Mountain biking is one of the most popular activities in national parks, and for good reason – it’s a great way to explore the park’s trails and wilderness areas. Not sure where to start? Here are nine of our favorite national parks for mountain biking. With something for everyone, these parks offer challenging trails for experienced riders as well as easier routes that beginners can enjoy. So strap on your helmet and get ready to hit the trails!
Here is Our List of the Best National Parks for Mountain Biking
Badlands National Park – South Dakota
Mountain biking is a great way to explore Badlands National Park. The park has more than 100 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The terrain is mostly sandy and rocky, with some areas of hard packed dirt. There are several hills, but no mountains.
Biking in the park is a great way to see wildlife. The park is home to bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, and wild horses. mountain lions and black bears are also present, but they are rarely seen. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services available in the park.
Mountain bike riding in Badlands National Park can be an exhilarating experience, with a range of trails offering unique challenges and views. The Sage Creek Loop is an excellent option for more experienced mountain bikers, as it features steep grades and rocky terrain.
For those looking for a bit less of a challenge, the Northeast-Big Foot Loop is also quite popular, winding through beautiful badlands scenery and including several small climbs throughout the route.
Finally, for mountain bikers looking for some extra thrills, the Northeast Loop is the perfect choice, with a challenging mix of steep inclines and fast descents.
When to Visit and Cost
Biking of any kind is only permitted on park trails. The best time to visit the park is from April through October. The park doesn’t get a large amount of snow, but temperatures top out in the 30s in the winter. Entrance to the park costs $15 per person, or $30 per vehicle.
Big Bend National Park – Texas
If you’re looking for an amazing mountain biking experience, look no further than Big Bend National Park. With over 150 miles of trails, the park offers something for everyone, from beginner to expert. The park’s diverse terrain means that you can find everything from gentle slopes to steep climbs, and the breathtaking views are an added bonus. Whether you’re looking for a challenging workout or a leisurely ride, mountain biking in Big Bend National Park is sure to leave you feeling exhilarated.
There are many great mountain bike riding opportunities in Big Bend National Park, including Glenn Springs Road, Black Gap Road, River Road East, and Talley Road. The varied terrain of the park offers something for every mountain biker – from smoothly paved sections to rugged mountain trails.
To get the most out of your mountain biking experience in the park, I would recommend heading down to Glenn Springs Road first. This scenic route winds through the forested foothills and leads up to an expansive plateau with breathtaking views of the desert plains below.
From there, you can explore some of the winding mountain trails on Black Gap or River Road East or head over to Talley Road for a quieter ride along rolling hills and picturesque streams.
When to Visit and Cost
Entrance to the park costs $15 per person, or $30 per vehicle. And you can visit Big Bend any time of year. Summer brings hot temperatures and more precipitation, while you’ll still have temperatures in the 60s and dry weather in the winter.
Canyonlands National Park – Utah
Mountain biking is a popular activity in Canyonlands National Park, offering visitors a unique way to experience the rugged beauty of this scenic landscape. Whether you are an avid mountain biker or just looking for some outdoor adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the trails and challenging terrain that make up the expansive park.
From winding singletrack through dense forests to steep downhill descents through rocky canyons, mountain biking in Canyonlands is an exhilarating experience that will leave you craving more. Whether you venture out on your own or join one of the many guided tours offered by experienced mountain bike guides, exploring Canyonlands on two wheels is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
The White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park is a popular mountain biking destination. The trail winds through the canyons and offers stunning views of the Colorado River.
The Colorado River Overlook Trail is another popular mountain biking trail in the park. The trail offers panoramic views of the river and the Canyonlands.
Don’t miss the Shafer Trail, another popular mountain biking trail in the park. The trail runs along the rim of the canyon and offers breathtaking views of the canyon below.
Finally, the Lathrop Canyon Trail is another popular mountain biking trail in the park. The trail runs through a remote canyon and offers beautiful views of the canyon walls.
