Riding a mountain bike on dirt trails in nature provides excitement and fun. Going over bumps, around tight corners, and down hills gives an adrenaline rush. Mountain bikers get to see amazing views while getting exercise. Popular trails are located all over the world for people to test their skills.
Moab, Utah: A Famous Place to Mountain Bike
Moab, Utah is very popular with mountain bikers. The high desert climate and many red rock formations make a unique landscape to ride in. Lots of trails go through the desert and have amazing views. Some trails in Moab are world famous because they are so awesome to ride.
The Slickrock Trail is a classic trail people love to ride in Moab. It goes for 12 miles across the unique slickrock sandstone rocks. Since there are no trees on slickrock for shade, it gets extremely hot riding this trail in the summer. But riding on top of the tall orange rocks provides huge views that make dealing with the heat worth it. Another famous hard trail is Higher Heels. It climbs over 1,000 feet up very steep hills in less than 2 miles. The tough climbing and loose rocks are hard but good practice for handling a mountain bike on difficult terrain.
Easier trails are available in Moab too for beginner mountain bikers to have fun on. The Bar M Loop provides wonderful views overlooking the Colorado River canyon below, which is very beautiful to see. It’s mostly gentle dirt trail that is smooth and flat, with some sandy sections sprinkled in. The Sovereign Singletrack network has over 20 miles of paths to ride through. It goes over rocks and has banked corners that let you keep your speed up as you practice cornering. Sovereign offers something for all skill levels.
With so many miles to ride on singletrack through awesome desert scenery, Moab is known worldwide as a top mountain biking destination. Advanced trails like Slickrock built its reputation with hardcore cyclists. But the newest flowy trails allow even casual mountain bikers to enjoy the incredible landscape around Moab.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Canada: Epic Trails in the Mountains
Whistler Mountain Bike Park in the Coast Mountains of Canada has epic mountain scenery and trails. Over 50 miles of paths are available to ride just by taking lifts up the mountains. Trails range from very easy green circles to extremely advanced double black diamonds. Rugged mountain peaks, forests, and meadows make a beautiful backdrop while riding.
For lots of riders, going to Whistler to ride A-Line trail is a dream come true. This popular blue square trail features banked turns, jumps, and wooden ramps. The smooth flow and playful features epitomize what a machine-built trail is all about. Crank It Up is another beloved route. Tight switchback turns go up the mountain, then small rolls and turns make for a fast way down.
Expert riders can push their skills on demanding trails like Goat’s Gully. Very steep rock slabs and loose rocks punish mistakes, requiring total concentration. D1 trail is one of the steepest at the bike park, with long rocky chutes straight down the mountainside. This trail demands advanced bike handling abilities. For experts wanting more flow, Garbanzo has fun jumps winding through the forest.
Beginners have options too like the wide and smooth Cruisy Cranker green circle trail. It allows new riders to gain confidence and learn basics. The Whistler Creekside zone provides the perfect family-friendly area for kids.
With so much variety from green to double black trails, multiple lift options, and breathtaking scenery everywhere, Whistler Bike Park is considered a must-visit spot. Meticulous trail care makes it possible for all skill levels to enjoy this world-class riding location. From first-ever beginners to elite downhill racers, every mountain biker can find epic trails to have fun on.
Queenstown, New Zealand: Beautiful Scenery and Challenging Trails
Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island has become globally famous as a mountain biking destination. Surrounded by the tall Remarkables mountain range and crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the landscape looks like a postcard everywhere you see. There are hundreds of miles of trails across different zones that bikers of all abilities can ride.
The Skyline MTB Park sits high above Queenstown, with over 30 miles of trails featuring stunning panoramas. Easier routes like Hammy’s Track cater to intermediate riders, while expert-only paths like Spiney Peak Trail push advanced skills. At the top of the Skyline Gondola, Panorama Restaurant lets tired bikers relax on an outdoor deck with unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains before riding the trails back down.
Riders can also take trails like the Moonlight Track directly from downtown Queenstown. This intermediate ride climbs through lush beech tree forests, with switchback turns revealing awesome views over of the lake. Berms and rollers on the descent back to town allow riders to maintain speed while carving turns. Out in the Gibbston region, Graveyards Trail starts near an old historic cemetery before crossing over a river and winding through vineyards, followed by a thrilling downhill run to finish.
For advanced riders looking for a serious challenge, the Southern Lakes region has difficult backcountry trails that require excellent fitness. Pain and Suffering is an expert-only track with big climbs and technical features set deep in remote wilderness far from town. The Moonlight Epic crosses over an high alpine pass with stunning views, but demanding steep grades and slick rocks. Only skilled riders with endurance should attempt it.
The incredible setting around Queenstown delivers classic New Zealand mountain biking. Lush beech forests, crystal blue lakes, and craggy ridgelines create breathtaking scenery all around. Flowy downhill runs, technically rocky climbs, fun jumps and banked berms give trails plenty to keep riding interesting. Rugged yet beautiful, Queenstown is like mountain biking heaven.
Why Trails Across the World Are So Great
Famous spots like Moab, Whistler, and Queenstown have amazing mountain bike trails because of their unique landscapes. Iconic routes established their reputations thanks to the awesome riding experience on each iconic trail. Their natural settings give riders different terrains to test skills – from desert slickrock to dense forests to craggy alpine mountains. Local trail builders keep expanding networks, designing new paths appealing to casual riders and experts alike.
Yet beyond these well-known places, fantastic riding can be found all across the globe. Local enthusiasts are working hard to develop fun new trails from their backyard woods to high alpine settings nearby where they live too. Seeking out fresh terrain in new areas pushes bikers’ limits while improving their skills constantly. Whether it’s a famous “must-ride” trail or just local single track, a fun route that leaves you worn out but grinning exists in so many spots. Chasing that thrill of mountain biking never gets old. So keep exploring, challenge yourself, and enjoy the wonderful ride.