From rugged desert landscapes to lush alpine forests, mountain biking destinations around the world offer riders an exhilarating escape into nature on two wheels. These cities and towns have embraced the sport, building exceptional trail networks, fostering vibrant riding communities, and creating infrastructure that caters to mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Here is a list of 20 cities worldwide where mountain biking is more than a recreational activity—it’s a way of life.
Whistler, British Columbia
This Canadian resort town has established itself as the undisputed global capital of mountain biking. Home to the legendary Whistler Mountain Bike Park, which features over 70 purpose-built trails, Whistler pioneered the concept of lift-accessed riding and flow trails.
The surrounding valley offers hundreds of additional trails ranging from smooth cross-country routes to technical descents on massive granite slabs, attracting professional riders and enthusiasts from around the world year after year.
Moab, Utah
Set amid striking red rock formations, Moab offers some of the most unique riding on the planet. The Slickrock Trail, with its otherworldly terrain of petrified dunes, has become an icon of mountain biking culture. Riders can explore everything from technical desert singletrack to high-alpine routes in the nearby La Sal Mountains. At the same time, the town’s bike-centric culture offers all the amenities riders need after a day on the trails.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Rotorua, New Zealand
This North Island city has transformed itself into a mountain biking mecca, hosting prestigious events including Crankworx and World Cup races. The Whakarewarewa Forest (nicknamed ‘The Redwoods’) offers over 100 miles of purpose-built trails through lush, volcanic terrain, with options for all skill levels.
The year-round riding conditions, exceptional trail maintenance, and strong local riding culture have turned Rotorua into a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers worldwide.
Finale Ligure, Italy
Where mountain meets Mediterranean, Finale Ligure offers a riding experience unlike anywhere else. Ancient walking paths, now converted to mountain bike trails, wind from the maritime Alps down to the seaside, with technical rock gardens, flowing forest sections, and breathtaking coastal views.
The mild climate allows for year-round riding, while the Italian cuisine and beach culture provide the perfect post-ride recovery environment.
Sedona, Arizona
The dramatic red rock landscape makes Sedona instantly recognizable, and its network of technical trails has become legendary among mountain bikers. The distinctive red soil contrasted against the blue sky creates a visual feast as riders navigate technical rock features, steep climbs, and flowing descents.
The town’s spiritual vibe adds another dimension to the riding experience, with many trails passing near the area’s famous energy vortices.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Squamish, British Columbia
Situated between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish has emerged from its famous neighbor’s shadow to become a world-class riding destination in its own right. The terrain offers incredible diversity, from loamy forest trails to massive exposed granite slabs.
The strong community of local trail builders continually adds to an already impressive network. At the same time, the spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Tantalus Range provide a stunning backdrop for every ride.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Often called the birthplace of mountain biking, this high-altitude town combines technical singletrack, epic alpine rides, and meadows bursting with wildflowers during the summer months. The legendary Trail 401 offers one of the most scenic high-alpine rides in the world, while the Evolution Bike Park provides lift-served downhill thrills.
The authentic mountain town vibe and strong cycling heritage make Crested Butte a true mountain biker’s paradise.
Derby, Tasmania
This former mining town has reinvented itself as a premier mountain biking destination through significant investment in trail development. The Blue Derby trail network features over 80 miles of purpose-built singletrack winding through lush eucalyptus forests and granite-strewn hillsides.
The town’s transformation represents one of the sport’s greatest success stories, with world-class trails literally starting from the main street.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bellingham, Washington
Tucked between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, Bellingham boasts an incredible variety of riding within minutes of downtown. Galbraith Mountain features over 50 miles of trails ranging from flowing jump lines to technical root-and-rock features, all maintained by a dedicated local riding community.
The area’s moderate climate, stunning natural beauty, and proximity to the Canadian border make it a hub for Pacific Northwest riding culture.
Park City, Utah
With over 400 miles of maintained trails accessible directly from town, Park City offers one of the most extensive and interconnected trail systems in the world. The resort’s lift-served bike park combines with cross-country routes to provide options for every riding style.
The town’s mining heritage has influenced the trail development, with many routes incorporating historic mining paths reimagined for modern mountain biking enjoyment.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere embraces mountain biking with the same enthusiasm it brings to all outdoor pursuits. The Queenstown Bike Park offers lift-accessed downhill trails with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu, while the surrounding area features everything from mellow lakeside cruises to epic backcountry adventures.
