What draws you to the trail? The dust, the grit, the downhill grin. Riding mountain biking trails isn’t just movement. It’s momentum. It’s getting somewhere wild under your own steam. From coast to canyon, North America offers terrain as varied as your reasons to ride.
The Best Mountain Bike Destinations in North America
There’s no single best place to ride. Only different shades of greatness. These spots have earned their reputation with mountain bikers from all around the world. Not all of these are for mountain bike beginners, but they are all places that riders aspire to visit…
Moab, Utah
Red rock country has terrain that defies logic. Moab is iconic for a reason.
What It’s Known For
Technical rock, unreal traction, and views that belong in a sci-fi film.
Must-Ride Trails
- Slickrock Trail: Grippy sandstone with rollercoaster-like rises and falls.
- Porcupine Rim: Fast, rocky descents with canyon vistas and drops.
Best Time to Ride
March to May or September to November. Summer gets scorching.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
A pilgrimage site for gravity riders, Whistler is more than a bike park.
What It’s Known For
Huge features, massive verticals, and an amazing vibe.
Must-Ride Trails
- A-Line: Big jumps, fast berms, iconic flow.
- Dirt Merchant: Technical hits and tighter lines, made for skilled riders.
Best Time to Ride
Late June through early October. Mid-August is prime.
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Eastern grit with relentless terrain and deep forest solitude.
What It’s Known For
Raw singletrack, rock gardens, and punchy climbs that test your resolve.
Must-Ride Trails
- Black Mountain: Starts with a climb, ends with a ripping descent.
- Bennett Gap: Steep, rooty, and fast through the trees.
Best Time to Ride
Spring and fall. Summers are humid, winters can get slick.
Sedona, Arizona
Striking desert views meet technical excellence in this red rock playground.
What It’s Known For
Red dirt, exposed ridgelines, and unforgiving terrain that rewards precision.
Must-Ride Trails
- Hangover Trail: Cliffside riding with serious commitment.
- Hiline Trail: Flow and features with panoramic views.
Best Time to Ride
October through April. Avoid the summer heat.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Modern trail design done right. Bentonville is fast becoming a must-ride.
What It’s Known For
Handcrafted flow, bike culture, and a community-first vibe.
Must-Ride Trails
- Slaughter Pen: Accessible fun with technical options.
- Coler MTB Preserve: Features-packed, with something for every level.
Best Time to Ride
Spring and fall are ideal. Summers are warm but rideable.
Crested Butte, Colorado
High elevation meets stunning alpine scenery in this classic mountain biking town.
What It’s Known For
Wildflowers, high climbs, and descents that go on forever.
Must-Ride Trails
- 401 Trail: Scenic and smooth, with flowy turns and mountain views.
- Doctor Park: Steep, fast, and varied. A true all-rounder.
Best Time to Ride
July to September. Go earlier and you’ll hit snow.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience
Good prep beats good luck. Here’s how to make your mountain biking adventure less stressful:
Dial in Your Bike Setup
Get your suspension tuned for the terrain you’ll face. Check your brakes, torque your bolts, and test ride before packing up. A few minutes now can save hours later.
Go Tubeless
Fewer flats mean more riding. Tubeless setups seal small punctures mid-ride and handle lower pressures for better grip. Carry plugs and a pump anyway—trail karma demands it.
Bring the Right Tools
Pack a multi-tool, tire levers, chain quick link, and a derailleur hanger. Include zip ties and duct tape. They’re not glamorous, but they’re lifesavers.
Fuel Smart
Eat before you’re hungry. Drink before you’re thirsty. Trail energy dips are avoidable, and recovery is faster if you stay on top of it.
Know Your Route
Download offline maps from Trailforks or MTB Project. Paper backups don’t run out of battery. Study elevation profiles and bailout points.
Respect Altitude and Weather
Mountain conditions change quickly. Layers, gloves, and a rain shell go a long way. Above 7,000 feet, give your body time to adjust.
Think Ahead
Let someone know your plan. Check your gear the night before. Overprepare and you won’t overreact.
Smart planning doesn’t limit the ride. It extends it.
Capturing Your Biking Adventure
You're in the zone—sights rushing by, wheels humming, adrenaline peaking. Today it couldn't be easier to record your ride so you don’t rely on memory to relive it or share with your bike friends.
Why It Matters
Whether you're chasing down a time or that golden hour light, capturing your ride is more than a flex. It’s about story, skills progress, and reliving that moment when everything clicked.
What to Look for in a Camera
- Stabilization: Trails are rough, but you want super smooth footage.
- Mounting Versatility: You need the versatility of mounting on your helmet, bars, chest, or an invisible pole depending on the scene.
- Durability: Dust, rain, and crashes happen. You need a camera to handle all of it.
- Audio Clarity: Clean audio makes your ride feel real.
- Ease of Use: You’re mid-ride. The gear should work, not slow you down.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 brings 8K video and a Leica SUMMARIT lens into a compact body that mounts anywhere. Thanks to a 2.5” flip touchscreen and gesture control, you don’t need a second pair of hands. Low light? Hit PureVideo. Windy descent? The Wind Guard keeps your voiceover clean.
Key highlights:
- 8K video with a wide FOV
- Removable Wind Guard for crisp audio
- Rugged build, waterproof to 39ft (12m)
- Smart shooting with AI and gesture control
Insta360 X5
Insta360 X5 is for riders who want options. Capture in 360 and reframe after your ride. Focus on the trail while InstaFrame Mode captures usable footage instantly. Replaceable lenses and high-end audio let you film without fear.
Why it stands out:
- 8K 360 video for total coverage
- InstaFrame Mode for quick content creation
- Replaceable lenses for trail-proof reliability
- Advanced audio modes for clean sound anywhere
No matter which camera you choose, you’re not just recording. You’re building a record of how far you’ve come, and how wild the ride was getting there.
Finding Mountain Biking Trails Near You
Wondering where to ride next? It’s easier than ever to find mountain biking near me or mountain bike parks worth the trip.
Start with Trail Apps
Download Trailforks or MTB Project, both great apps. Filter by location, difficulty, user ratings, or even features like jumps, flow, or tech sections to find trails that look like fun.
Ask Around Locally
The local bike shop isn’t just for tubes and tune-ups. It's a community hub and info clearing house for trail updates, ride recommendations, and organized group rides. Go chat with the staff, they're normally more than happy to share. This is an especially good place to start if you are new to mountain biking.
Use Digital Maps Creatively
Check out Google Maps in satellite mode to locate green corridors, trailheads, or forest access points. Zoom into bike parks and scout trail lines before your tires touch dirt.
Social Media and Forums
Instagram geotags, YouTube ride videos, and Facebook MTB groups are goldmines for lesser-known loops. Watch how others ride them. Learn the lines. Find your flow.
Keep a Ride Wishlist
Every time you hear about a cool trail—bookmark it. Over time, you’ll build your personal bucket list of the best places to mountain bike.
You’re never too far from a new line. So clip in. Explore. Film it. And let every ride show you something you hadn’t seen before.
Keen to keep up to date on Insta360 stories? Keep an eye on our blog and sign up for our mailing list. Explore the 360º world with Insta360 for a chance to WIN a brand-new Insta360 X5!
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