The United States has some of the most varied terrain of any country in the world, and the best way for triathletes to explore from sea to shining sea is by bike. Check out our list of the 20 most memorable bike rides across four regions of the U.S. Photo: Getty Images
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# Triathlete’s 20 Most Memorable Bike Routes in the USA

## The United States has some of the most varied terrain of any country in the world, and the best way for triathletes to explore from sea to shining sea is by bike. Check out our list of the 20 most memorable bike rides across four regions of the U.S.

Published
Aug 12, 2024

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Photo: Getty Images

The United States has some of the most varied terrain of any country in the world, and the best way for triathletes to explore from sea to shining sea is by bike. Check out our list of the 20 most memorable bike rides across four regions of the U.S. Photo: Getty Images

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## Best Cycling Routes in the USA

From epic climbs with scenic overlooks to rail trails through charming towns and desert treks past sandstone giants, North America is home to some of the most diverse landscapes for cycling. Whether your preference is thrilling alpine vistas with harrowing hairpin turns or quiet country roads filled with wildflower fields, this list of the top 20 most memorable bike routes in the U.S. has something for everyone.

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## West Region

### Mount Tamalpais, CA

The long and winding road near Mount Tamalpais in Marin Country, California, USA. A popular route for road cyclists, tourists and motorists.(Photo: Getty Images)

40 miles, 4,700 ft. gain Difficulty level: Intermediate

Rising above San Francisco Bay at 2,571 ft., Mount Tamalpais is the tallest point in the Marin Hills. Known to locals as “Mount Tam,” this peak is a mecca for cyclists with panoramic views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. There are at least six climbs to the top, but a favorite is a 40-mile route that begins in downtown Fairfax and incorporates the Alpine Dam Short Loop (33 miles) with an out-and-back spur to the summit. This route includes the “Seven Sisters” and goes over the Marin spine, which is one of the most filmed roads in the area.

### Kona to Mauna Kea Summit, HI

Kona to Mauna Kea Summit, HI cycling(Photo: Getty Images)

77 miles, 15,728 ft. gain Difficulty level: Experienced

Beginning in Kona on the Big Island, this challenging route takes riders from sea level to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,800 ft. Almost the entire ride is uphill, with an 8-mile segment at 7% and a 15-mile stretch at 9%. Once you get close to the visitors center, the grade increases to 20%, and there’s a bit of gravel to negotiate. But the views of the ocean are surreal as you travel through tropical forests past grasslands with grazing goats.

“The closer you get to the summit, the more alien the landscape gets. By the time you get to the top, you feel like you’re on a different planet,” says Orthja Efinger, who holds the Strava QOM on the Kona to Mauna Kea Summit. “This is a ride that pushes you to the limits of your physical and mental abilities. If you think you’re a good rider, this ride will humble you.”

### Crater Lake, OR

100 miles, 6,692 ft. gain Difficulty level: Intermediate to experienced

More than 7,000 years ago, the Mt. Mazama volcano erupted leaving a caldera 2,000 ft. deep and 6 miles wide. Today, Crater Lake is filled with the most astonishingly blue water you’ve ever seen and surrounded by fir, helmock, and pine forests.

Start the ride at Fort Klamath Museum on Crater Lake Highway at 4,000 ft. You’ll get a nice 35-mile warm-up along the Wood River Valley against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains before you begin the 3,000 ft. climb to Crater Rim Lake. Once to get to the top, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views and 30 miles around the lake with an additional 3,000 ft. of climbing on Rim Drive.

