Best Mountain Biking Destinations North America

Before the mountain biking season starts up again, it’s a good idea to consider which mountain biking destinations you want to head to this year. 

You may already imagine yourself riding along scenic trails, with the warmth of the sun on you and the cool breeze cooling down your sweat. However, before you pull your bike out of storage and dust it off, spend a few moments thinking about where you’re going to go for this year’s mountain bike trips. 

If you’re feeling spoiled for choice, check out our top choices for mountain biking destinations around the USA and Canada. 

Top North American mountain biking destinations

Here’s where to go for some of the best mountain biking in the US and Canada.

1. Moab (Utah)

All US mountain bikers should visit Moab. The unique red rock landscape of southeastern Utah draws bikers from all over the country. If you’re aiming to hit multiple hot spots in one road trip, Moab is easily accessible from Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. 

You’ll find plenty of historic mountain biking trails in Moab, such as the popular Whole Enchilada. The best thing about this area is the fact that trails are constantly changing and expanding. Every year, an average of 30 miles of new trails is created. Klonzo and North Klondike are two of the most recent. 

2. Sedona, Arizona

The best mountain bike rides in Sedona are all within a short ride of the town, so you won’t need to stress about driving anywhere. If you’re looking for a proper challenge, head for the Highline/Templeton/Baldwin loop of the aptly named Hangover Trail.

Intermediate riders will undoubtedly enjoy the Chuckwagon/Mescal/Aerie network. Beginners can still enjoy the Big Park Loop or the Bell Rock Path, but they won’t be able to participate in the Big Park Loop. 

3. Bend, Oregon

Bend’s classic “moon dust” conditions don’t suit everyone, however, that doesn’t stop it from being one of the top US mountain biking destinations. Singletracks are continually being added to Bend’s hundreds of miles of trails and mountain bike infrastructure.

Bend is also known for its Mount Bachelor downhill mountain biking park. It boasts numerous trails and is a unique attraction. 

4. Whistler in British Columbia

Whistler is an ideal destination for mountain biking. It’s best known for its world-class downhill mountain bike park, but the area is covered in excellent cross country and all-mountain singletrack trails.

You can also find many other locations in British Columbia such as Squamish and Fernie, Nelson or Golden, Kelowna, Kamloops Vancouver Island, Revelstoke and Kamloops. 

Also see: Whistler Village Hotels: The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa

5. Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte, a Rocky Mountain resort for mountain bikers and skiers alike, is located in the Rocky Mountains. It is located midway between Denver, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs. You’ll have no problems enjoying a relaxing and scenic road trip from either of these major cities.

When you get there, you’ll find over 700 miles of alpine singletrack trails. Crested Butte is home to one the oldest mountain bike festivals. It also boasts a 13,000-foot climb, and was one of the first places that mountain biking became popular in the 1970s.

6.  Downieville, California

Downieville is another location that’s tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You have to travel over an hour up into the mountains on winding two-lane highways but once you’re there, you get to experience the Downieville Downhill, a marquee ride that everyone’s heard of. There are 500 miles or more of mountain biking trails that surround the town. 

7. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe is the clearest lake in the world. It is found at the border between Nevada and California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’re flying in, Sacramento or Reno are your best options. 

For many mountain bikers, The Tahoe Rim Trail is a bucket list adventure but you should also consider adding Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Flume Trail to your list. Southlake has the most recent trails. Northstar Resort is home to the best downhill trailers. For the best views, you’ll need to head higher up.  

8. Wydaho in Wyoming and Idaho

The Wydaho Region includes Jackson, Jackson Hole Resorts, Victor, Idaho and Driggs. Over the past few decades, Wydaho has seen mountain biking explode. The town of Jackson has seen significant trail development. The trail system has also included historically-illegal trails from Teton Pass. 

Jackson Hole has made improvements to its bike park. However, the Grand Targhee Resort has seen the greatest changes. There are now a variety of trails for downhill mountain biking, cross-country riding, winter fat biking, and other singletrack two-wheelers. 

9. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s a city known for its mountain beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene.

There are many amazing trails around Asheville, such as the Bailey Mountain Bike park and the Pisgain National Forest covering 500,000 acres. Kisuma, Dupont, and Tsali are also close to Asheville and offer more of North Carolina’s most treasured mountain biking trails. 

10. East Burke, Vermont

East Burke, a small mountain community close to Canada’s border, is worth the effort. East Burke, located on the East Coast is three hours drive from Boston and one hour and a tenth from Burlington. 

East Burke is an excellent place to ride your mountainbike. The Kingdom Trails network, which is open to all levels of ability, can be found within the area. For more experienced cyclists, there are fast singletracks that flow and tight doubletracks that are easy to follow. 

Burke Mountain, Dead Moose Alley, Darling Hill are just a few of the other areas worth visiting. This area is best enjoyed between May and October.