How do you make the most out of life? Do you pursue adventures, travel regularly or try and get in touch with nature? If you’re already a mountain biker, you know you can achieve all these goals along one trail. And if you’re not riding your bike yet, you’re missing out (check this guide to help you get started).
But the pro riders also know that in this sport it’s vital to pick the right trails. A ride that’s boring or too difficult in terms of your skills level can ruin the sport for you. Made with the collaboration of Mountain Biking Planet, this article will help you avoid picking the wrong trails. It does not matter if you are a beginner or already an avid mountain biker, ideas for epic rides around the world always com handy.
One of the trails mentioned below is sure to spark some excitement in you!
How to Identify an Excellent Mountain Bike Trail
You can pick from our list of the world’s best mountain bike trails below or perhaps you want to try a new one in your area? Here’s the checklist for vetting trails to ensure an exhilarating ride:
- Does it challenge you?
- Is there striking scenery?
- Will you get a mixture of rough and smooth riding so you get a balanced experience? Use easy going descents to reflect on the steep inclines you conquer.
- Can you get lost in thought and enjoy the moment? For this to happen, you can try a trail outside the city so you get away from the usual rush.
We used these guidelines to vet some of the most impressive tracks found across the globe. Here are our favorites.
Top 5 List of the World’s Best Mountain Bike Trails
The good news is that you’ll find a mountain bike trail almost anywhere in the world, so you can keep enjoying your sport no matter where you travel. We found trails for all types of riders: beginners, experienced and even something for families to try together.
Which of these can you add to your travel plans in future?
Family Excursions at Lake Garda—Italy, Europe
We start the list with a family-oriented trail that’s 16km in length. That doesn’t mean it’s boring though! There are a few difficult sections so you can have some adventure during your family time. The trail offers something for all tastes as you can either be on the lookout for celebrities or enjoy Mediterranean and Alpine views.
There are many other trails in the Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) area.
Easy Going on Kingdom Trails—North America
Even though these trails are relatively easy, Kingdom trails are worth a visit. Most riders will appreciate a well maintained trail system, all the facilities are really professional, which also makes it worth paying a small fee for the rights to ride there.
Those who are after an adrenaline rush can try the ‘Troll Stroll’ while newbies will love the multiple smooth downhills.
Poison Spider Mesa Trail—North America
The name is already enough warning: be prepared for some tough riding on this trail near Moab, Utah. Trail is a fun-filled combination of challenging obstacles and incredible scenery. Apart from some rocky obstacles this more than 1000ft uphill trail also has plenty of spots where you run the risk of getting stuck in deep sand. The pros know: don’t stop, just keep pedaling!
This one is specifically for the serious, experienced riders. Make sure you’re fit and well prepared.
A Line, Whistler—Canada
The Whistler area is so popular that you may find it difficult to get access to certain of its trails because they’re busy all year round. It is also that good that it would be a sin to leave it off this list. So do yourself a favor though and try out the A Line track, this is probably the most famous trail in the World. It is an excellent example of how fun mountain biking can be. It is a long, fast jump trail with big berms, tabletops, and a natural rock drop.
Although it is considered a flow trail this is not an easy trail, the jumps are big, but there is lots of room and they are all tabletops so it’s definitely worth a try if you have some experience already.
Glentress—Scotland
Why take a bus tour if you can experience a country’s natural charms on a bike? View the Scottish Highlands around Glentress while you take on the personal challenge of completing a ride that includes the seven stone sculptures known as ‘Stanes’. It’s another trail meant for almost any rider, with a balanced mix of easy and challenging sections.
Mountain biking lets you to experience the world in a unique way. It gives you plenty of moments to remember and stories to tell, especially if you go to new places. Which trail will you add to your bucket list?