Ride Your Bike in These Five Unique National Parks
Whether you’re looking for a rugged mountain biking trail, a paved path for your lightweight road bike, or a more easy-going stretch of road for cyclists of all ages, you can experience spectacular views while you ride your bike in these five unique national parks.
- Boca Negra Canyon at Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico
- Ajo Mountain Drive at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
- River Mountains Loop Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
- Chimney to Ice Box Loop at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California
- Hike and Bike Trail at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas
- Bonus Park: Saguaro National Park, Arizona!
Know before you go! Before undertaking any new outdoor adventure in a national park, check nps.gov for the most up-to-date information. Be sure you have the right wheels for the right ride and bring lots of water. If you’re bikepacking, be aware that many parks have beautiful campgrounds or are right next to state-managed grounds.
Ride the Paved Path at Boca Negra Canyon
Boca Negra Canyon is a 70 acre section of the 7,236 acres within the monument boundaries. The paved multi-use path is a safe way to appreciate the beauty and culture of the park via bike. Cyclists must stay on the paved path, which is steep and not recommended for the inexperienced.
Located right outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, Petroglyph National Monument preserves thousands of petroglyphs carved by Pueblo, Diné, and other Indigenous peoples, as well as some Spanish colonists. The lands are sacred to the Pueblo, Diné, and Apache peoples. Visitors can learn about and appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the culture preserved there. The park’s proximity to Albuquerque makes it a very enriching destination for Albuquerque cyclists who can ride from the city to the park on well-kept bike lanes.
Check out Visit Albuquerque and New Mexico True for helpful trip-planning tips!
Ride the Scenic Ajo Drive at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Access this 21-mile drive across the highway from the visitor center. There are some paved sections, but the road is mostly dirt, so be sure your tires are up to the task! With an elevation gain of approximately five hundred feet, this ride will take you through the beautiful Sonoran Desert, homelands of the Tohono O’odham.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an International Biosphere Reserve with breathtaking views of the lush landscape, including the iconic Organ Pipe Cactus. There are a wide range of hiking trails and campsites, so be sure to bring your bike for a whole weekend!
Check out Visit Arizona!
Want to help preserve these significant lands for generations? Your donation supports kids’ programs, research, Indigenous artists’ demonstrations, and more!
Ride the River Mountains Loop Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area
This beautiful and easy-going ride is 34 miles long, with only 16 miles contained in the boundaries of Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the border of Nevada and Arizona. The trail is maintained with self-service bike stations. Perfect to bike with the whole family, the River Mountains Loop Trail is a great way to experience the expansive beauty of the park with no cars or other motorized vehicles. The park has ample camping areas, hiking, and plenty of water recreation, so there’s something for every adventurer.
Check out Visit Boulder City for helpful trip-planning tips!
The Chimney at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
This is one of the best rides at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California. Mostly a fire road climb with single-track descents, this is a mountain biker’s dream. And with access to a whole network of trails and roads, cyclists might want to plan a few trips to this beautiful recreation area.
Check out Visit Redding for help planning your trip!
Ride the Hike and Bike Trail at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The Hike & Bike Trail along the San Antonio River connects all five missions in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: The Alamo, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Each mission is about 2.5 miles from the next. This is a safe and fun way for all ages of cyclists (and walkers) to visit the missions.
Check out Visit San Antonio for helpful trip-planning tips!
More Parks to Ride In
There are even more national parks that offer beautiful views, a variety of challenge levels, and new opportunities to experience these precious resources! And we can’t resist a mention of Saguaro National Park, which is a major draw for cyclists all across southern Arizona.
Check out our Discover Our Parks page and search for your next national park adventure by activity or interest.
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