A popular outdoor sport for adrenaline junkies, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers is mountain biking. It’s exciting to find mountain biking destinations with trails, encompassing a range of scenery, obstacles, and difficulty levels. Seeing the world on two wheels is a great way to stay fit and challenge yourself. But where should you go for your mountain bike trips?
Let’s introduce some of the top destinations around the world to do mountain biking.
1- Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler is a hub for outdoor sports, whether it’s winter or summer. Snow in the winter makes it an excellent spot for snowboarders and skiers. However, it becomes a paradise for bikers and hikers when the weather warms up. There are over 70 “bike park” tracks to choose from. Whistler is not just one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world but also one of the most exciting places for any outdoor activity or sport.
2- Finale Ligure, Italy
Located 31 miles from Genoa and 62 miles from Nice is Finale Ligure. Mountain bikers come here from all over the world to enjoy trails that are suitable for all levels. Some of the trails cross small towns nestled into the hillside and you get to experience countless descents to the sea. Alternatively, there are paths that allow you to explore the best of nature.
3- Vermont, United States
This nature lover’s paradise is a tiny agricultural New England state that considers environmental preservation and local consumption. While the winter months and heavy snowfall attract snowboarders and skiers. Throughout the rest of the year, mountain bikers come from far and wide to enjoy the colorful foliage and breathtaking scenery.
4- Sardinia, Italy
If you’re looking for wild nature, breathtaking scenery, incredible cuisine, and a turquoise sea, Sardinia is the place to head to. Not only that, there are mountain ranges with high plateaus, hidden covers, limestone seaside cliffs, and stunning beaches. All of which makes an unforgettable mountain biking adventure for anyone into the sport.
5- The Fjords of Norway
Norway has long had a reputation for exceptional landscapes, which also make for daring descents for those who find freeriding a pleasure. In the summer, it’s even possible to take the ski lift to some of the most spectacular trails. The surroundings are so beautiful and grandiose that you’ll soon forget how hard it was to get there.
6- Moab, Utah
One of the most famous routes here is called the Whole Enchilada. It features 26 miles of singletrack and ranges in elevation from 1,200 to 7,800 feet. In addition, it encompasses several great mountain trails, including several great mountain trails named the Porcupine Rim, Burro Pass, and Hazard County.
7- The Andes of Peru
Nestled in the Andes mountain range is Lake Titicaca. Along with the pampa, Machu Picchu, the Inca trail, and the alpacas, mountain bikers flock there in their hundreds. If you’ve got a thirst for discovery and long for a sense of freedom, pack your gear and head to the Andes for what could be the best adrenaline high ever.
8- Dachstein Tour, Austria
The Dachstein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous mountain bike routes. The tour takes a total of three days and covers 112 miles. It runs through three Austrian provinces. All in all, it’s a relaxing, peaceful, and enchanting destination.
9- The Old Ghost Road, New Zealand
The Old Ghost Road is an 85km point-to-point trail, but it’s also a journey. First, you’ll find yourself climbing for a day through the green of the temperate rainforest. Then, after stopping for the night under the stars at Ghost Lake Hut, you’ll enjoy your first descent of the day back into the rainforest.
10- Lupra Pass, Nepal
The Lupra Pass is in the depths of the Himalayas, and you’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s tallest mountains. But, it’s not just the scenery that will leave you gasping for air. The high altitude will also have something to do with it. It’s no wonder the location is often dubbed as the “Roof of the World.”
11- Achnashellach, Scotland
Scotland’s rugged west coast is a wild place with dramatic scenery and weather. There are plenty of challenging trails that are rough and technical. There’s no shortage of rocks, but a favorite of many is Achnashellach is an actual test of bike and rider.
12- ‘Cheese Man,’ Slovenia
The reason for the name is that the area is known for its cheese delicacies. However, food is not the focus of any mountain bike visitors. There’s a 15km trail that takes you from alpine pastures with grazing cattle into trees before switching to some tricky limestone outcrops.
13- Tizi Mezzik Pass, Morocco
At the start of the trail, you’ll find it loose, steep, and rocky, and thanks to the altitude, many consider it more efficient to climb the first part on foot. Once at the top of the pass, you can soak up the immense views and prepare yourself for the fantastic descent. You have to follow a pencil-thin singletrack that slices its way across the hillside.
14- Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Ecuador isn’t widely known as a top mountain bike destination, but it should be because it includes the imposing Andes, tropical jungles, and active volcanoes. Ecuador comprises a diverse selection of environments and trails to match. One particular outstanding trail takes you to the volcanic slopes of Cotopaxi. You’ll find yourself riding over boulders, ash, sand, and petrified lava, which combine to make a totally unique riding surface.