Best US Mountain Biking Routes: Top 5 MTB Trails in America

With almost 3 million square miles of landmass, the best US mountain biking destinations will test even the most hardened rider. Here we explore the top 5 MTB trails in United States.

**Originally published in 2012 this article was updated in 2024**

Deserts, canyons, mountains, plains, river banks, creeks, jungles. You name the terrain feature, the ‘Land of the Free’ has it. There’s also an infinite variety of elevations, climates and weather conditions to choose from.

Best US Mountain Biking Routes

As with any best of or top 5 this is the authors opinion. As the time of writing in 2012 they had not ridden every MTB trail in the US, I doubt they have now. I would ask them, however the authors name was lost long ago when we moved websites…

So if you originally penned this please let us know. I personally have only been mountain biking in Park City, Utah in the states. So I cannot tell you if this top 5 is even close to being right!

So please let us know in the comments your opinion of the best places for mountain biking in the United States. We’ll regularly update the article if we like your suggestions.

Top 5 MTB Trails in America

So what are the 5 best mountain biking trails to try in the US? Let’s take a look at these outstanding examples:

Greatest US Single Track: Trail 401, Creted Butte, Colorado

In the midst of Crested Butte, Colorado is an arduous yet scenic loop by the name of Trail 401. The first major climb is the 5-mile Gothic Road. The sunny alpine surroundings, sprinkles of wildlfowers and presence of deer are some consolation for the effort you’ll expend.

After an even longer climb, you’ll likely be airborne the other side. Make sure your landing is good – you don’t want to eat dirt so close to the end. Before returning to the trailhead, the track is shaded by small forests and offers several sweet little switchbacks.

Technical Wizardry: Porcupine Rim Trail, Moab, Utah

Although most of Moab’s 14.74 mile Porcupine Rim Trail is downhill (elevation gain: 1,265 feet), it demands technical expertise.

The endless azure skies of Moab may be gorgeous to look at, but you’ll need to keep focused to avoid crashing. Cacti, rocky outcrops, boulders and unexpected drop-offs come as standard. Not a trail for beginners.

Biking High: Schnebly Hill, Arizona

Schnebly Hill, near the Arizonan town of Sedona, offers a 21.55 mile lollipop ride straight to its khaki summit. You can then savour the superb views of the tumbleweed-dotted desert and the shimmering canyons.

Conquest of the 3,048 foot elevation requires super-fitness and high ability.

Switchbacks and Solitude: Heavenly to Armstrong Pass Trail, California

The Heavenly to Armstrong Pass Trail, Lake Tahoe, isn’t the most popular ride in the world, but then such solitude appeals to many. Its point to point clamber through awkward rocks, loose sand and tight switchbacks is not for the newcomer. You will however be rewarded at the end with 9 miles of smooth downhill to the Pass itself.

Easier on the BPM: Finger Lakes, New York State

Easier than most of the abovementioned trails, Finger Lakes is a quick 25-miler with a few doable climbs. Creek crossings are a highlight.

Do you agree with these top 5 MTB trails in America? Let us know yours in the comments. The best US mountain biking routes not doing it for you? Then check out these mountain biking holidays worldwide.