Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE MOST SCENIC BIKEPACKING ROUTES IN THE WORLD?
Bikepacking has exploded in popularity as cyclists seek adventure beyond paved roads, combining the endurance of cycling with the self-sufficiency of backpacking. Around the world, there are countless routes that highlight the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes—winding through deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines. This article explores the most scenic bikepacking routes across continents, offering both inspiration and practical details for riders seeking unforgettable journeys.
Epic routes in North America
North America boasts some of the most iconic bikepacking routes in the world. From sprawling wilderness to desert solitude, riders encounter diverse terrains that test endurance while rewarding them with unmatched beauty.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
Stretching over 4,400 kilometers from Canada to Mexico, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world. It traverses the Rocky Mountains, crossing high passes, remote forests, and rugged gravel roads. Riders experience alpine meadows, wildlife encounters, and the sheer vastness of North America’s wilderness. The GDMBR is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding, making it a dream for serious bikepackers.
Arizona Trail
For desert landscapes, the Arizona Trail delivers an otherworldly experience. Covering 1,300 kilometers from Mexico to Utah, it combines singletrack, dirt roads, and hiking paths. Cyclists encounter saguaros, red rock canyons, and even the challenge of carrying bikes across the Grand Canyon. The mix of scenery and adventure makes it one of the most memorable desert bikepacking routes in the world.
Great Divide: longest off-road cycling route globally.
Arizona Trail: dramatic desert landscapes and canyons.
Diverse terrain: from alpine passes to arid deserts.
Wildlife and remote solitude enhance the challenge.
North America’s bikepacking routes showcase sheer scale and variety, offering both legendary challenges and hidden gems for adventurous cyclists.
Europe’s scenic classics
Europe offers centuries-old roads, alpine passes, and coastal trails that combine cultural depth with natural wonder. Bikepackers can cross multiple countries, encounter historic villages, and enjoy landscapes that shift dramatically within days of riding.
Camino de Santiago (Spain)
Traditionally a pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago doubles as a bikepacking adventure rich in history and scenery. Riders travel through rolling hills, medieval towns, and Galicia’s green countryside. Beyond the landscapes, the Camino offers a cultural journey filled with hostels, local cuisine, and centuries of tradition.
The Italian Dolomites
Few places rival the Dolomites for dramatic scenery. Bikepackers here navigate steep climbs, winding passes, and alpine valleys surrounded by jagged limestone peaks. Routes vary from paved mountain passes to gravel backroads, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The Dolomites embody the fusion of physical challenge and cinematic landscapes.
Camino de Santiago: blend of cultural and scenic richness.
Dolomites: high-altitude climbs with alpine views.
Access to historic towns and diverse food culture.
Options for short trips or multi-week adventures.
Europe’s bikepacking routes allow riders to immerse themselves in history while enjoying world-class cycling across some of the most beautiful terrains on earth.
Remote beauty worldwide
Beyond North America and Europe, some of the most scenic bikepacking routes lie in remote and less-traveled corners of the globe. These rides demand self-sufficiency but reward cyclists with raw landscapes and unforgettable cultural encounters.
Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan Mountains
The Tian Shan Mountains provide bikepackers with rugged passes, endless valleys, and nomadic culture. Gravel tracks wind through alpine meadows, yurts, and glacial rivers. The combination of high-altitude terrain and cultural immersion makes Kyrgyzstan a rising star in the bikepacking world.
Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)
Patagonia’s Carretera Austral and surrounding routes showcase some of the most dramatic wilderness on earth. Towering peaks, fjords, glaciers, and remote forests define this region. Strong winds and rough conditions test resilience, but the sheer beauty of Patagonia makes every kilometer worthwhile.
Tian Shan: rugged mountains and nomadic culture.
Patagonia: fjords, glaciers, and wild solitude.
Routes demand self-sufficiency and resilience.
Unparalleled natural beauty rewards the challenge.
New Zealand’s South Island
New Zealand offers bikepacking routes that rival anywhere in the world. The South Island in particular combines mountains, lakes, and coastal tracks with well-developed cycling infrastructure. Trails such as the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offer multi-day journeys filled with jaw-dropping scenery and reliable support.
Remote routes like these highlight the adventurous spirit of bikepacking, where riders trade convenience for authentic, raw experiences in some of the planet’s most stunning regions.
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