When to Visit and Cost
Biking of any kind is only permitted on park trails. The best time to visit the park is from April through October. The park doesn’t get much precipitation any time of year, but temperatures top out in the 30s in the winter. Entrance to the park costs $15 per person, or $30 per vehicle.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers numerous trails that are perfect for exploring on two wheels. One of the most popular options is the Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio and Erie Canal from Akron down to the heart of Cuyahoga Valley. This multi-use trail allows mountain bikers to travel at their own pace, whether they are looking for a leisurely ride or something more challenging.
Another mountain bike trail worth exploring in this national park is the East Rim trail. With a wide range of elevation changes and technical areas, this route offers a true test of mountain bike riding skills and fitness. If you are an experienced mountain biker looking for a challenge, the East Rim should be at the top of your list.
Finally, one other great option in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Lamb Loop, which offers mountain bikers scenic views as well as some tight switchbacks and twists that provide plenty of excitement. It’s a 4.7 miles trail for intermediate level bikers.
For a shorter, more technical ride, try the Post Line.
When to Visit and Cost
Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. The trails are best ridden from late spring through the fall, although you’ll want to check trail conditions because they can be muddy at times.
Death Valley National Park – California
Located in southern California, Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the country. Featuring a variety of mountain biking trails and terrain, this expansive park attracts cyclists from all over the world. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker or are just getting started, there is something for everyone at Death Valley.
For those who enjoy steep descents and challenging terrain, several mountain bike trails wind their way through the rocky canyons and craggy peaks of the valley. Meanwhile, beginners can explore more level bike paths and scenic vistas along dirt roads and fire trails.
Hunter Mountain Road is a challenging trail that starts at an elevation of over 4,000 feet and climbs to over 7,000 feet. The trail is 14 miles long and has a number of steep sections.
Echo Canyon is another popular mountain biking trail. It’s shorter than Hunter Mountain Road at only 8 miles long, but it’s no less challenging, with several steep sections and loose rock on the trail.
Greenwater Valley Road is a shorter and less strenuous option, at only 3 miles long. However, the trail still offers stunning views of the valley below.
When to Visit and Cost
As you’re probably aware, in the summer, daytime temperatures in Death Valley can be among the highest on Earth. Use extreme caution when biking at that time. Why not try Death Valley in the winter? You’ll have daytime highs in the 60s and 70s. The park also has very little precipitation any time of year. You can visit our Death Valley Planning Page for more details.
The entrance cost is $15 per person, or $30 per vehicle.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii
Mountain bike riding in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience that combines adventure and stunning natural beauty. The park features miles of mountain biking trails, from rugged single-track paths to more leisurely dirt roads. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in this incredible national park.
The mountain biking trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park wind through some of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable. From dense forests of towering cinder cones to rocky flows and jagged lava fields, you’ll be awestruck by the incredible diversity of this majestic landscape. And with trails suitable for every level of rider, it’s perfect for mountain bikers on all experience levels.
Escape Road, one of the most popular mountain biking trails in the park, is ideal for riders of all skill levels due to its moderate difficulty level and scenic mountain views. The trail winds through lush forests and along rugged lava formations, offering plenty of opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Alternatively, riders may opt for the HVNP Loop, which is a bit more challenging than Escape Road. Featuring high elevations and rocky terrain, this trail offers an exciting challenge for experienced mountain bikers looking to push their limits. Whatever route you choose, mountain biking in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget.
When to Visit and Cost
Whatever time of year you go, you’ll find moderate temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s. When planning your trip, be aware that the rainy season runs from October through April. The entrance fee is $15 per person, or $30 per vehicle.
Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky
When we think of Mammoth Cave National Park, we naturally think of caves. As the large known cave system in the world, they draws hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly. But mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors, and there are plenty of great opportunities at Mammoth Cave National Park.