### Veyo Loop, UT

(Photo: St. George News/STGnews.com )

43.5 miles, 2,600 ft. gain

Difficulty level: Intermediate

A popular training ride for those preparing for 70.3 St. George, the Veyo Loop takes cyclists through Gunlock Reservoir, the town of Veyo, and infamous Snow Canyon State Park. Begin the route at Fire Lake Park in Ivins and head towards Gunlock State Park. Make a stop at Veyo Pies, a local joint that’s been serving sweet treats to cyclists for over 30 years. There are 24 flavors including blackberry, raspberry rhubarb, and coconut cream. A highlight of this route is climbing through Snow Canyon past towering red and white sandstone formations, ancient lava flows, and cinder cones. Have your small chain ring ready for the 6-mile section with 4% average grade and 1,450 ft. of elevation.

### Denali Park Road, AK

92 miles, 10,928 ft.

Difficulty level: I ntermediate to experienced

If you’re looking for a true cycling adventure through rugged and untamed wilderness, look no further than Denali Park Road. The road is paved for the first 15 miles and then turns into hard packed gravel, which is where most people start riding, because that’s where vehicle access is restricted from May to September.

There are grueling climbs and exhilarating descents along the trail that carves along steep hillsides with thousand-foot drop offs. Major climbs include Sable Pass (3,900’), Polychrome Overlook (3,700’), and Highway Pass (3,980’). Scan the rolling tundra for moose, caribou, wolves, and sheep. Remember, this is grizzly bear country, so come prepared. As the U.S. National Park Service says, “You cannot cycle faster than a bear.” At the right time of year, you could do the entire trip in one day and watch the midnight sun fall on the Polychrome Mountains.

Section divider

## Mountain Region

### Going to the Sun Road, MT

Going to the Sun Road, MT cycling(Photo: Tailyr Irvine/Getty Images)

18-32 miles, 2,198 ft.-3,431 ft.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

This 50-mile paved gateway connects the east and west sides of Glacier National Park with cedar forests, cascading waterfalls, and alpine tundra. In the spring, this route is open to cyclists in late May. Start at the west entrance and ride 32 miles to Logan’s Pass for 3,431 ft. of gain. From the east side, start at St. Mary’s and ride 18 miles to Logan’s Pass for 2,198 ft. of gain. Either direction, most of the climbing is packed into 12 miles with an average grade of 6%. Highlights along the way include the famous hairpin turn, The Loop, as well as Bird Woman Falls and the Weeping Wall. Once you get to Logan’s Pass, keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep!

### The Enchanted Circle, NM

85 miles, 5,902 ft.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to experienced

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway goes across some of the most spectacular peaks in New Mexico at the southern end of the Rockies in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This route circles the state’s tallest mountain—Wheeler Peak at 13,167 ft. Begin the loop in Taos Pueblo and continue through Red River, Questa, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, and over the state’s highest road—Bobcat Pass at 9,820 ft. The other mountain pass is Palo Flechado at 9,112 ft. Ride through the seasons as you journey from pine forest to snow-capped peaks. “It’s a spectacular three seasons ride, but especially in the fall,” says local cyclist, Bruce Horowitz.

### LoToJa, UT/ID/WY

203 miles, 8,929 ft.

Difficulty level: Experienced

This 203-mile ride takes cyclists through three states, beginning in Logan, Utah and finishing at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The three big climbs, Strawberry, Geneva, and Salt River, all take place in the first 110 miles with max grade of 9.7%. There’s a reprieve towards the end with the home stretch along the Snake River. According to local cyclist, Marco Malimban, keep an eye out for moose! Finishing beneath the Grand Tetons is a memorable way to conclude this epic journey.

### Mount Evans Scenic Byway, CO

Mount Evans Scenic Byway, CO best cycling routes in usa(Photo: Getty Images)

29 miles, 6,500 ft.

Difficulty level: Experienced

Mount Evans is the highest paved road in the US at 14,265 ft., and, although this isn’t a long ride, there’s whopping elevation gain and more time spent above treeline than any other climb in North America. Some cyclists even claim that you can see the curvature of the Earth from the top. Expect the ride to take 3-5 hours with an average gradient of 4.5% and max of 8.4%. Begin in Idaho Springs and climb to scenic Echo Lake before continuing on to Summit Lake as you rise above the pine trees. The last 9km from Summit is the hardest with over 400 meters at 4.7% and 12 switchbacks, all at extreme altitude.

