alt singletrack | July–Sept | Tough climbs, unreal views |
| Pacific Coast | 1,862 mi | Coastal pavement | May, Sept, Oct | Iconic PCH and cultural variety |
| Arizona Trail | 800 mi | Desert & canyon trails | Mar–May, Sept–Nov | Grand Canyon + desert drama |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 469 mi | Scenic paved parkway | Apr–Jun, Sept–Nov | Relaxed Appalachia with big colors |
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR)
From Jasper, Alberta, down to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, crossing the U.S. through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Distance
3,097 miles (give or take a few side trails)
Why People Ride It
It’s the Everest of bikepacking. You get epic wilderness, minimal pavement, and views that’ll stick in your mind for life.
Terrain & Highlights
The GDMBR winds along the spine of the Continental Divide. It’s mostly gravel and dirt roads, with some sections of singletrack.
You’ll cross the Rockies more than 30 times. That means you’ll ride through alpine meadows, ghost towns, thick forests, and the open sweep of the Great Basin.
Some Standout Stops
- Banff & Jasper National Parks (glaciers and turquoise lakes)
- Yellowstone (bison and thermal basins)
- Grand Teton (iconic peaks)
- Gila National Forest (desert meets forest)
What to Watch For
- Elevation Gain: Over 200,000 feet of climbing. Your legs will know.
- Services: Sparse in places. Some stretches between towns go 3-4 days without resupply.
- Wildlife: Bears, mountain lions, and lots of deer—keep food sealed and camp clean.
- Tech Tip: Carry a satellite communicator. You’ll often be far beyond cell range.
Gear Advice
- Bike Setup: Rigid or hardtail mountain bikes with 2.25” tires or wider
- Essentials: Water filter, bear canister or Ursack, spare brake pads, extra tubes
- Maps: Get Adventure Cycling’s GDMBR map set—it’s worth every dollar
When to Ride
June to September is your window. Snow can linger in the north into late June, and monsoons hit New Mexico by August.
Colorado Trail
Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rockies.
Distance
567 miles
Why People Ride It
If you’re into mountain singletrack, this is your playground. High-altitude passes, wildflowers, and pure solitude.
Terrain & Highlights
Expect steep climbs, alpine ridgelines, and some of the best singletrack in North America.
Places Worth Slowing Down For
- Twin Lakes (a good place to rest and resupply)
- Mount Elbert (Colorado’s tallest peak)
- Molas Pass (panoramic heaven)
What to Watch For
- Thin Air: Much of the trail is above 10,000 feet. Acclimate before you start.
- Afternoon Storms: Lightning is real up high. Start early and be below treeline by noon.
- Time Frame: Fast riders finish in 2-3 weeks. Most take 3-6.
Gear Advice
- Navigation: Use the COTREX app or the official Colorado Trail Foundation guidebook
- Bike Choice: A lightweight full-suspension MTB or a capable hardtail
- Packing Light: The climbs are brutal. Every ounce counts.
When to Ride
July through mid-September. Snowpack clears late, and storms taper by fall.
Pacific Coast Bicycle Route
Vancouver, BC to Imperial Beach, California
Distance
1,862 miles
Why People Ride It
There’s nothing quite like hugging the coast from Canada to Mexico. Big views. Bigger adventure. It’s popular, for good reason.
Terrain & Highlights
You’ll roll through small towns, major cities, and everything in between. The road weaves between redwoods, cliffs, and long stretches of beach.
Key Spots Along the Way
- Olympic National Park (lush rainforest meets coast)
- Big Sur (postcard views for miles)
- San Francisco (ride across the Golden Gate Bridge)
What to Watch For
- RV Traffic: Early starts help avoid traffic on summer weekends.
- Fog: Common along the coast, especially in the morning. Ride with bright lights and a reflective vest.
- Ferries: You’ll use a few, like Seattle to Bremerton. Check schedules in advance.
Camping & Amenities
- State park hiker/biker campsites are a steal—usually $5–$10
- Plenty of grocery stores and cafes
- Warmshowers hosts are plentiful in coastal towns
When to Ride
May, September, and October are sweet spots. Summer works, too—but expect crowds.
Arizona Trail
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From the Mexico border to Utah, cutting through Arizona’s wildest terrain
Distance
800 miles
Why People Ride It
Because it’s Arizona, and Arizona doesn’t mess around. You get deserts, forests, and the Grand Canyon, all in one go.
Terrain & Highlights
The route rolls through everything from saguaros and red rocks to pine-covered plateaus. It’s broken into 43 passages, each offering something new. Some of it’s smooth. Some is rocky and slow.
Must-See Segments
- Saguaro National Park (iconic desert vibes)
- Flagstaff (resupply stop with great bike shops and beer)
- The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim (requires a permit and some grunt work)
What to Watch For
- Water Scarcity: Plan carefully in desert sections. Use the AZT app to find springs, tanks, and cache points.
- Trail Conditions: Check for washouts or trail damage after storms.
- Permits: The Grand Canyon crossing is regulated—reserve early.
Gear Advice
- Tubeless Tires: Goatheads and cactus will shred tubes.
- Sun Protection: High SPF, sun sleeves, and a good hat are must-haves.
- Backup Filtration: Water quality can vary—bring a filter and purification tablets.
When to Ride
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). Avoid summer, it gets dangerously hot.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Shenandoah National Park (VA) to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)
Distance
469 miles
Why People Ride It
Rolling hills, endless mountain views, and one of the most relaxed rides you’ll find east of the Mississippi.
Terrain & Highlights
It’s fully paved, with a steady rhythm of climbs and descents. What makes it special is the scenery, especially in October, when the fall colors explode.
Stops to Plan Around
- Mount Mitchell (highest point east of the Mississippi)
- Asheville (arts, food, and local beer scene)
- Shenandoah Valley overlooks (perfect photo ops)
What to Watch For
- Tunnel Safety: Bring lights. Some tunnels are long and dark.
- Weather Changes: Bring layers. Conditions can shift fast at elevation.
- Seasonal Closures: Sections may close for repairs or storms. Use the BRP app for updates.
Camping & Resupply
- NPS campgrounds with hiker/biker sites
- Plenty of roadside pull-offs and picnic areas
- Towns like Boone and Waynesville offer food and gear shops
When to Ride
Late spring and fall are perfect. Try to hit the peak foliage in early to mid-October.
Final Thoughts
Bikepacking isn’t just about the miles, but about what you see, who you meet, and how the landscape changes under your tires. It doesn’t matter if you’re grinding up alpine passes on the Colorado Trail or cruising along coastal cliffs in California; each of these routes offers its own flavor of freedom.
So whether you’re chasing solitude, looking for a personal challenge, or just want to soak in the scenery at your own pace, there’s a trail on this list that fits. Pick your line, pack smart, and get ready for a ride you’ll talk about for years.
You’re not just covering ground out there, you’re collecting stories.
