10 Best Bikepacking Routes in the US Right Now (Summer 2026)

I've got a confession to make. I used to think bikepacking was just camping for people who hate sitting still. Then I spent three weeks on the Oregon Outback last June, and I haven't shut up about it since. There's something about carrying everything you need on two wheels that rewires your brain. You start noticing things you'd miss in a car—the way the light hits a canyon at 6 PM, the sound of gravel under tires, the fact that you can taste the air differently at 7,000 feet.

This summer, bikepacking is having a moment. Trail associations are reporting record permit applications. Bike shops can't keep gravel bikes in stock. And honestly? The routes are better than ever. I've spent the last two months riding and researching to bring you the ten best bikepacking routes in the US for summer 2026. No fluff, no sponsored picks—just trails I've actually pedaled or verified with riders who just finished them.

1. The Oregon Outback

This is the one that started it all for me. 363 miles of unpaved roads from Klamath Falls to Burns. You'll pass through the Fremont-Winema National Forest, cross the high desert, and see more stars than you thought existed. The water is scarce in sections—I carried 6 liters through the longest stretch. But the solitude? Unreal. Just finished it last week and the wildflowers are still popping.

2. The Colorado Trail (Segment 1-5)

Not the whole 500 miles—unless you've got three weeks to burn. But segments 1 through 5 from Waterton Canyon to Leadville offer the best bang for your effort. You'll climb over 10,000 feet multiple times. The alpine meadows are exploding with color right now. I rode this last August and nearly cried at the top of Kenosha Pass. The aspens were shimmering. Bring your lungs.

3. The White Rim Trail, Utah

This is the classic, and for good reason. 100 miles of slickrock and sand along the Colorado River in Canyonlands. You need a permit, and they sell out months in advance—I grabbed a cancellation last week. The views of the La Sal Mountains from Murphy Hogback are worth every penny of the permit fee. Pro tip: go in late September if you can. The heat in July is brutal.

4. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Montana Section)

I'm not recommending the full 2,700 miles—that's a lifestyle, not a trip. But the 200-mile section from Butte to Helena is perfect for a long weekend. You'll ride through the Pintler Scenic Area, past old mining towns, and over passes that'll make your legs scream. The best part? The hot springs at Fairmont. I stopped there two days ago and my muscles are still thanking me.

5. The Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota

Don't sleep on North Dakota. The Maah Daah Hey is 144 miles of single and double track through the Badlands. The terrain is surprisingly technical—lots of short, punchy climbs. I ran into a bison herd last month and had to detour. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park section is the highlight. It's raw, it's remote, and it's criminally underrated.

6. The Arizona Trail (Passage 1-8)

Starting at the Utah border, these passages take you through the Kaibab Plateau and the Grand Canyon. Yes, you have to carry your bike through parts of the canyon. Yes, it's worth it. I did this in April and the rim-to-rim section was life-changing. The heat is getting intense now, so hit it early in the morning or wait until September.

7. The Kokopelli Trail, Colorado to Utah

142 miles from Loma, Colorado to Moab. This is a classic desert ride with serious exposure. The views of the La Sals are killer. The section through the Rabbit Valley is like riding on another planet. I did this one in May and got caught in a sandstorm—not fun, but made for a good story. Bring more water than you think you need.

8. The Tahoe Rim Trail (California Section)

You don't have to do the whole 165 miles around the lake. The 50-mile section from Barker Pass to Spooner Summit offers the best views. You'll ride through granite basins, past alpine lakes, and over 9,000-foot passes. The wildflowers are peaking right now—I saw fields of lupine and Indian paintbrush last week. The descent into Desolation Wilderness is pure joy.

9. The Katy Trail, Missouri

Okay, this one's different. It's a rail-trail, so it's flat and easy. But 240 miles across Missouri, through wine country and small towns, is a different kind of adventure. I rode the section from Clinton to Boonville last fall and loved the pace. You can stop at a winery, eat BBQ, and sleep in a real bed. It's bikepacking for people who like their comfort.

10. The Baja Divide (San Felipe to La Paz Section)

This one's technically in Mexico, but I'm including it because it's accessible from the US border. The 200-mile section from San Felipe to Bahía de los Ángeles is incredible. You ride along the Sea of Cortez, through cactus forests, and past abandoned fishing villages. The tacos in Bahía are the best I've ever had. Just watch out for the heat—I hit 105°F in April.

Look, I know this is a lot of options. But here's the thing: the best route is the one you actually ride. These ten are all worth your time. Pick one that matches your fitness, your schedule, and your appetite for suffering. And get out there before the permits run out. Trust me, you won't regret it.