The US is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks, many of which offer incredible opportunities for biking. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, these parks offer diverse terrains, breathtaking views, and unique challenges.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 best national parks for biking, showcasing a mix of scenic routes and unique trails. In no particular order, these destinations are must-visits for cyclists of all levels. We’re always exploring and can’t wait to add more to this list—let’s dive in!
Utah National Parks
Bryce Canyon National Park
First up is Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, our personal favorite from the list. Bryce Canyon offers a unique biking experience with its Paved Shared-Use Path, which winds through stunning hoodoos and vibrant red rock formations.
The Shared-Use Path takes you through the first 3 miles into Bryce Canyon, starting from the Visitor Center and leading to three of the most popular overlooks: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point, as well as the Lodge.
Note that mountain biking isn’t an option here, as there are no designated trails for it.
For a deeper dive into biking this national park, check out our full post Cycling Amazing Bryce Canyon. We had an incredible family ride through the park, skipped the busy parking lots, and headed straight to the stunning overlooks.
Zion National Park
Next, Zion National Park, also in Utah, delivers an unforgettable biking experience along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Cycling Route. Keep in mind that the cycling route is not a separate path, so you’ll be sharing the road with shuttles and must stop whenever one passes.
The route lets you pause at trailheads, overlooks, and viewpoints, ending at the Temple of Sinawava. From there, enjoy the Riverside Walk (our favorite hike in the park) or dip your toes into the Narrows. Biking here is a fantastic alternative to the shuttle, especially during peak season when crowds increase.
Acadia National Park
On the East Coast, Acadia National Park shines with its network of carriage roads on the main island, perfect for biking. These gravel roads offer serene and scenic rides through forests, along lakes, and up gentle hills. Biking on Park Loop Road (the park’s scenic loop) is permitted, however is not advised during the busy part of the day due to sharing the narrow space with vehicle traffic and no shoulder.
Stop by the gift shop and restaurant at Jordan Pond, our favorite stop in Acadia. A short walk down from the house takes you to the shores of Jordan Pond. Absolutely stunning glacial water surrounded by the thick summer foliage of ferns and evergreens will greet you at the bottom of the hill. You will also find picturesque views of “The Bubbles”, a very popular formation within Acadia.
For those looking for a more remote experience, the Schoodic Peninsula offers a less crowded, yet equally beautiful, biking route. There are over 8 miles of bike trails on the Schoodic Peninsula, as well as scenic Schoodic Loop Road.
Top sights along the one way, 6-mile loop road include Frazer Point, Schoodic Head, and Schoodic Point. We stayed in the Schoodic District campground, Schoodic Woods, which made accessing the scenic loop even easier!
Saguaro National Park
In Arizona, Saguaro National Park beckons with its desert trails. Bikes are welcome on the 8-mile Cactus Forest Loop, the 2.5-mile Cactus Forest Trail, and the 2.8-mile Hope Camp Trail. Visiting Saguaro National Park is one of our favorite things to do in Tucson!
These routes provide an excellent way to immerse yourself in the unique Sonoran Desert landscape and marvel at the iconic saguaro cacti. It’s a great pick for those craving a mix of challenge and scenery.
If you have time to squeeze in a quick hike, we recommend the Freeman Homestead Trail. It is an easy 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a desert landscape full of saguaro cactus. There are interpretive signs along the trail to read and learn about the homestead and its unique surroundings.
Wyoming National Parks
Grand Teton National Park
Heading north to Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park features the Grand Teton Pathway, a paved trail with postcard-worthy views of the Teton Range.
This route connects Jackson to the park, making it ideal for day trips or multi-day adventures. The flat terrain and stunning backdrop make it one of the best national parks for biking.
From the NPS website for biking in Grand Teton National Park: “Biking is allowed on all paved roads in Grand Teton as well as the Two Ocean Lake Road and Grassy Lake Road (both gravel).”
Stop and take in the scenic vistas at the many pullouts and overlooks along the way. Schwabacher Landing was our favorite stop during our visit. Take the short but very scenic trail for spectacular reflections of the Teton Range in the river.
Along your ride you may see bison, a very popular resident of the park! We were stopped by a large herd crossing the road while on a scenic drive through the park.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone’s vast network of roads and trails offers numerous biking opportunities. From spring to fall, cyclists can explore paved roads connecting geysers, hot springs, and wildlife hotspots. Popular routes include the Old Faithful area and the Grand Loop Road.
The park’s quieter seasons offer the best biking conditions, letting you soak in the geothermal wonders at your own pace. Be sure to plan around visiting the parks most popular and iconic attraction, Old Faithful!
West Coast National Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
California’s Redwood National and State Parks offer a variety of biking trails through ancient forests and along rugged coastlines. The Davison and Coastal Trail are popular options for cyclists looking to explore the park’s unique landscapes and towering redwoods.
While not as trail-heavy, the park’s scenic roads, like the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, provide a tranquil ride through old-growth forests. During certain times of the year, the parkway is closed to vehicle traffic and cyclists can enjoy the scenery along with walkers and hikers.
Yosemite National Park
No list of the best national parks for biking would be complete without Yosemite National Park. The park offers over 12 miles of paved bike paths, including the Valley Loop Trail. You can pedal past stunning landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome.
Bike right up to the numerous trailheads and overlooks with views of the beautiful waterfalls found in the park. The flat, family-friendly trails make it accessible for all skill levels, while the views of granite cliffs and waterfalls are pure magic.
Visit the Welcome Center in Yosemite Village, the Ansel Adams Art Gallery, and many other museums and historical landmarks throughout the park. The John Muir exhibit, Valley View, and the Yosemite Chapel were a few of our favorite stops.
Crater Lake National Park
Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is another stunner, with its rim roads offering panoramic views of the deepest lake in the US. Cyclists visiting Crater Lake can ride around the Rim Drive, a 33-mile route that circles the stunning caldera lake. This challenging ride offers unparalleled views of the deep blue waters and surrounding peaks.
Be prepared for elevation changes and limited services along the route. The road is shared with vehicles, so caution is advised.
Stop by Rim Village for a great reststop along your ride. Here you will find the Rim Village Visitor Center, the Crater Lake Natural History Association Park Store, a café, and restrooms.
We explored the Visitor Center to learn more about the very interesting natural and cultural histories of Crater Lake, and of course, get our National Park books stamped! From the parking area you can also take a self-guided walking tour of the Rim Village and Promenade.
Glacier National Park
Finally, Glacier National Park in Montana rounds out our top 10. Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is an unforgettable experience, a bucket-list ride for serious cyclists. This challenging route takes you through the park’s most breathtaking landscapes, with towering mountains, pristine lakes, and glacier-carved valleys.
Be prepared for steep climbs and descents, as well as vehicle traffic sharing the road. Ride early in the day to avoid traffic and check park regulations, as there may be restrictions and closures on the route. If you time it right (usually spring or early summer), you may be able to ride Going-To-The-Sun Road while the road is being plowed and is closed to vehicle traffic.
These national parks showcase the diversity of biking in the US, from desert loops to mountain climbs and coastal cruises. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, there’s a park calling your name. We hope this guide helps you choose from the best national parks for biking in the US. For more information about bike trails in these parks and others, please visit the national parks website.
Happy Biking!
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