Summary
One of the fastest-growing outdoor sports and methods of adventure travel is bikepacking. As with backpacking, this activity involves carrying all of your equipment and supplies with you as you travel, remaining completely self-sufficient throughout your journey. The main difference, of course, is that instead of hauling all of your gear in a backpack and traveling on foot, bikepackers carry their equipment on their bikes instead. This gives them the ability to continue to travel independently while potentially covering longer distances in a single day.
Many classic bikepacking routes can be found all over the world. These routes vary from single-track mountain biking trails to smooth, modern highways, known for being incredibly beautiful, fun to explore, and particularly bike-friendly. Therefore, they appeal to both veteran bikepackers and beginners alike.
If you are interested in learning more about bikepacking and how to get started, bikepacking.com offers various useful information on gear, route planning, training, and more. Moreover, attending the annual Bikepacking Summit held in Gunnison, Colorado can be extremely beneficial. At this event, you will have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and meet experienced bikepackers from around the world. The three-day event is invaluable for both experienced riders and newcomers, making it well worth attending if you are eager to dive into this thrilling form of adventure travel.
Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to take your adventure travel resume to the next level, here are the 10 best bikepacking routes around the globe.
1. Great Divide Mountain Biking Route (U.S. and Canada)
The Great Divide Mountain Biking Route stretches more than 2,100 miles from Banff National Park in Canada to Antelope Wells, NM, along the U.S.-Mexican border. This epic trail is recognized as the longest off-pavement route globally, attracting bikepackers from all over.
Riding this route is no small task; it features over 200,000 feet of vertical gain and traverses remote regions far from towns. Cyclists can enjoy stunning scenery while passing through Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado en route to New Mexico. If you seek an escape into nature and are ready for a significant challenge, this is the ideal route.
2. The Arizona National Scenic Trail (U.S.)
At 800 miles in length, the Arizona National Scenic Trail allows bikepackers to traverse the entire state of Arizona from north to south. This route includes a brief segment that runs through the Grand Canyon, requiring riders to push their bikes for a moment, and leads them through the stunning Huachuca Mountains, close to the Mexican border. A particularly popular section is the 50-mile stretch from Sedona to Flagstaff, ideal for beginners wanting to experience beautiful scenery.
3. The North Sea Cycle Route (Europe)
Crossing through nine countries—Scotland, Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway—the North Sea Cycle Route (also known as Euro Velo Route 12) encompasses over 3,728 miles, making it a favorite for long-distance bikepackers. The route predominantly stays on paved trails, which can take weeks to complete. Many cyclists choose to break it into smaller segments, while some adventurous riders undertake an epic end-to-end journey. Highlights include the Shetland Islands of Scotland and the breathtaking Norwegian Coast, both known for stunning views and opportunities to reconnect with nature. Be prepared for variable weather conditions, and don’t forget to pack warm layers and quality rain gear.
4. The Colorado Trail (U.S.)
Located in the American west, The Colorado Trail spans 500 miles and offers bikepackers a rich experience of the Rocky Mountains, starting in Denver and ending in Durango. Known for its stunning scenery, this challenging trail primarily consists of single track with approximately 70,000 feet of elevation gain. Cyclists typically require around 10-15 days for completion; however, they are rewarded with solitude and the beauty of the wilderness.
5. The Dolomiti Trail (Italy)
The Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy attract both hikers and climbers, and they also host a stunning bikepacking route—the Dolomiti Trail. This trail extends roughly 160 miles and involves over 31,000 feet of climbing, typically taking riders five to six days to complete. The route combines paved and unpaved roads along with some single track, rewarding adventurous cyclists with Europe’s most dramatic scenery and breathtaking peaks.
6. Kokopelli Trail (U.S.)
The Kokopelli Trail offers bikepackers a journey through Fruita, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, covering 138 miles from Lorma, CO, to Moab. Although shorter than other trails on this list, the Kokopelli Trail presents ample challenges, with some sections lacking easy access to water. Nonetheless, it features well-spaced campsites along the route. The striking southwestern scenery, full of red sandstone formations and towering rock structures, makes this three- to five-day ride very popular among bikepackers.
7. The Adriatic Crest Trail (Croatia)
Croatia’s Adriatic Crest Trail offers everything a bikepacker could desire: challenging routes, stunning scenery, and minimal crowd interference. The trail spans 380 miles along the rugged Croatian coast. Cyclists will find unpaved single and double-track paths meandering through dense forests, over rolling hills, and along steep ridges, with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. It is advisable to dedicate about eight days to fully enjoy this trail, which features over 35,000 feet of climbing.
8. Virginia Mountain Bike Trail (U.S.)
Bikepackers in the eastern U.S. can enjoy the Virginia Mountain Bike Trail. Extending from the Allegheny to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the VMBT covers over 480 miles of picturesque backcountry. This route exhibits remarkable beauty in the fall, with cooler weather and vibrant foliage creating a splendid riding experience.
One of the best features of this trail is its hut system. Bikepackers can reserve cozy cabins rather than carrying tents for camping, reducing the weight of their packs and enhancing their riding pleasure.
9. The Old Ghost Road (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Old Ghost Road boasts the title of the longest single track route in the country, extending 52 miles across the remote South Island. Originally a gold miner’s trail in the 1800s, it has since been transformed into a prime mountain biking and hiking path. While not exceedingly technical, the winding single track requires focus at all times. This route delivers three days of stunning riding, offering magnificent views and the experience of passing through four ghost towns, immersing riders in history.
10. Pan American Highway (North and South America)
For those seeking the ultimate bikepacking challenge, the Pan American Highway is a must-consider route. Spanning from Prudhoe Bay in northern Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, the trail stretches over 19,000 miles and traverses 14 different countries. This extensive route offers a wide array of landscapes, including deserts, forests, mountains, and jungles, making it a remarkable test of stamina and commitment.
Cycling the Pan American Highway can take months to finish. Consequently, many bikepackers choose to segment the journey into smaller, manageable portions. The route accommodates motor traffic throughout, with varying levels of congestion in different areas. Nevertheless, few bikepacking routes provide such an expansive experience, exposing riders to the cultures and terrains of more than a dozen countries along the way.
