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 MOUNTAIN BIKING ROUTES?
Mountain biking is more than just a sport—it’s a way to explore stunning landscapes while testing your endurance and technical skills. For riders who crave both adventure and scenery, choosing the right trail makes all the difference. This article highlights some of the most scenic mountain biking routes across continents, detailing what makes them special, what challenges to expect, and why they deserve a spot on every rider’s bucket list.
Epic trails in North America
North America is home to some of the most iconic mountain biking trails on Earth, combining rugged landscapes with challenging terrain. From coastal cliffs to alpine passes, these routes deliver both beauty and adrenaline.
Moab, Utah
Moab is legendary among mountain bikers for its red rock landscapes and otherworldly slickrock formations. Trails like Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, and the Whole Enchilada attract riders from across the globe. The dramatic desert backdrop and technical riding make this destination unforgettable.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is a mecca for both downhill and cross-country riders. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers hundreds of kilometers of professionally designed trails, while surrounding alpine routes deliver breathtaking views of glaciers and evergreen forests. The mix of flow trails and rugged descents caters to all levels.
Colorado’s alpine routes
Colorado boasts high-altitude trails that test both lungs and legs. The Monarch Crest Trail, stretching over 35 miles, is famous for panoramic mountain views, wildflower meadows, and thrilling descents. Riders must prepare for altitude but are rewarded with vistas few places can rival.
Moab: red rocks and desert slickrock.
Whistler: world-class bike park and alpine views.
Colorado: high-altitude, panoramic landscapes.
North America’s trails combine technical challenges with scenery that leaves riders speechless. Whether you’re carving desert slickrock or flying down alpine singletrack, these routes prove why the continent is a mountain biking paradise.
Stunning European landscapes
Europe offers a rich variety of mountain biking experiences, from the towering Alps to the rolling Scottish Highlands. These routes combine history, culture, and jaw-dropping natural beauty in every pedal stroke.
The Alps, France and Switzerland
The Alps are a dream for mountain bikers who love high-altitude riding. The Tour du Mont Blanc, a multi-day route circling the iconic peak, features glacial valleys, mountain passes, and alpine villages. Riders experience not just incredible scenery, but also cultural diversity as the trail crosses borders.
Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in northern Italy offer dramatic limestone cliffs and lush meadows. Trails like the Sella Ronda loop provide challenging ascents and thrilling descents framed by some of Europe’s most dramatic peaks. Gondola access makes it easier for riders to focus on the fun while still enjoying vast panoramas.
Scottish Highlands
The rugged Highlands of Scotland deliver raw beauty and remote wilderness. Trails near Fort William, including the World Cup downhill track and expansive cross-country routes, combine misty mountains, lochs, and technical singletrack. The wild atmosphere makes it a favorite for riders seeking solitude and challenge.
Tour du Mont Blanc: multi-day alpine adventure.
Sella Ronda: limestone cliffs and gondola access.
Scottish Highlands: remote beauty and rugged trails.
European mountain biking routes blend natural wonder with cultural richness. Riders not only encounter jaw-dropping landscapes but also experience local traditions, cuisine, and hospitality along the way.
Exotic trails around the world
Beyond North America and Europe, the world is full of spectacular mountain biking routes that challenge and inspire. From the Andes to New Zealand, these trails are bucket-list material for riders who seek something extraordinary.
Patagonia, Chile and Argentina
Patagonia offers some of the most remote and breathtaking mountain biking experiences on Earth. Vast glaciers, turquoise lakes, and jagged peaks define this region. Trails near Torres del Paine and El Chaltén combine adventure with postcard-worthy scenery, but demand fitness and preparation due to unpredictable weather.
Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal landscapes and lush forests. The Whakarewarewa Forest is a mountain biking haven with over 100 kilometers of singletrack, offering everything from flow trails to technical descents. The mix of culture, adventure, and scenery makes it one of the top destinations worldwide.
Himalayas, Nepal
Riding in the shadow of the world’s highest peaks is an unforgettable experience. Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit on two wheels takes riders through villages, high passes, and dramatic valleys. The combination of cultural immersion and Himalayan views creates a once-in-a-lifetime ride.
Patagonia: glaciers and remote wilderness.
Rotorua: geothermal landscapes and lush trails.
Himalayas: cultural immersion and high passes.
These exotic trails prove that mountain biking is a universal adventure. No matter where you travel, the combination of natural beauty and physical challenge connects riders to landscapes and cultures in a way few sports can.
From deserts to glaciers and from forests to high mountain passes, the world’s most scenic mountain biking routes are as diverse as the riders who tackle them. Each destination offers a different perspective on what makes mountain biking so captivating: freedom, exploration, and breathtaking beauty.
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