Most Scenic Mountain Bike Trails in America

If there’s one thing we know for sure, America is full of thousands of miles of mountain biking trails for you to explore. You don’t have to scour the land looking for the best trails because, in this article, we’re introducing you to the most scenic mountain bike trails in America.

Narrowing it down to seven options wasn’t easy because we didn’t want to sacrifice the trail quality for the scenery. And so, here are our picks for the best mountain bike trails in America:

1. Rim Trail, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

There are many things that make the Rim Trail in Lake Tahoe one of the best trails for mountain biking.

To start with, the Lake Tahoe trail passes through two different states, six counties, one of the most famous state parks, three national forests, and three wilderness areas. So you can imagine a wide range of diverse scenery that you don’t get with many other trails. There are 165 miles of trail that circles the largest alpine lake in North America. You’re allowed to use 80 miles of them on your mountain bike.

While biking the Tahoe Rim Trail, you’ll notice that most of the trail is very open. You get stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Then, you make it to the forests and wilderness areas. There, you’re surrounded by wildflowers and woodlands while getting the chance to view stunning waterfalls.

If you’re looking for one of the most diverse scenic routes in the country, ride the Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s a big reason why it’s on our list of the most scenic mountain bike trails in America

2. Flying Dog, Park City, Utah

If you’re looking for a family-friendly mountain biking trail that’s packed with epic scenery, then the Flying Dog Trail In Park City is it!

You can choose several route lengths, from a 10-mile loop with 1,500 ft of elevation change. You can go with an easier 10-mile trail or the more advanced 23-mile with 3,000 feet of climbing.

The route takes you over plenty of rocks and steep pitches. This provides excellent exposure to the mountains and lakes surrounding the area. You’ll also push through an immense valley you really don’t want to miss. Then, you descend over rivers and bridges to finish your mountain biking experience.

3. Broken Arrow, Sedona, Arizona

Sedona was originally a destination for fishing and hunting. It took a while before people came here for mountain biking. Since then, it has become one of the most popular areas in the US for mountain biking. This is largely due to the stunning scenery.

The Broken Arrow trail is one of the most popular routes because it reminds people of a desert playground. It features over 230 miles of trails with a bright red track that catches the eye of all the visitors that make the trip.

While biking the track, you’ll be held back in awe as you pass the immense crimson cliffs and the beautiful glow they provide in the sunset.

4. The Whole Enchilada, Moab, Utah

You can’t make a list of the most scenic mountain bike trails in America without including The Whole Enchilada in Moab, Utah. Seriously, the name alone…

Moab has over 400 miles of interconnected tracks for you to explore, which professional trail builders have crafted. Moab might be just what you’re looking for if you’re looking for an advanced trail system.

What’s great about this area is that it’s a great place to challenge beginners or young riders in an unforgiving desert landscape.

This area provides riders with every type of landscape they could imagine ranging from open desert, and technical slabby areas, all the way to high alpine forested tracks.

The Whole Enchilada is a long and challenging ride at times, but the views it provides make the entire trip with it, especially as you gaze down the canyon toward the Colorado River in all of its glory.

5. The 401, Crested Butte, Montana

Crested Butte is a popular destination that has been drawing people to the area since mountain biking began, and when you get there, it’s easy to see why it’s on our list of the most scenic bike trails in America.

In the summer, you’re blessed with alpine scenery and a remote mountain town that draws you in, and one of the go-to routes in the area is the renowned 401.

The entire trail is around 9,000-11,000 feet; from there, you’ll get sweeping views of snow-capped mountain ranges, wildflower meadows, and aspen groves.

The loop starts with a big climb up Gothic Road, where you’ll probably come across an almost permanent snowfield across the road. It will take you past the stunning Emerald Lake for an incredible photo opportunity.

You then continue riding through dense forests before getting a 360-degree alpine view of the Elk Mountains, making your previous struggle worth it all the more.

6. Kingdom Trails, East Burke, Vermont

Vermont isn’t the biggest state on our list, but regardless of that, you’ll still find over 1,000 miles of mountain biking trails to choose from.

And Kingdom Trails has been listed as one of the best trails in North America, so how could we leave it off the list? Within the Kingdom Trails network, you’ll find trails that are accessible for all skill levels and lift services to get you around.

The riding has a vast variation from hard-packed trails that take you through stunning forests and along river banks that give you a sense of tranquility. Eventually, the wooded area opens into fields of beautiful meadows, giving you fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

7. Torry Ridge, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

We wanted to finish the list with somewhere that isn’t the most famous trail but still has fantastic scenery to be seen. Torry Ridge is in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and remains a little bit of a local secret… but not anymore.

The trail starts with a five-mile climb up Torry Ridge, where you’ll have stunning landscape views that take your breath away. The scenic spine takes you past rock gardens, which keep even the most avid mountain bikers at bay.

You’ll notice a fantastic amount of foliage along the route, so don’t let that distract you as you’re biking this fantastic trail. It twists through the forest, where you should keep your eye out for a waterfall, which tops off the beautiful scenery.

Be warned; this isn’t an easy trail and can cause even the most advanced riders to have real trouble, thanks to the rich mix of terrain. It has everything, rocky sections, steep sections, technical challenges, and so much more.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to our country’s hugely diverse landscape, you have no shortage of scenic mountain biking trails in America. And that makes mountain biking so unique in America; you’re never short of extraordinary trials with epic scenery.

You can find anything from alpine mountains to dense forests and canyons to lakes; it’s really up to you where and how you like to mountain bike. Another great thing about mountain biking in America is you’re never short of shuttle services or lift systems, which can make your day out more enjoyable if you’re not a fan of biking uphill.

So, if you’re looking for the most scenic bike trails in America, these options should be among your first choices. Hopefully, this article has filled you full of inspiration for your next mountain biking adventure.