Where Are The Best Places to Go Mountain Biking?
It's that time of the year when the sun shines, the weather is perfect, and you are ready to hit the trails with your mountain bike. There are so many benefits to mountain biking that many people may not even realize. First and foremost, exercise is a significant benefit. I find that the mental escape of breathing the fresh air is the ultimate benefit.
If you are anything like me, then biking the same trails all the time can become tiresome. I set out to discover the best places to take to the trails. Here are my top 10 best places to mountain bike. This list is not in any particular order.
1. Moab, Utah
The most common place people go to mountain bike is Moab, Utah. Why? This place is awesome! It has the perfect combination of rock and sandstone trails, along with excellent weather conditions year-round. Several bike shops can outfit you with everything you need for a full day on the trails. There are multiple trails to choose from, no matter your skill level. This is one of the best places in the country for mountain biking!
2. Bend, Oregon
I have never been there, but every time I watch videos showing off this place, my mouth waters just a bit! Bend has over 600 miles of singletrack and over 20 breweries! This place has everything you could want regarding mountain biking and beer! And great beer makes for a happier biker! There is also an abundance of outdoor recreation activities to keep you busy when the sun doesn't shine on your bike trail. If you are looking for a place that always feels like summer vacation, then Bend might be your destination.
3. Sedona
Sedona, Arizona, is one of those places that can not be described by words alone. People must experience this wonder first-hand to understand its awesomeness (is that even a word?) This beautiful town is known as an artistic community where people come from all over to take in the beauty of this town with its gorgeous red rocks. The trail selection here is second to none, and some fantastic views surround it. The riding here is unique as you will be blown away by the landscape and adventure surrounding every corner.
4. Upper Carson
Located just outside the lovely city of Hamilton in Ontario, this place offers some excellent mountain biking! It's straightforward to get to and worth the ride!
5. Revelstoke
Located near Glacier National Park in British Columbia, Canada, this is one place that I need to get back to as soon as possible. Featuring over 350 kilometres (about 215 miles) of trails and hundreds of rides to pick from, this place has plenty to offer. One of the most popular trails here is the "Six Shooter", a 14-kilometre (7.4 miles) loop that will take you around the creeks and meadows that make up this incredible place!
6. Waterville Valley
If you are looking for some excellent mountain biking in New Hampshire, I recommend Waterville Valley! Located just outside of North Conway, NH and nestled up in the White Mountains, this area offers more than 110 kilometres of singletrack trails to ride on any given day! Some of their best rides include Boneyard Loop, Topside Trail and Snowdon Mountain Road, and they are perfect for riders looking for a quick ride or a full-day adventure!
7. Big White Ski Resort
Located in British Columbia just outside Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort offers some killer mountain biking terrain! From the top of the resort, you will have access to The Slaughterhouse, Discovery, Moosehaven and many more trails that are perfect for riders of any level or skill set. Check out their mountain biking page for more information on trails, rentals and any other details you may need!
8. Whistler Blackcomb
If there is one place that needs no introduction to mountain biking, it's Whistler Blackcomb! Located near Vancouver, BC, they boast nearly 600 kilometres (373 miles) of trails that are considered one of the best places in North America to ride a bike! Some of their most popular rides include Damnation Alley, Dusty's Revenge Trail and Fanny Bay (check out my video below). If you can't make it up there this season, make sure to add it to your list for next year because this place is fantastic and well worth a visit.
9. Cypress Mountain
Not only do they offer some excellent downhill riding, but if you take a chairlift up the mountain at Cypress Mountain near Vancouver, BC, you can ride some amazing trails as well! Featuring over 170 kilometres (106 miles) worth of trails ranging from easy to complex, you can have a blast up there without even putting your bike away after riding the chairlift! Check out the video below to see some of these trails in action.
10. Sibbald Point
Located near the town of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, BC, you can find this awesome mountain biking spot with multiple trails that range from intermediate to advanced skill levels! There is also a beach with a great trail if you're looking for something a little more fun and free-roaming while you're there. Check out the video below to see this place in action!
So there you have it, my top 10 best places to mountain bike (not necessarily in order)! So get out and start pedalling.
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