If you’re an active person, you’d naturally be drawn to vacations that are brimming with outdoor activities. That’s why ski resorts often have hiking and snowshoeing, or why cruises offer excursions like snorkeling or surfing. And just like downhill skiers or surfers, mountain bikers are often drawn to thrill-seeking vacations.
If you’re looking for a vacation to tap into your love of mountain biking, here are 8 destinations you should put on your bucket list.
Crested Butte, CO
The birthplace of mountain biking, this tiny village rooted between the peaks of the Rockies boasts some of the most relaxing and technical high alpine bike trails in the U.S. With more than 750 miles of trials, there are plenty of leg-burning climbs to conquer — with cold locally-brewed beer to celebrate with after.
Park City, UT
Get a lift bump to the top of slopes home to Olympic ski champions for a breathtaking downhill mountain biking experience. Park City, a postcard town just a half hour from Salt Lake City, is home to more than 450 miles of gold-level trails just waiting to be explored. With amusement parks, boutique shopping and dozens of Zagat-rated restaurants, this mountain biking getaway is also a great family destination.
Sedona, AZ
While the trails may not be as extensive as other cities and systems, the technical-challenge of Sedona mountain bike trails is unmatched. The red-rock pillars, vortexes and trails, Sedona is a magical place to ride. After hitting the trails hard you can rest and recover at one of their award-winning resorts and spas.
Bend, OR
With rugged and cross country trails expanding constantly— plus a jump and skills park in town— Bend has some serious mountain biking momentum. From smooth-cruising single tracks to alpine rides that will toss your heart into your throat, Bend has the trails for mountain bikers looking for an epic experience.
Copper Harbor, MI
Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula— fondly called the U.P.— Copper Harbor offers cross-country mountain bikers some of the most blissful trails in the Midwest. Wooden bridges, overlooks brimming with pine trees, endless views of the mammoth Lake Superior— the Great Lakes State is also home to many great biking trails.
Taos, NM
New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for good reason. Mountain bikers flock to tiny mountain ski town of Taos for some of the most technical trails in the most diverse and beautiful landscape. Be warned, however, the Land of Enchantment is a rugged, isolated place— and they like it that way.
East Burke, VT
The Kingdom Trails are considered a pilgrimage to many seasoned mountain bikers. Vermont— barely 90 miles wide and less than 200 miles long— is home to a bike system of more than 1,000 trails. The 150 miles of the Kingdom Trails are not only famous in the state, but also around the world, especially the fast and furious downhill lovingly named the Tap ‘n Die.
Redwood National Park, CA
Imagine biking through an ancient forest with trees that tower more than 300 feet into the sky and have been alive for hundreds and even thousands of years. The sense of peace and humility of the Redwood National Park has been called life-changing by many bikers. And only a few hours drive from the Pacific shores means cliff-side coastal riding is an option, too.
Mountain biking can be both a hobby at home and a vacation destination. Just as you would try the local cuisine while visiting a new city, hitting trails as you travel the globe gives you a unique glimpse into their natural beauty. Every corner of the country has exciting trails and hidden mountain biking gems— all you have to do is get on your bike and ride.