USA
Best season: Jun–Sep·112 routes
Overview
The United States is where bikepacking was born, and it remains the sport's spiritual home. The sheer scale of public land — National Forests, BLM land, National Parks — means the riding is essentially limitless. The Tour Divide is the world's most famous bikepacking route, but the Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and Baja Divide are equally iconic.
“The birthplace of bikepacking. From the Tour Divide to the Colorado Trail, the US has more iconic routes per square mile than anywhere on earth.”
Top Routes
Tour Divide
The world's most famous bikepacking route, following the Continental Divide from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.
Colorado Trail
High-altitude singletrack from Denver to Durango, averaging above 3,000m with 22,000m of total elevation gain.
Arizona Trail
Desert to alpine route through Arizona from Mexico to Utah, crossing the Grand Canyon and Sky Island mountain ranges.
Rider Tips
- Bear canisters are required in many wilderness areas — check regulations for each specific area.
- Water sources can be 50+ miles apart in the desert Southwest — carry capacity accordingly.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are daily in the Rockies in July–August — be below treeline by noon.
- The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the official Tour Divide route — download the GPX from Adventure Cycling Association.
Essential Gear
Destination Scores
Quick Facts
- Continent
- North America
- Best Season
- Jun–Sep
- Total Routes
- 112
- Top Route
- Tour Divide (4,418 km)