Best Places to go Mountain Biking in the US

Whether you're chasing flowy trails, high alpine adventure, or heart-pounding downhill, the world is full of exceptional mountain bike destinations. From the lush Pacific Northwest to the iconic red rocks of Moab, this guide breaks down the best mountain biking spots across North America and beyond. With a mix of terrain, features, and type of riding, each location has something unique to offer—no matter your skill level.

Why Choose the Best Mountain Bike Destinations?

The right destination transforms a great ride into a lifetime memory. Ideal mountain biking destinations combine:

• Miles of trails (ideally, hundreds of miles)
• Trail diversity (jump lines, backcountry, lift-served)
• Reliable weather and long riding seasons
• Proximity to amenities and bike parks

From shuttle-accessible downhill trails to scenic national forest loops, this list covers it all.

Bentonville, Arkansas: The Unexpected MTB Gem

Once an under-the-radar town, Bentonville has exploded into a world-class mountain biking mecca. Thanks to investment from the Walton Family Foundation, it’s now one of the best mountain bike destinations in the U.S.

What Makes Bentonville Special?

• Over 400 miles of interconnected single track
• Features flowy trails, jump lines, and technical rock gardens
• Year-round riding climate

Popular trails include:

• Slaughter Pen: Great for all levels with built-in features
• Coler Mountain Bike Preserve: Features a massive bike park with advanced jumps and a pump track
• Back 40 and Little Sugar: Expansive trail networks through scenic Ozark forests

Recommended Resource: Visit Bentonville – Mountain Biking for local trail maps and shuttle services.

Moab, Utah: The Desert Icon of Mountain Biking

Moab is a bucket-list mountain bike destination for good reason. With red rock terrain, technical slickrock, and panoramic views, this high-desert locale is both beautiful and brutal.

Moab Highlights

• Type of riding: Technical, rocky, desert trails
• Famous for the Slickrock Trail and Porcupine Rim
• Best visited in spring and fall to avoid intense heat

Advanced riders will find Moab especially rewarding. Many trails are shuttle-friendly, making it easy to access epic downhill runs with less climbing.

Helpful Trail Map: Discover Moab – Mountain Biking provides trail conditions and safety tips.

Whistler, British Columbia: The Global MTB Capital

Whistler isn’t just a ski destination—it’s arguably the most famous bike park in the world. Whistler’s lift-served terrain caters to every style, from beginner flowy greens to expert jump lines.

Why Whistler Is Worth the Trip

• Whistler Mountain Bike Park: World-renowned, gravity-fed fun
• Access to alpine and backcountry trails outside the park
• Home of Crankworx, the biggest MTB festival globally

For mountain bikers looking for progression, coaching, and advanced trail features, Whistler is unmatched.

Pro Tip: Book early. Summer lift lines and accommodations fill up fast.

Sedona, Arizona: A Red Rock Playground

Sedona offers a surreal landscape and a network of single track slicing through red rock mesas. It’s a mountain biking destination that blends beauty with challenge.

What to Expect in Sedona

• Type of riding: Technical, narrow, scenic
• Ideal in fall and spring
• Known for flowy climbs and punchy descents

Top popular trails:

• Hangover: Not for the faint of heart
• Chuckwagon and Mescal: More approachable but still thrilling
• Great access to town, making it perfect for weekend getaways

Trail Map Resource: Trailforks Sedona for real-time trail conditions and navigation.

Crested Butte, Colorado: High Alpine Beauty and Legacy Trails

With its roots in the origins of American MTB, Crested Butte is a high alpine dream for serious mountain bikers.

Crested Butte Highlights

• Over 400 miles of alpine and meadow singletrack
• Trails range from mellow to advanced
• Prime summer MTB destination (July–September)

Notable Trails:

• 401 Trail: Offers postcard views and thrilling downhill
• Doctor Park: Fast and flowy, perfect for intermediate riders
• Strand Hill and Snodgrass: Family-friendly loops

You’ll be riding above 9,000 feet, so be prepared for altitude!

Helpful Guide: MTB Project – Crested Butte for elevation profiles and ride descriptions.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Scenic Rides and Rugged Terrain

Lake Tahoe is more than just a stunning alpine lake—it’s a great mountain biking region straddling California and Nevada. With everything from backcountry climbs to lift-served downhill, Tahoe has something for every riding style.