The stunning alpine landscape combined with a vibrant après-bike scene makes Queenstown irresistible to riders.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bend, Oregon
The high desert city of Bend offers a remarkable diversity of riding experiences, from fast, flowing singletrack through ponderosa pine forests to technical volcanic rock gardens. With over 300 miles of trails and typically 300 days of sunshine annually, Bend has cultivated a mountain biking culture that supports numerous local bike shops, events, and riding clubs.
The après-ride craft brewery scene provides the perfect complement to a day on the trails.
Morzine, France
Located in the heart of the French Alps, Morzine is the centerpiece of the massive Portes du Soleil mountain bike area, which connects 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. During the summer months, the region offers over 600 miles of marked trails and 23 chairlifts dedicated to mountain biking.
The combination of high-alpine terrain, purpose-built bike parks, and charming alpine villages creates a distinctive European riding experience.
Brevard, North Carolina
Nestled at the edge of Pisgah National Forest, Brevard gives riders access to some of the most technical and rewarding trails on the East Coast. The area’s abundant rainfall nurtures a lush environment where challenging root systems, creek crossings, and rock gardens test riders’ technical skills.
The DuPont State Forest nearby offers more moderate terrain, creating a balanced riding destination that has attracted numerous professional riders to call the area home.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Nelson, New Zealand
This small coastal city at the top of New Zealand’s South Island has developed a reputation for exceptional mountain biking through community-driven trail development. The Nelson Mountain Bike Club maintains an extensive network of trails that showcase the region’s diverse terrain, from coastal landscapes to mountain forests.
The Wairoa Gorge Bike Park, once a private mountain biking sanctuary, now offers public access to professionally built trails that rival any in the world.
East Burke, Vermont
This tiny New England town is home to the renowned Kingdom Trails network, where exceptional soil conditions create some of the smoothest and most flowing singletrack in North America. The trail system spans multiple private land parcels, made possible through cooperative agreements with local landowners.
The tight-knit mountain biking community and small-town charm create a unique riding destination that draws visitors from across the Northeast and beyond.
Fruita, Colorado
Located just west of Grand Junction, Fruita offers desert riding that rivals its famous neighbor, Moab, but with a distinctive flavor of its own. The 18 Road trail system features fast, flowing singletrack through high desert terrain, while the more technical Kokopelli Loops provide challenging rock features with views of the Colorado River.
The laid-back atmosphere and dedicated local riding community have helped Fruita maintain its status as a mountain biking haven.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Innerleithen, Scotland
This small Scottish Borders town has become the centerpiece of the UK’s mountain biking scene, with trail centers that showcase the very best of British riding. The Tweed Valley forests host everything from purpose-built flow trails to natural, technical descents that challenge even the most skilled riders.
The area’s trail-building expertise has created riding experiences that maximize the dramatic topography, while the local wool mill town provides authentic Scottish hospitality.
Copper Harbor, Michigan
Perched at the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this remote outpost has transformed itself into an unlikely mountain biking destination through world-class trail development. Built on the spine of a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, the trails incorporate the area’s natural rock features, creating flowing descents with spectacular lake views.
The isolated location means uncrowded trails and an authentic experience far from the mountain biking mainstream.
Durango, Colorado
This historic mining town in southwestern Colorado has been a mountain biking stronghold since the early days of the sport. Home to the iconic Mountain Bike Specialists shop and Fort Lewis College’s nationally recognized cycling team, Durango has produced numerous world champions and Olympians.
The riding offers incredible variety, from the high-alpine sections of the Colorado Trail to the desert-like terrain of Horse Gulch and the technical trails of Overend Mountain Park, named after local legend and world champion Ned Overend, who still rides these trails regularly despite being in his sixties.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Riding Revolution
The global mountain biking community continues to grow as more cities recognize the sport’s potential to transform their communities and landscapes. From former mining towns finding new life through mountain bike tourism to established resorts expanding their offerings, these destinations demonstrate how the passion for riding can reshape local economies and cultures.
As trail-building techniques advance and bike technology evolves, these mountain biking hotspots will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.
More from Travel Pug
- Cities Growing so Fast You Won’t Recognize Them in 10 Years
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 16 U.S. Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Travel Hotspots
- Where to Travel If You Love Long Bus Rides and Daydreams
- 20 Cities Perfect for Solo Travelers Who Crave Adventure & Culture
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.