10 Best North American Mountain Bike Parks

This is your ultimate companion for discovering 200 of the most celebrated cycling routes across North, Central, and South America. Whether you crave epic bikepacking adventures in Baja, challenging mountain biking in Canada, or scenic gravel rides in Pennsylvania, this book delivers. Each route is beautifully presented with stunning photos, maps, and essential practical details, making trip planning a breeze. It truly inspires you to hit the road, trail, or gravel path.

While the book covers a vast array of rides, the “toolkit” for each might feel a bit concise for highly technical planning. It’s perfect for cyclists who love to dream big, explore diverse terrains, and appreciate visually rich guides. If you need hyper-detailed logistics for every single ride, you might need to supplement, but as an inspiration and overview, it’s outstanding.

This pocket-sized guide is an indispensable companion for anyone hitting the legendary trails around Moab, Utah, including Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. You’ll find detailed descriptions of the best rides, easy-to-read maps, and crucial ratings for both physical and technical difficulty, ensuring you pick the perfect trail for your skill level. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient to carry on the trail.

While it covers the essential Moab area exceptionally well, its pocket format means less space for extensive background or historical context compared to larger guides. It’s perfect for riders who want clear, concise information to navigate Moab’s famous terrain efficiently. If you’re focused solely on Moab and need practical, on-the-go guidance, this is an outstanding choice.

This is the definitive guide to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the world’s longest mapped off-pavement cycling trail spanning 2,774 miles from Canada to Mexico. You’ll find turn-by-turn directions, crucial information on camping, lodging, food, and water, plus historic highlights and photos. It’s designed for both thru-riders and segment riders seeking a true wilderness adventure along the Continental Divide.

Be aware that this guide, while comprehensive, relies on the Adventure Cycling Association’s maps and may require some cross-referencing for the absolute latest conditions, especially regarding the 256 new miles added in Canada. It’s ideal for serious bikepackers ready for a significant challenge and who appreciate detailed logistical support for an epic journey.

This guide offers an excellent resource for mountain biking along Colorado’s Front Range, detailing over 45 great off-road rides near Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs. You’ll find highly detailed maps, route directions, and vivid descriptions, enriched with local history, geology, and lore. It’s a comprehensive atlas for exploring this popular biking region.

While the information is thorough, the publication date is from 2014, so some trail conditions or access points might have evolved. It’s ideal for riders looking for established routes and historical context in the Front Range. For the absolute latest trail updates, consider supplementing with current local resources.

This guide details over 100 road and trail rides across Utah and Colorado’s most stunning national parks, including Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll discover routes ranging from short spins to over 100 miles, with detailed maps, directions, and information on trail surfaces and sights. It’s perfect for cyclists looking to explore the rugged beauty of the American West.

Keep in mind the publication date is from 2000, so current park regulations, trail conditions, or access might have changed. The appendix for each park offers helpful trip-planning tips, but these may also need updating. It’s a fantastic resource for planning a scenic cycling tour of these iconic parks, especially if you’re aware of potential date-related discrepancies.

This guide highlights the “Best 100 Trails” for mountain biking across Northern California, covering a wide range from Santa Cruz to Lake Tahoe and the Redwoods. You’ll discover diverse fat-tire routes, including backcountry trails, dirt roads, and routes through wine and gold country. The authors, leading biking experts, share their top choices for an excellent riding experience.

Given its publication date in 2000, this guide is best used as a starting point for exploring classic Northern California trails. While it offers a great selection, you’ll likely need to consult more recent sources for current trail conditions, closures, or newly developed areas. It’s a solid choice for understanding the historical best of the region.

This comprehensive atlas presents 350 of North America’s most beautiful cycling trips, drawing on data from the Strava app for expert insights. You’ll find a fantastic mix of road and gravel routes, with detailed maps, technical information, and tourist tips to enhance your journey. The focus on scenic beauty and iconic sites makes this an inspiring resource for planning epic cycling adventures across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

While the book excels at highlighting visually stunning rides, some users might find the “cycling hacks and tips” less detailed than expected. It’s ideal for cyclists who prioritize breathtaking landscapes and are comfortable supplementing with their own on-the-ground research for very specific logistical needs. A great companion for the visually-driven cyclist.

This guide is your go-to resource for mountain biking in North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, covering over 1200 miles across 128 routes. You’ll find essential trail information, full-color maps, GPS coordinates, and driving directions, making it easy to navigate popular areas like Atlanta and Chattanooga. It’s praised for its comprehensive approach to the region’s evolving trail systems.

While it offers extensive coverage, the focus is strictly on this specific southeastern region. It’s perfect for local riders or those planning a trip to Georgia and Tennessee who want detailed, practical information. If you’re looking for trails outside this area, you’ll need a different guide.

This guide offers an extensive collection of over 80 mountain biking routes across Northern California, focusing on scenic singletrack. You’ll appreciate the detailed descriptions and the author’s deep knowledge of the region, making it easier to discover hidden gems and popular trails alike. The book is a valuable resource for planning your next biking adventure in this beautiful part of the state.

While the information is thorough, remember that the publication date is from 2001, so some trail conditions or access might have changed. It’s best suited for riders looking for a solid overview of classic Northern California rides and who are willing to cross-reference with more current local information. A great pick for exploring established areas.

This guide focuses specifically on mountain biking adventures within Washington’s North Cascades and Olympic regions. You’ll find descriptions of trails tailored for off-road enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into a specific, beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest. The condition is noted as excellent, suggesting a well-preserved copy for those seeking these particular trails.

However, the publication date of 1989 means this guide is significantly outdated for current trail conditions, accessibility, and new trail development. It’s best suited for historical reference or for riders who know the area extremely well and are looking for classic routes. For practical, up-to-date trail information, you’ll need to look elsewhere.