What Makes Tahoe a Top Mountain Biking Destination?

• Over 400 miles of trails, including hundreds of miles of singletrack
• The Tahoe Rim Trail, a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers
• Northstar Bike Park, a lift-served park with jump lines and downhill trails

Tahoe’s trail system also includes forested trails, desert trails, and scenic lakeside routes—providing different trails to choose from in one trip.

Helpful Resource: Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association supports local trail builders and has updates on quality trails and maintenance.

Park City, Utah: IMBA Gold-Level Riding in a Mountain Town

Declared the first IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, Park City is a premier mountain bike world destination. This mountain town has plenty of places to ride and a strong trail advocacy community.

Park City Trail System

• Over 450 miles of interconnected trails
• Highlights include Mid Mountain, Wasatch Crest, and Deer Valley Bike Park
• Access to intermediate and advanced riders, with beginner loops available too

Park City also offers:

• Numerous bike shops
• Options for camping or luxury resorts
• A bike festival scene in summer months

Travel Tip: Ride early in the day in summer to avoid thunderstorms at higher elevations.

Bellingham, Washington: The Pacific Northwest’s Flowy Playground

Tucked near the Canadian border, Bellingham delivers incredible mountain biking with lush forests and loamy dirt—perfect for technical riders and trail riding enthusiasts.

Why Riders Love Bellingham

• Access to Galbraith Mountain and Chuckanut
• Known for flowy descents and challenging tech climbs
• Year-round riding due to temperate climate

This great destination is home to a strong cycling community and has become a testing ground for bikes and gear in the mountain bike world.

Explore More: WMBC (Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition) offers trail maps, ride updates, and local trail builders info.

Butte, Montana: An Emerging High-Altitude Gem

Butte might not be as famous as Moab or Whistler, but it’s a hidden gem with expanding trail access and big views. Located in the Rockies, it features alpine and backcountry experiences that rival more popular locations.

Trails to Ride in Butte

• Continental Divide Trail: Scenic ridge rides for strong legs
• Thompson Park and Copper City Trails: Well-marked singletrack systems
• Local commitment to building quality trails and promoting access

Butte’s affordable lodging, minimal crowds, and central location in Montana make it ideal for a peaceful mountain bike trip.

Burke Mountain, Vermont: The East Coast’s MTB Capital

Known for the Kingdom Trails, Burke Mountain and East Burke, Vermont, are often called the “mountain biking capital of the world” on the East Coast.

Why Burke Is Among the Best Mountain Bike Destinations

• Dozens of cross-country trails, beginner loops, and downhill sections
• Excellent access to bike shops, cafes, and local breweries
• Miles of singletrack cutting through pastoral Vermont hills

The Old Fort Gateway Trails have added even more depth to Vermont’s trail offering, linking riders with historical and forested backdrops.

Useful Map: Kingdom Trails Official Website provides interactive trail maps and ride guides.

Bonus Picks: Other Great Mountain Biking Destinations

Looking to go international or off the beaten path? Here are a few bonus locations worth noting:

Old Fort, North Carolina

Part of Dupont State Forest, the Old Fort Gateway Trails provide a mix of mountain biking trails in a humid, green setting. Great for both cross-country and downhill.

Deschutes River Trail, Oregon

Along the Deschutes River, Bend offers desert ridgeline rides and lush riverbank trail riding. A fun place for all levels.

World Cup Destinations

Want to ride where the pros ride? Consider visiting:

• Val di Sole, Italy – Famous World Cup venue
• Leogang, Austria – Known for extreme downhill trails

Planning Your Mountain Bike Trip: What to Know

When prepping for a mountain bike trip, think beyond trails:

• Always check local trail maps and weather
• Know your riding style—are you into lift-served downhill or cross-country?
• Budget for gear, shuttle passes, and repairs
• Look for options for camping if traveling on a budget

Bonus Tip: Always support local bike shops and trail builders—they keep your favorite places rideable.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Favorite Mountain Destination

Whether you're drawn to Bentonville's urban ride culture, Moab’s desert trails, or the forested trails of Bellingham, there’s a mountain biking destination for every taste and skill level.

From top mountain parks like Whistler and Northstar to lesser-known spots like Butte and Old Fort, this guide has showcased a variety of trails, climates, and experiences.

Your favorite mountain ride is out there—it just might be in a place you hadn’t considered yet.