The park offers many scenic trails which wind through forests, along rivers, and past towering cliffs. Mountain biking is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise, but it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards. The trail surface can be uneven and slippery, and there are often rocks or roots hidden beneath the leaves.
With a variety of different routes to choose from, there is something for riders of all skill levels.
The South Loop is a popular choice, offering a picturesque trail through scenic forests and rolling hills.
For more advanced riders, the North Loop offers a challenging and technical ride through rocky outcrops and tricky terrain.
For a longer ride, the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail is also worth a visit, offering stunning views of natural caves and caverns along the way. It’s just short of 9 miles and is suitable for beginner to intermediate riders.
When to Visit and Cost
Another great thing about the park is that there is no admission fee. The only cost is to explore the caves below you, which is an amazing experience not to be missed while you’re in the park. You should have decent weather from March through November. And although summer is the high season, most visitors stick to the caves, so you should find relatively uncrowded trails at any time.
Redwood National Park – California
Mountain biking in Redwood National Park is a great way to experience the unique beauty of this incredible natural area. Located in northern California, the park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world. Many are in excess of 300 feet tall. The enormous trees are generally between 800 and 1,500 years old, although some have been known to be at least 2,000 years old!
The Ossagon Trail and Davison Trail are some of the most popular mountain bike trails in the park, with each offering scenic views of majestic redwood trees and rolling hills covered in lush grasslands.
Further along the trail system, visitors can also enjoy a ride along Steeblow Creek and the Coastal Trail, two more rugged mountain bike routes that wind through beautiful old-growth forests and provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Other popular mountain biking destinations within the park include Little Bald Hills and the USFS Paradise Trail. Both of these routes offer incredible views of towering redwoods and other natural features, as well as a host of challenging terrain that mountain bikers can test their skills on. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker looking for a challenge or a beginner just looking to enjoy a relaxing ride through nature, mountain biking in redwood national park is sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
When to Visit and Cost
There is no admission fee for the park. The best time to go is in the summer. Although you’ll have mild temperatures all year round, the winter months can see a large amount of precipitation. June through September will give you comfortable temperatures and little rain.
Saguaro National Park – Arizona
Saguaro National Park is a mountain biker’s paradise, offering over 100 miles of trails to explore. The park is divided into two sections, the Tucson Mountain District, and the Rincon Mountain District, both of which offer a variety of terrain to suit all levels of mountain biking ability.
Beginner mountain bikers will enjoy the easy, well-marked trails in the Tucson Mountain District, while more experienced mountain bikers can test their skills on the more challenging routes in the Rincon Mountain District. Whichever district you choose to ride in, you’re sure to be impressed by the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife that Saguaro National Park has to offer.
If you’re looking for the best mountain biking trails in Saguaro National Park, look no further than the Cactus Forest Trail. This lung-busting ride winds through a dense forest of cacti and rocky outcrops, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail is perfect for mountain bikers of all skill levels, featuring both challenging uphill segments and fast downhill sections that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Additionally, this route is located close to several backcountry campgrounds, so you can plan a multi-day mountain biking adventure that takes you through some of the most scenic areas in Saguaro National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biking veteran or just starting out, the Cactus Forest Trail is one of the best mountain biking trails in all of Saguaro National Park.
The Hope Camp Trail is a bit longer and more challenging, but it is well worth the effort. It’s a little over 7 miles in length. Mountain bikers of all experience levels are sure to enjoy mountain biking in Saguaro National Park.
When to Visit and Cost
Summer temperatures in the desert can be brutally hot, average high temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in June and July. In the fall and winter, you’ll have much more comfortable temperatures. The park receives very little precipitation any time of year.
Cost of admission to the park is $15 per person, or $25 per vehicle.
Saving Money on Your Park Visit
If you’re going to visit multiple parks, make sure to get your America the Beautiful Pass. It costs $80 and is good for all national parks for an entire year. Discounts are also available for veterans, volunteers, senior citizens and the disabled.
