The United States is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the world, with diverse landscapes and challenging terrain for all skill levels. From the rocky trails of the Southwest to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, there is something for every mountain biker to enjoy in the US.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the top 10 mountain biking trails in the US, based on popularity, difficulty, and scenic beauty. Whether you are a beginner looking for a leisurely ride or an experienced rider seeking a challenging adventure, these trails are sure to provide an unforgettable mountain biking experience.
1. Moab, Utah
Moab is a mecca for mountain biking enthusiasts, with its rugged red rock desert landscape and challenging terrain. The Slickrock Trail is one of the most famous trails in Moab, featuring steep climbs, tricky descents, and plenty of technical challenges. For a more mellow ride, the Moab Brands Trail System offers a variety of beginner to intermediate trails with stunning views of the surrounding canyons.
2. Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is known as the birthplace of mountain biking in the US, with over 750 miles of singletrack trails to explore. The 401 Trail is a must-ride for experienced riders, offering epic views of the Elk Mountains and challenging descents through wildflower-filled meadows. For beginners, the Lower Loop Trail provides a scenic ride along the Slate River with gentle climbs and flowy descents.
3. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest is a mountain biking paradise, with hundreds of miles of trails winding through dense forests and along rushing rivers. The Black Mountain Trail is a favorite among experienced riders, featuring technical rock gardens, steep climbs, and fast descents. For a more leisurely ride, the Bent Creek Experimental Forest offers beginner-friendly trails with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
4. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is famous for its red rock formations and unique technical terrain, making it a popular destination for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The Hangover Trail is a challenging ride with steep drops and tight switchbacks, while the Bell Rock Pathway provides a scenic ride through the iconic red rock landscape. For beginners, the Soldiers Pass Trail offers a fun and flowy ride with beautiful views of the surrounding canyons.
5. Kingdom Trails, Vermont
Kingdom Trails is a network of over 100 miles of trails winding through the scenic hills of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The Darling Hill Loop is a favorite among riders, with smooth flowy singletrack, challenging rock gardens, and stunning views of Willoughby Gap. For a more technical ride, the Sidewinder Trail offers steep climbs, tight switchbacks, and technical features to test your skills.
6. Oakridge, Oregon
Oakridge is a hidden gem for mountain biking, with over 500 miles of singletrack trails to explore in the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Alpine Trail is a challenging ride with epic descents, technical features, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For a more mellow ride, the Larison Rock Trail offers smooth flowy singletrack through old-growth forests with gentle climbs and fun descents.
7. Downieville, California
Downieville is a mountain biking mecca, with epic downhill trails, fast flowy singletrack, and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Downieville Downhill is a classic ride that starts with a shuttle to the top of Packer Saddle, followed by a fast and technical descent through rocky terrain and tight switchbacks. For a more moderate ride, the Mills Peak Trail offers a fun and flowy ride with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
8. Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte is known as the birthplace of mountain biking in the US, with over 750 miles of singletrack trails to explore. The 401 Trail is a must-ride for experienced riders, offering epic views of the Elk Mountains and challenging descents through wildflower-filled meadows. For beginners, the Lower Loop Trail provides a scenic ride along the Slate River with gentle climbs and flowy descents.
9. Park City, Utah
Park City is a mountain biking destination with over 400 miles of trails winding through the scenic mountains of Utah. The Mid Mountain Trail is a popular ride that crosses through ski resorts, aspen groves, and alpine meadows with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. For a more challenging ride, the Wasatch Crest Trail offers technical rock gardens, steep descents, and breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley.
10. Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction is a hidden gem for mountain biking, with rugged terrain, technical features, and stunning desert landscapes. The Lunch Loops Trail System is a favorite among riders, with challenging rock gardens, steep descents, and epic views of the Colorado National Monument. For a more moderate ride, the Tabeguache Trail offers smooth flowy singletrack through red rock canyons with gentle climbs and fun descents.
In conclusion, the US is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the world, with diverse landscapes and challenging terrain for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner looking for a leisurely ride or an experienced rider seeking a challenging adventure, these top 10 mountain biking trails are sure to provide an unforgettable mountain biking experience. So pack your gear, hop on your bike, and hit the trails for an epic mountain biking adventure in the US.
