Cycling in North America
Cycling in North America, from the Pacific Coast and the Great Divide to Quebec's Route Verte.
North America offers cyclists an astonishing playground, from world-class mountain-biking meccas to epic paved touring routes and gentle rail trails. The sheer variety of terrain, desert slickrock, alpine passes, coastal highways and forest singletrack, means there is riding here to suit every kind of cyclist.
The mountain biking is legendary: Moab’s red-rock trails, the flow trails of British Columbia and the high-desert singletrack of Arizona have shaped the sport worldwide. For road cyclists and tourers, the great scenic drives double as unforgettable rides, while island loops and wine-country lanes offer more relaxed pedalling.
With a strong cycling culture, superb trail networks and dramatic scenery around every bend, the region rewards cyclists of all abilities. Whether you crave adrenaline-charged descents or a leisurely coastal cruise, these are the places to point your wheels.
Where to Cycle in North America#
Moab, Utah, USA The spiritual home of desert mountain biking, where trails like the famous Slickrock and the flowing Whole Enchilada carve across surreal red-rock landscapes. Riding this Martian terrain amid arches and canyons is a bucket-list experience for mountain bikers worldwide.
Whistler, Canada Home to the legendary Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the birthplace of lift-served downhill riding and the global epicentre of the sport. Endless flow trails, jumps and berms draw riders from every corner of the planet each summer.
Sedona, Arizona, USA A world-class mountain-biking destination whose technical red-rock trails wind among towering sandstone formations and desert scenery. The combination of challenging riding and jaw-dropping backdrops has made it a fast-rising star.
Banff & the Icefields Parkway, Canada Road cyclists rank the Icefields Parkway among the greatest rides on Earth, a car-light route past glaciers, turquoise lakes and towering Rockies peaks. Banff also offers superb mountain-bike trails right from town.
Cabot Trail, Canada A challenging and spectacular road-cycling loop around the highlands of Cape Breton Island, climbing along dramatic Atlantic cliffs. Steep grades, coastal views and Celtic hospitality make it a classic Canadian ride.
Big Sur & Pacific Coast, USA Cycling California’s Highway 1 through Big Sur is a bucket-list road tour, hugging cliffs high above the Pacific past redwoods and hidden coves. It is a demanding but breathtaking ride along one of the world’s great coasts.
Vancouver Island, Canada From the flowing coastal trails around Cumberland to gentle rail trails and epic road loops, the island is a cycling paradise. Old-growth forest, ocean views and a laid-back riding culture make it a favourite Pacific destination.
Sun Valley, Idaho, USA A hidden gem for mountain biking, with a vast network of flowing singletrack winding through sagebrush hills and alpine forest. Its high-desert trails and mountain scenery make it one of America’s underrated riding hubs.
Quebec City & La Route Verte, Canada The starting point for Quebec’s Route Verte, one of the largest networks of cycling paths in North America, linking cities, rivers and countryside. It is perfect for relaxed, scenic touring away from traffic.
Traverse City, USA The heart of Michigan’s cycling country, where rail trails and quiet lanes wind past cherry orchards, vineyards and the shores of Lake Michigan. Its scenic, gentle riding makes it a Midwest favourite.
Blue Ridge Parkway, USA A legendary long-distance road ride following the crest of the Appalachians, with endless climbs and descents and glorious mountain overlooks. Riding it, especially in autumn, is a rite of passage for American road cyclists.
Death Valley, USA For hardy cyclists, the vast, silent roads of Death Valley offer a surreal and epic ride through one of the most extreme landscapes on Earth. Cooler months bring riders to test themselves against its dramatic desert grades.
Killington & Vermont, USA New England’s rolling hills and covered-bridge country make for classic road touring, while Killington’s slopes host lift-served summer mountain biking. Autumn colour turns the region into one of the most beautiful places to ride in America.