“The top of Mount Evans feels like another planet, and the taco truck at the gate of Evans was very crucial,” says local cyclist, Ben Raymond.

### Trail Ridge Road, CO

44 miles, 7,751 ft. gain Difficulty level: Experienced

Trail Ridge Road is the second longest climb in the U.S., and one of the most difficult climbs in Colorado, with 11 miles above the treeline and a high point that tops out at 12,151 ft. The climb’s average grade is 4.1% with the steepest mile at 9.8%.

Ride through mountain meadows and evergreen forests along a winding road that hugs the ridgeline with sweeping views. The road has narrow shoulders, few guardrails, and steep drop offs, but the tradeoff is the incredible scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park and the potential for animal sightings like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The road is open to cyclists from April 1 -November 30.

Section divider

## Central Region

### The Katy Trail, MO

The Katy Trail, MO cycling best bike routes in USA(Photo: Getty Images)

237 miles, flat

Difficulty level: Easy

This extremely popular rail trail (America’s longest) stretches across the state of Missouri and is flat and scenic with a mixture of paved road, dirt, and crushed limestone. More than half of the trail follows the path that Lewis and Clark took from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. The full route goes from Hartford, Illinois to Seaside, Oregon and is 3,539 miles, which would take you about 2-3 months by bike. There are many shorter routes on the Missouri River Corridor section between St. Louis and Kansas City where you can ride through rural farmland and past towering river bluffs.

### Horribly Hilly, WI

124 miles, 10,700 ft.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to experienced

This route begins at the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park. Some of the most difficult climbs in the Driftless Area reside along the scenic byways that travel by the towns of Black Earth, Cross Plains, and Vermont. The 124-mile route includes 40 rises that range from 50-foot inclines to the 910 ft. final climb with a max grade of 11.4%.

“This area of Wisconsin transports your mind like you’re somewhere else in the country. The hill pitches and bluffs, along with valleys and streams, really increase your appreciation for the outdoors,” says local cyclist, Joe Dorff.

### Texas Hill County Loop, TX

Texas Hill country Cycling best bike routes in the USA(Photo: Getty Images)

317 miles, 405 ft.-2,070 ft.

Difficulty level: Easy

Gently rolling hills with bluebonnet fields as far as the eye can see greet cyclists who embark from Austin on the Texas Hill Country Loop. The full route is 317 miles, but there are plenty of shorter segments that range from flat and rolling to hilly. You can stop by the quaint town of Gruene with the oldest dance hall in Texas, follow the Guadalupe River to Canyon Lake Dam, tour the wildflower fields in Llano, or head to Fredericksburg for the 30.5-mile Luckenbach Loop of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings fame.

### George Mickelson Trail, SD

George Mickelson Trail, SD

109 miles, flat to rolling Difficulty level: Easy

This 109-mile crushed limestone and gravel trail traverses the Black Hills of South Dakota and takes cyclists past granite towers, flowing streams, and green meadows. It’s a former rail line, so you will cross more than 100 railroad bridges and through four rock tunnels. If you start at Deadwood (4,550 ft.) and ride to Edgemont (3,400 ft.), you lose 1,150 ft. over 109 miles. It’s pretty easy pedaling for most riders with a max grade of 4%.

### Natchez Trace Parkway, MS/AL/TN

444 miles, 10,000 ft.

Difficulty level: Easy

The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, extending from Mississippi through Alabama to Tennessee, is a National Park Service-designated bicycle route, which means there’s minimal car traffic, no stop signs or stop lights, and restrooms about every 20 miles. The road follows the route used by Native Americans and explorers who transported their goods inland from the Mississippi River to Tennessee. Route highlights include the town of Leiper’s Fork (mile 428), picturesque Baker Bluff/Jackson Falls (mile 405), the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo, MS (mile 259), as well as riverside campgrounds, antebellum mansions, and quaint B&Bs.

