Epic Bikepacking Trails: Top Multi-Day Off-Road Adventures Worldwide
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the bicycle—invented as the 'velocipede' by Karl Drais in 1817—with these expert-recommended multi-day off-road bikepacking routes, perfect for adventurous cyclists seeking stunning global landscapes.
Alps 2 Ocean Trail, New Zealand
Starting from the foothills of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, this 301km (188-mile) Alps 2 Ocean Trail (alps2ocean.com) descends through the Southern Alps, past vast lakes and rivers across the Canterbury Plains, to the Pacific at Oamaru. Fully open with nine stages for 4-6 days of mixed-terrain riding. Camping facilities abound along the route.
Iceland
With fat tires, tackle Iceland's volcanic terrain for epic adventures amid fire and ice. A prime 85km (53-mile) loop links the Fimmvörðuháls and Laugavegur trails from Landmannalaugar's hot springs to Þórsmörk's glacial valley via Skógafoss waterfall. Allow 4-5 days; huts and campgrounds available (volcanohuts.com).
Dartmoor and Exmoor, UK
Southwest England's Dartmoor and Exmoor offer superb trails and wild camping (permitted on Dartmoor). Connect them via bridle paths shadowing the 160km (100-mile) Two Moors Way from Lynmouth to Ivybridge. Customize your rideable route (devon.gov.uk/walking/two_moors_way.html).
Kokopelli Trail, USA
This iconic 240km (150-mile) route links Colorado's Fruita and Utah's Moab, rollercoasting across desert plateaus and passes from 1,200m to 2,740m. Mostly off-road with technical singletrack, sand, steep climbs, and descents. 3-6 days self-supported or join the annual race (bikerpelli.com).
Munda Biddi Trail, Australia
'Path through the forest' in Noongar language, this premier 1,000km (620-mile) off-road trail (mundabiddi.org.au) snakes from Mundaring near Perth to Albany through eucalypt forests, river valleys, and bushland. Non-technical; 3 weeks full route or sections. Avoid summer; campgrounds and huts provided.
Cairngorms, Scotland
Scotland's outdoor access code enables wild camping and riding. Loop Ben Macdui (Britain's second-highest peak) via Lairig Ghru and Lairig an Laoigh trails for a 59km (37-mile) overnight challenge. Weather-dependent with hike-a-bike; sublime singletrack and descents. Use Corrour Bothy or camp (walkhighlands.co.uk).
Monkey Puzzle Trail, Chile
Gravel roads and Andean climbs define this 233km (145-mile) gem from Melipeuco through monkey puzzle trees in Reserva China Muerta, over alpine passes near Volcán Lonquimay in Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello-Nalcas. Horse trails for off-road; 4 days (bikepacking.com).
Dragon’s Spine, South Africa and Lesotho
Follow pioneers David Bristow and Steve Thomas (Riding the Dragon’s Spine) on this 3,840km (2,400-mile), 58-stage epic from Cape Town through Lesotho highlands to Zimbabwe's Limpopo River. Free GPS tracks: dragontrax.co.za.
Basque Country, Spain
Europe's tastiest trails: coastal singletrack to Pre-Pyrenees routes. Summer multi-day 450km (280-mile) loop from Bilbao via Camino del Norte to San Sebastián, then Aralar, Urbasa, and Gorbea parks. 8 days (basquemtb.com, tourintune.com).
Backcountry Mongolia
In Genghis Khan's land, bikepack endless steppes between yurt villages. In Arkhangai, a 480km (300-mile) loop circles Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake) in Khangai Mountains near Tariat Sum. 6 days; wild camp freely (bikepacking.com).
