Bikepacking Adventure Travel Routes
Bikepacking combines cycling with backpacking. It’s a unique way to see new places and experience the natural world. Routes range from smooth paved roads to rough wilderness trails. Here, we explore some exciting bikepacking routes across the globe.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (North America)
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route spans from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. It covers approximately 2,700 miles. The route cuts through the Rocky Mountains and features diverse landscapes.
This route offers a mix of terrains, including gravel roads, singletrack trails, and remote backcountry paths. Riders often camp along the way, adding to the adventure. The route navigates through remote towns and national forests, offering ample opportunities to resupply.
Elevation gain is substantial. Riders should be prepared for demanding ascents and descents. Water sources can be scarce in some sections, making it essential to carry adequate supplies. This route is best suited for experienced bikepackers.
The Pamir Highway (Central Asia)
Stretching across Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the Pamir Highway is a rugged and picturesque journey. It’s one of the highest-altitude international highways in the world. The 1,250-mile route traverses remote mountain ranges and high-altitude deserts.
The road conditions vary, with sections of smooth tarmac and others of rough gravel. The high altitudes and rough terrain present unique challenges. Riders need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and cold temperatures.
The cultural experience is rich as the route passes through small villages where locals are often hospitable. Cyclists can resupply in towns along the way, though it’s important to carry some essential supplies.
The Tour Aotearoa (New Zealand)
The Tour Aotearoa runs from Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand to Bluff in the south. Covering 1,800 miles, it showcases the country’s diverse landscapes. Riders navigate through forests, along coastlines, and across rugged mountains.
The route combines off-road trails with quiet country roads. It includes bike trails like the Timber Trail and sections of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. The terrain can be challenging, with steep climbs and fast descents.
New Zealand’s temperate climate is generally favorable for bikepacking. However, riders should be prepared for sudden weather changes. The route has well-spaced towns for resupply and accommodation.
The Friendship Highway (Tibet to Nepal)
The Friendship Highway connects Lhasa in Tibet to Kathmandu in Nepal. It spans around 500 miles and passes through the Tibetan Plateau. This high-altitude route offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
The route is paved but challenging due to the high elevations, reaching over 17,000 feet. Riders must acclimate to the altitude to avoid sickness. The journey includes historic monasteries, high passes, and vibrant cultural experiences.
Riders should plan for limited resupply points and carry adequate food and water. The route ends with a descent into the lush valleys of Nepal, a stark contrast to the arid expanses of Tibet.
The Munda Biddi Trail (Australia)
The Munda Biddi Trail stretches over 1,000 kilometers from Western Australia’s Mundaring to Albany. It translates to path through the forest in the local Noongar language. The trail is primarily off-road and passes through eucalyptus forests and rural landscapes.
The terrain varies from wide tracks to narrow singletracks. The trail includes facilities like campsites and shelters, making it accessible for multi-day trips. The diverse flora and fauna add to the scenic charm.
Riders can encounter well-maintained sections as well as more rugged parts. Weather conditions can range from hot and dry to cool and wet. Proper preparation is crucial for a comfortable and safe journey.
The Carretera Austral (Chile)
The Carretera Austral runs through Chilean Patagonia. Starting in Puerto Montt and ending in Villa O’Higgins, it covers about 770 miles. The route showcases pristine lakes, fjords, and snow-capped peaks.
Most of the route is gravel, with some paved sections. It passes through remote and sparsely populated areas. Riders can expect to encounter challenging weather, including strong winds and rain.
Several national parks are along the way, offering incredible natural beauty. Ferries are required to cross some sections. Accommodations range from campgrounds to small lodges.
The Hebridean Way (Scotland)
The Hebridean Way traverses the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands off Scotland’s west coast. The route is about 185 miles long. It passes through a series of islands connected by causeways and ferries.
The terrain includes quiet roads, sandy beaches, and rugged moorlands. The coastal scenery is breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Riders can experience the rich cultural heritage of the islands.
Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and strong winds. Resupply points are available in towns and villages along the way. Accommodations include guesthouses, hostels, and campsites.
The Colorado Trail (United States)
Spanning from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail covers 485 miles. It passes through six national forests and eight mountain ranges. The elevation varies from 5,500 to over 13,000 feet.
The route is challenging, with steep climbs, rocky paths, and high altitudes. Riders must be prepared for variable weather conditions, including thunderstorms and snow. The trail offers stunning views of alpine meadows and rugged peaks.
Riders need to carry sufficient supplies, as resupply points are limited. Water sources can be scarce during dry periods. The Colorado Trail is best suited for experienced bikepackers.
The Mediterranean Route (Europe)
The Mediterranean Route takes riders along the scenic Mediterranean coastline. It stretches from Spain’s Costa Brava through France and Italy to the Adriatic coast of Slovenia. The total length is around 1,500 miles.
The route includes a variety of terrains, from smooth coastal roads to hilly inland sections. It passes through historic cities, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. The Mediterranean climate is generally mild, but summertime can be hot.
Riders will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and culture. Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from campsites to hotels. The route is well-suited for bikepackers of all experience levels.
The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
The Wild Atlantic Way follows the rugged west coast of Ireland. It spans 1,500 miles from Donegal to Cork. The route showcases dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills.
The terrain varies from flat coastal stretches to hilly inland sections. Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rains and strong winds. Riders should be prepared for wet conditions and carry appropriate gear.
The route passes through charming towns and villages, offering a taste of Irish culture and hospitality. Resupply points and accommodations are readily available. The Wild Atlantic Way offers a rich and scenic bikepacking experience.
The Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (New Zealand)
This trail runs from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Spanning 180 miles, it starts at Aoraki/Mount Cook and ends in Oamaru. The route showcases New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, from alpine passes to coastal plains.
The trail includes off-road paths, quiet rural roads, and well-maintained tracks. Riders need to be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including cold temperatures in the mountains. The route is well-marked and has a variety of accommodation options.
Scenic highlights include glacial lakes, rolling farmland, and limestone cliffs. The trail is accessible for riders of various skill levels, offering a mix of challenging and easier sections.
The Baja Divide (Mexico)
The Baja Divide runs the length of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. It covers over 1,700 miles and features rugged desert landscapes.
The route is mostly off-road, with challenging sandy and rocky tracks. Riders will encounter remote and sparsely populated areas, so self-sufficiency is crucial. Water and food must be carefully managed.
The desert scenery is striking, with cacti, canyons, and coastal views. Weather can be extreme, with hot days and cool nights. The Baja Divide is best suited for experienced and well-prepared bikepackers.
The King’s Trail (Sweden)
The King’s Trail, or Kungsleden, runs through the Swedish Lapland. It stretches 270 miles from Abisko to Hemavan. The route passes through remote wilderness and offers breathtaking Arctic views.
Terrain includes rocky paths, wooden boardwalks, and occasional river crossings. Riders will encounter vast landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and marshlands. The trail is most accessible in summer when daylight hours are long.
Campsites and mountain huts provide accommodation along the route. Riders need to be prepared for remote conditions and variable weather. The King’s Trail offers a unique and isolated bikepacking experience.
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