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## East Region

### Six Gap, GA

103 miles, 11,651 ft.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to experienced

This popular route takes cyclists over six mountains in North Georgia. Beginning in Dahlonega, the route crisscrosses the Appalachian Trail with switchbacks that cut through the shade trees and finish at scenic overlooks. The mountains range from 2,949 ft. to 3,409 ft. and include Neels, Wolfpen, Unicoi, Woody, Jacks, and Hogpen. The toughest climb is Hogpen with an average grade of 7% for 7 miles and a max grade of 15%. The route begins and ends in the rural Yahoola Valley with gentle rolling hills and picturesque farms.

### Cadillac Challenge Loop, ME

Cadillac Challenge Loop, ME(Photo: Getty Images)

100 miles, 6,496 ft.

Difficulty level: Intermediate to experienced

Bar Harbor, Maine is the site of this route that circumnavigates Mount Desert Island. The coastal scenery is spectacular with rocky cliffs, secluded coves, and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. The highlight is a 3.3-mile, 6% climb up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. The 1,520 ft. tall mountain is the highest point in the park and the spot where sunlight first hits the U.S. The climb happens at mile 91, so be prepared for an exhilarating descent all the way to the century mark.

### Saranac Lake to Cranberry Lake on the Olympic Byway, NY

47 miles, 2,060 ft.

Difficulty level: Easy to intermediate

This 47-mile stretch of the 170-mile Olympic Byway takes cyclists into the heart of the Adirondacks via secluded forests and mountain villages. The steeper climbs are in the first half of the ride from Saranac to Tupper Lake, but the max grade is just 5.4%, while the rest is peacefully rolling. The route is serene, passes by scenic lakes, and goes over the Raquette River. There are plenty of routes along the byway including: Keeseville to Saranac (45 miles), Cranberry to Carthage (55 miles), and Carthage to Sackets Harbor (36 miles).

### Great Allegheny Passage, MD/PA

Great Allegheny Passage bike best cycling routes in USA(Photo: Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

150 miles, 1,800 ft.

Difficulty level: Easy to intermediate

The Great Allegheny Passage is known as one of the top rail trails in the U.S. connecting Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA by way of the Eastern Continental Divide. The smooth gravel trail weaves its way through the rural forests of the Allegheny Mountains. Ride along the Youghiogheny River where deep gorges cut into the mountainside, see civil war sites in historic Frederick, and ride under the famous Paw Paw Tunnel that’s lined with six million bricks.

“You can do tent camping along most of the route, and there’s nothing more than a 1.75% grade. There are incredible sights crossing the Eastern Continental Divide with a few long tunnels and viaducts,” says local cyclist, Paul Cacolice.

### Cherohala Skyway, TN/NC

59 miles, 7,400 ft.

Difficulty level: I ntermediate

With wide, sweeping corners and scenic overlooks, the Cherohala Skyway takes you on a mountainous journey from the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee into the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. Park at Oosterneck Overlook next to the Tellico River and start the climb. There are plenty of scenic overlooks where you can stretch your legs on the way up and never-ending descents on the way back down. Before you finish, take a left on River Road and head to Bald River Falls where you can see a 90-foot cascade from the road.

“One of my favorite rides is from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC across Cherohala. It’s 100 miles out and back with almost 13,000K of gain. There’s only one turn to worry about, virtually no cars, and absolutely beautiful. Bonus is there are beautiful cabins to rent in Tellico Plains,” says local cyclist, Aaron Fridenmaker.

Brittany (Bevis) Vermeer is a writer, photographer, and media specialist with 15+ years of experience in the world of sports journalism. She and her husband are triathletes who live in Florida, and she chronicles their multisport adventures on her blog, Triple Threat Life.

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