10 Best Bikepacking Routes in the USA

10 Best Bikepacking Routes in the USA

Explore the USA on two wheels with routes that combine adventure, nature, and culture. Whether you ride a mountain bike electric, fatboy bike, battery bicycle, or a most comfortable seat bike, these 10 bikepacking routes offer unforgettable experiences.


1. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a legendary 2,700+ mile trail through the Rockies, offering remote wilderness, alpine meadows, and rugged climbs. Ideal for riders seeking epic scenery and adventure.

Location: Banff, Alberta → Antelope Wells, New Mexico, passing through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Where to Camp: Dispersed camping, primitive campsites, and small-town RV parks.

Highlights:

  • Yellowstone National Park: Geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.

  • Grand Teton National Park: Towering peaks and reflective alpine lakes.

  • Kenosha Pass: Wildflower meadows and panoramic mountain views.

  • Leadville: Historic high-altitude mining town for rest and resupply.


2. Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is a nearly 240-mile rails-to-trails route along the Missouri River, perfect for cyclists seeking a leisurely, scenic ride on a battery bicycle or most comfortable seat bike.

Location: Clinton → Machens, Missouri.

Where to Camp: State parks, private campgrounds, and bike-friendly B&Bs.

Highlights:

  • Missouri River Views: Scenic riverside trails with diverse wildlife.

  • Hermann: Charming historic town known for wineries.

  • Jefferson City: Missouri’s state capital with cultural landmarks.


3. Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail spans over 500 miles of alpine terrain, offering rugged climbs, mountain lakes, and wildflower meadows. Ideal for mountain bike electric and fatboy bike riders seeking high-altitude adventure.

Location: Denver outskirts → Durango, Colorado.

Where to Camp: Campgrounds and backcountry sites along the trail.

Highlights:

  • Monarch Pass: Iconic high mountain pass with sweeping vistas.

  • Mount Elbert: The highest peak in Colorado, stunning for photography.

  • Alpine Lakes: Crystal-clear lakes surrounded by forests and meadows.


4. Arizona Trail

Stretching about 800 miles, the Arizona Trail offers deserts, canyons, forests, and plateaus. Perfect for electric mountain bikes and adventurous riders ready for elevation changes.

Location: Mexico border near Sierra Vista → Utah border near Kanab, Arizona.

Where to Camp: Carefully plan due to desert conditions and water availability.

Highlights:

  • Grand Canyon North Rim: Iconic canyon vistas and scenic viewpoints.

  • Sedona Red Rocks: Striking red sandstone formations.

  • Saguaro National Park: Classic desert cactus landscapes.


5. Oregon Outback

A remote 360-mile gravel route through high desert and volcanic terrain, offering wide-open skies and solitude. Great for fatboy bikes or electric bikes.

Location: Klamath Falls → Columbia River Gorge, Oregon.

Where to Camp: Remote forest roads, BLM land, small-town campgrounds.

Highlights:

  • Fort Rock: Volcanic landmark with dramatic desert scenery.

  • Crane Prairie Reservoir: Scenic water views and wildlife spotting.

  • Historic rail trestles and gravel roads provide a rugged biking experience.


6. Vermont’s Green Mountain Gravel Growler

A 250-mile scenic loop through New England’s Green Mountains. Perfect for most comfortable seat bikes or electric bikes looking for a mix of natural beauty and local culture.

Location: Central Vermont, starting/ending in Waterbury.

Where to Camp: State park campgrounds, farm stays, brewery-adjacent lodging.

Highlights:

  • Montpelier and Stowe: Charming New England towns.

  • Covered Bridges: Classic architecture along scenic gravel roads.

  • Local Breweries: Stop at 20+ craft breweries along the route.

  • Vibrant fall foliage in season adds spectacular color.


7. The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic byway through the Appalachian Mountains, ideal for a battery bicycle, mountain bike electric, or most comfortable seat bike.

Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia → Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina.

Where to Camp: Campgrounds and picnic areas along the parkway.

Highlights:

  • Linville Falls: Stunning waterfalls surrounded by forest trails.

  • Mount Mitchell: The highest peak east of the Mississippi.

  • Craggy Gardens: Seasonal wildflowers and scenic overlooks.


8. Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route

A 500-mile loop offering mountains, gravel roads, and natural hot springs. Perfect for fatboy bikes or electric mountain bike riders seeking adventure and relaxation.

Location: Boise → Idaho City, looping through Sawtooth National Forest.

Where to Camp: Forest service campgrounds, primitive hot spring sites, backcountry spots.

Highlights:

  • Sawtooth Mountains: Dramatic wilderness and mountain views.

  • Salmon River: Scenic riverside sections.

  • Natural Hot Springs: Over 20 soakable spots along the route.


9. San Juan Hut System

This network of huts allows multi-day mountain rides with minimal gear. Ideal for most comfortable seat bikes or electric mountain bikes.

Location: Telluride, Colorado → Moab, Utah.

Where to Camp: Overnight in huts, with designated camping nearby.

Highlights:

  • Lizard Head Peak: Iconic jagged peak with scenic vistas.

  • Cinnamon Pass: High-altitude alpine scenery.

  • Needle Mountains: Dramatic mountain landscapes for photography.


10. Lost Coast Trail

A remote 25-mile coastal route in Northern California, perfect for mountain bike electric or fatboy bikes seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.

Location: Humboldt County, King Range National Conservation Area, Northern California.

Where to Camp: Primitive beach campsites, BLM land, forest clearings.

Highlights:

  • Usal Beach: Secluded black sand beach.

  • Shelter Cove: Small coastal village with rugged shoreline views.

  • Forested coastal trails and hidden coves along the Pacific.


Conclusion

These 10 best bikepacking routes in the USA combine adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural landmarks. Whether you ride a mountain bike, fatboy bike, battery bicycle, electric bike, or a most comfortable seat bike, these routes provide memorable two-wheeled journeys.

Prepare your bikepacking checklist, pack safely, and get ready to explore America’s most stunning landscapes!