Mountain biking is one of the most demanding yet rewarding outdoor adventures, as it requires a lot of balancing and concentration while providing you with a whole-body muscle workout. And in addition, it is an excellent way for you to relieve stress and boost your mood by riding in nature.
As for the latter, choosing a beautiful and astonishing trail can take your mountain biking experience to the whole next level. In this article, you will find a list of the most scenic mountain trails you can discover in the United States. It includes but isn’t limited to Lost Lake Trail in Alaska, Top of the World Trail in Utah, Trail 401 in Colorado, Backbone Trail in California, and Sweetwater Preserve in Arizona. Keep reading and choose one of these must-rides for your next adventure!
Backbone Trail, California
Backbone Trail is a famous mountain biking route covering more than 70 miles. It passes through Point Mugu State Park, Malibu Creek State Park, and Topanga State Park, starting at Will Rogers State Historic Park and ending at Zuma Beach. If you are looking for a challenging trail full of exciting obstacles, this one is definitely for you!
There are ups, downs, narrow paths, jumps, drops, and steep climbs awaiting you along the trail. The scenery is stunning and always changing as you go up and down through chaparral and open oak woodlands. Those who want to experience the thrill of mountain biking but don’t have enough time or energy to do multi-day trips will find this one an excellent option. If you’re not one for a mountain bike, you can check the best hybrid bikes under 1000 and choose one to take with you to California. Purchasing such a bike is also one of the best Christmas gifts for dad if he is an avid cyclist.
Lost Lake Trail, Alaska
From the Lost Lake trailhead in the Chugach State Park, you can reach the Lost Lake area. This trail is for intermediate and advanced riders who are experienced in riding on steep and rocky terrain. The scenery is breathtaking as the trail takes you through a lush green forest and passes by several blue ponds along the way.
Along with a long steady climb, there are also a few steep drops and challenging climbs, so you need to be fully prepared. If you like to take pictures, this is definitely the place for you to have some stunning shots!
Top of the World Trail, Utah
Top of the World Trail is a multi-day mountain biking trip near Moab, Utah. It covers more than 85 miles of amazing singletrack trails, offering both challenging and fun obstacles for riders of all levels. The trail is mostly made up of limestone alcoves and small canyons; the trail features hundreds of miles of spectacular views of the Colorado River and the red rock landscapes.
It’s a great option for those who want to experience multi-day adventures in the desert and enjoy spending time in nature. There are campgrounds near the trail where you can spend the night. If you want to explore this area but don’t want to ride such a long distance, you can always choose an easier route.
Trail 401, Colorado
This trail is located in Crested Butte, Colorado. It covers about 23 miles of singletrack and fire roads, passing through pine forests and high alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. The views are absolutely stunning; you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies from this trail.
The trail is mostly for advanced riders who enjoy a long climb and difficult terrain. There are sections that are so steep that you will have to use the suspension of your mountain bike to go up. You will have a great time taking pictures at each turn!
Sweetwater Preserve, Arizona
Sweetwater Preserve is another multi-day mountain biking location in Arizona. It consists of three trails that take you through Sonoran Desert hills and valleys; it offers a variety of challenging obstacles for riders of all levels. You will pass through several small canyons and climb steep hills with sharp turns. There are also wooden bridges to cross streams and waterfalls to admire.
This is one of the best trails for riders who want to experience the thrill of mountain biking while getting some breathtaking views of nature. If you wish to spend more days in this beautiful area, there are several campgrounds nearby.
In Conclusion
Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy time in nature, and there are many stunning trails throughout the United States. Some of these trails are better for beginners and others for advanced riders. You can always choose a shorter course or an easier route if you want to avoid some difficult obstacles along the way.
If you are looking for a challenging trail, however, make sure you’re physically prepared and ready for the ride. Remember that safety comes first!
