Ever feel that itch for adventure on a sunny weekend day? The open road or trail calling your name, daring you to push your limits and discover what you’re made of? If you’re looking to thrill on two knobby tires, some epic mountain biking trails are in your backyard. Whether you’re a hardcore shredder or just getting into fat biking, we’ve got the inside line on 5 must-try trails that will get your heart pumping and put a grin on your face that lasts for days. So gear up, hop on your trusty steed, and get ready to experience some of the best riding the region offers on trails for chasing flow, catching air, and earning those hard-fought views. Adventure awaits – come and get it!
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Mountain Biking Trails Near Me: An Overview
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush in the great outdoors? Mountain biking is the thrill for you. There are amazing trails near you with scenic views and heart-pumping terrain. Here’s an overview of what’s in your area:
The South Rim Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona, offers stunning red rock scenery as you descend over 2,000 feet to the canyon floor. This 12-mile ride isn’t for beginners, but the payoff is huge. You’ll ride through ponderosa pines down to desert scapes with panoramic vistas.
Head to the Virginia Creeper Trail near Damascus, Virginia, for family-friendly fun. This 35-mile rail trail follows a creek through the Appalachians. With only a 2% grade, it’s perfect for all skill levels: rent bikes and a shuttle to the top for a leisurely coast down. Stop for a picnic along the way and swim in the creek.
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Prefer dirty thrills over scenic chills?
Check out the McKenzie River Trail outside Eugene, Oregon. This 26-mile point-to-point ride takes you over rocky and rooty singletrack, including tight switchbacks down to the river. You’ll get soaked from raging rapids and waterfalls as you navigate slippery rocks and logs. Not for the faint of heart!
The Best Beginner Mountain Biking Trail
Are you looking to hit the trails for the first time? The Saguaro Loop at Usery Mountain Regional Park is perfect for beginners. Only 30 minutes east of Phoenix, this 3.5-mile loop winds through classic Sonoran desert scenery with saguaros, mesquites, and palo verdes surrounding you.
Usery Pass Road
To get started, head to the main trailhead off Usery Pass Road. The wide, packed-dirt path begins gradually, with only slight inclines as you enter the foothills. This lets you find your riding legs without worrying about sharp turns or steep drops.
About a mile in, the trail descends into a wash with sandy sections that add an extra challenge. But the trail is still wide here, so take your time and pick your line carefully. The sandy stretch ends at a junction – go left to continue the loop.
From there, the final leg of the loop contains a few short climbs with switchbacks. While the inclines get steeper, the trail remains beginner-friendly. Take breaks when you need and walk your bike if necessary. The desert vistas will inspire you to keep pedaling!
Complete the loop, and you’ll end right back at the trailhead, tired but accomplished. The Saguaro Loop’s ideal combination of scenic desert riding and beginner-appropriate terrain makes it a perfect intro to the sport. Before you know it, you’ll be scouting out your next mountain biking adventure!
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Intermediate Mountain Biking Trails to Challenge Yourself
Once you’ve mastered the beginner trails, it’s time to challenge yourself with some intermediate rides. These trails will test your skills and thrill your senses of adventure.
The Enchanted Forest Trail
This 7-mile loop trail near Asheville, North Carolina winds through a lush forest with scenic creek crossings and small rock gardens. The mostly double-track trail is rated intermediate for its rocky and rooty sections that will improve your handling skills. Take in the scenic views of the Pisgah National Forest as you ride.
McKenzie River Trail
In the Willamette National Forest of Oregon, this 26-mile point-to-point trail follows the McKenzie River, passing by scenic waterfalls and old-growth forests. The trail is double-tracked with narrow singletrack sections, rated intermediate for its rocky and hilly terrain. You’ll ride through massive Douglas fir and cedar trees, over log bridges, and by the iconic Blue Pool.
Centennial Cone Trail
Just west of Denver, the Centennial Cone Trail ascends over 2,200 feet in elevation gain to the top of Centennial Cone Mountain. The 10.5-mile out-and-back trail climbs through pine forests and meadows with panoramic views of the Rockies. Expect lung-busting climbs, rocky descents, and narrow singletrack rated intermediate to difficult. The rewarding 360-degree view at the top makes the challenging ascent worthwhile.
Epic Advanced Mountain Biking Trails for Adrenaline Junkies
Downieville Downhill
Are you looking for an epic downhill thrill ride? Tahoe National Forest’s Downieville Downhill is one of the country’s most popular mountain bike trails. This point-to-point trail descends over 5,000 feet through the remote wilderness for 15 miles. With fast and flowy sections, technical rock gardens, and high-speed jumps, this trail will get your adrenaline pumping. Be prepared for a full-day excursion, as the shuttle ride to the top takes over an hour. You’ll earn those downhill miles!
- Location: Tahoe National Forest, north of Lake Tahoe
- Distance: 15 miles point-to-point
- Difficulty: Advanced, steep, and technical
- Shuttle required to trailhead
Porcupine Rim
Another iconic Western trail, Porcupine Rim in Moab, offers stunning views and nonstop action. This 13-mile trail contours along the edge of Porcupine Rim, with twisting singletrack, rock gardens, small ledges, and even some minor exposure. The terrain is mostly slick rock, so be ready for an arm workout. The reward at the end is a cold beer and nachos at nearby Porcupine Pub & Grille.
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Distance: 13 miles point-to-point
- Difficulty: Advanced, very technical with exposure
- Shuttle required to trailhead
Whole Enchilada
You’ve heard of this one. Whole Enchilada in Moab is always at the top when people talk about bucket list rides. This full-day epic starts at 10,500 feet and descends over 7,000 feet through diverse high alpine and desert terrain, linking together 7 different trails. This 32-mile ride has everything from alpine singletrack to slick rock. Be prepared for a long day in the saddle and possibly inclement weather at the top. This one’s worth it, though!
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Distance: 32 miles point-to-point
- Difficulty: Advanced, very technical with high altitude exposure
- Shuttle required to trailhead
Conclusion
So there you have it, five mountain biking trails near you that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping and give you an adventure to remember. What are you waiting for? Dust off your mountain bike, fill your water bottle, pack a snack, and hit the trail. The thrill of speeding down winding singletrack, the beauty of nature all around you, and the satisfaction of making it to the end of an epic ride await. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the great outdoors in your backyard and build memories that will last far longer than any sore muscles. Now get out there and start riding! The adventure is calling your name.
