10 Best North American Mountain Bike Trails

This is an absolutely stunning collection of 200 epic bike rides spanning North, Central, and South America. You’ll find an incredible diversity of routes, from challenging mountain biking in Whistler to scenic road rides in Colombia, all beautifully presented with maps and practical travel tips. The photography alone is inspiring, making this a must-have for any cyclist dreaming of their next big adventure.

While the book covers a vast area, some individual route descriptions might feel brief given the sheer number of rides included. It’s perfect for broad inspiration and planning major trips, but you might need supplementary local guides for highly specific trail details. Still, for sheer scope and inspiration, it’s unmatched.

This guidebook is the definitive resource for tackling the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the world’s longest mapped off-pavement cycling trail at 2,774 miles. You’ll find detailed turn-by-turn directions, crucial information on food and water stops, and insights into camping and lodging along the way. The route traverses some of North America’s wildest territory, offering unparalleled scenery from Canada to Mexico.

While incredibly comprehensive, the 2013 publication date means some specific trail conditions or services might have evolved. It’s best suited for serious bikepackers and adventure cyclists who are prepared for a significant challenge. If you’re looking for a shorter, less demanding ride, this might be overkill, but for the ultimate bikepacking experience, it’s unparalleled.

This pocket guide is the ultimate companion for anyone heading to Moab, Utah, renowned as a mecca for mountain biking. You’ll get the skinny on the best rides in Moab, Canyonlands, Arches, and the La Sals, all presented in a convenient, easy-to-carry format. The guide includes detailed descriptions, easy-to-read maps, and crucial ratings for both physical and technical difficulty, helping you choose the perfect ride for your skill level.

While it excels at covering the core Moab area, don’t expect extensive coverage of trails outside this immediate region. It’s an indispensable tool for maximizing your time on Moab’s famous terrain, but for broader exploration, you’d need additional resources. Perfect for dedicated Moab visitors seeking focused trail advice.

This atlas presents an impressive collection of 350 cycling trips across North America, leveraging the Strava app’s user-sourced data for highly relevant routes. You’ll find a great balance of scenic beauty, points of interest, and practical cycling information, including details on quieter roads and dirt paths. The inclusion of insights from Greg LeMond adds a layer of expert recommendation for those seeking off-the-beaten-track adventures.

While the sheer volume of routes is a strength, the depth of detail for each individual trip might vary. It’s an excellent resource for discovering new places to ride and planning multi-day journeys, but be prepared to supplement with local knowledge for highly technical sections. A solid choice for route exploration across the continent.

This guide is an essential companion for mountain bikers exploring the Carolina mountains, featuring over 105 recommended routes suitable for all skill levels. You’ll find detailed full-color maps and concise directions to popular destinations like Pisgah and DuPont, ensuring you can easily find and enjoy the trails. The author, a pioneer in Southeast mountain biking guides, provides reliable information for both beginners and seasoned riders.

Keep in mind that the publication date is from 2016, so some trail conditions or new developments might not be reflected. It’s a fantastic, focused guide for the North Carolina and South Carolina Upstate region, but you’ll need other resources for different areas. A strong choice for riders prioritizing this specific geographic location.

This guide is an excellent resource for mountain bikers looking to explore the trails of North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, covering over 1200 miles across 128 routes. You’ll appreciate the full-color maps, GPS coordinates, and essential route details that make finding and navigating trailheads straightforward. It’s particularly useful for understanding the established trail systems around the Atlanta and Chattanooga areas.

While comprehensive for its specific region, this book is obviously limited to Georgia and Tennessee. Riders outside this area will need other guides. It’s a fantastic pick for locals or visitors focused on this particular slice of the Southeast’s mountain biking scene.

This guide focuses on the “best 100 trails” in Northern California, offering a curated selection from the Pacific coast to the Eastern High Sierra. You’ll find descriptions of backcountry routes and dirt roads, covering a wide area from Santa Cruz to Lake Tahoe. The authors, described as leading mountain biking experts, provide valuable insights into these fat-tire routes.

Be aware that this guide was published in 2000, making it quite dated for current trail conditions and accessibility. While the selection of trails might still be relevant, you’ll definitely need to cross-reference with more recent information. It’s best used as a historical reference or for discovering classic, established routes.

This guide offers a deep dive into the mountain biking trails of Northern California, featuring over 80 distinct rides. You’ll find detailed descriptions and insights from an author with extensive experience in the region, making it a valuable resource for exploring scenic singletrack. The comprehensive nature of the guide ensures you have plenty of options, whether you’re a local or visiting the area.

While the information is thorough, be aware 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 foundational understanding of Northern California’s trails, especially those who appreciate historical context and detailed route planning.

This guide provides detailed information on classic mountain bike rides across Texas and Oklahoma, covering diverse locations from Big Bend National Park to urban trails in Dallas and Houston. You’ll find a good collection of trails suitable for both expert riders and novices, offering a solid overview of the off-road cycling opportunities in the region. The coverage includes national forests and state parks, making it a useful resource for planning rides in these two states.

Given the publication date of 2002, the trail information might be outdated, and newer trails may not be included. It’s a foundational guide for the region but would benefit from cross-referencing with more current sources for up-to-date conditions. Best for riders seeking a historical overview or classic routes in Texas and Oklahoma.

This guide offers a look at 49 mountain bike trails across Alaska, with a specific focus on the Southcentral region. You’ll find information catering to all skill levels, including options for cycling anglers and backcountry bikers. It covers various mountain ranges and even touches on winter trails, providing a broad overview of riding opportunities in the 49th state.

However, the publication date of 1991 makes this guide significantly outdated for current trail conditions, access, or new developments. It serves more as a historical document of Alaskan mountain biking than a practical, up-to-date resource. Riders looking for current trail information in Alaska will need to seek much newer guides.