Biking is one of the most exciting ways to explore the United States’ popular national parks. Many of the 63 national parks across the country offer scenic bike trails. However, not all are equally suited to cyclists. Our curated list of the 10 best American national parks for biking takes into account safety, scenic beauty, and the unique experiences each park offers.
Selection criteria
Safety and quiet are paramount in our selections. We prefer roads with minimal traffic and avoid crowded main park roads without shoulders. In cases where these roads are included, it is due to car-free days or times of year. It is important to understand each park’s regulations and prepare accordingly. While paved roads are usually open to bicyclists, biking on trails in some parks is restricted, particularly gravel trails and mountain biking. Always check nps.gov for the latest regulations before your visit.
1. Glacier National Park: Cycling in isolation
The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a must-do. Most visitors drive this scenic drive, but the best experience is on a bicycle. Every year the road is closed due to snowfall, requiring significant efforts to clear it. After the snow is cleared, but before the road is opened to cars, cyclists have this stunning stretch to themselves, with occasional wildlife encounters. When the road is opened to cars, cyclists share it with heavy traffic, but the experience remains unparalleled.
Figure 1: Glacier National Park
2. Grand Teton National Park: Majestic mountains on two wheels
The Tetons rise triumphantly above a high valley and offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. The Grand Teton National Park multi-use trail runs parallel to the main road, separated from automobile traffic. Although the trail ends at Jenny Lake, it continues into nearby Jackson, so the ride extends beyond the park. Experienced cyclists can tackle the main road while enjoying rugged mountain views.
Figure 2: Grand Teton National Park
3. Zion National Park: A car-free paradise for cyclists
Zion National Park, one of America’s most visited national parks, offers a unique cycling experience. To manage traffic, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars most of the year and open only to shuttle buses and bicycles. This 15-mile round trip offers a peaceful ride through some of the most scenic parts of the park. Cyclists must let shuttle buses pass, but that’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to cycle without constant car traffic.
Figure 3: Zion National Park
4. Acadia National Park: Cycling through history
Acadia National Park’s 45 miles of carriage trails, funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer one of the most bicycle-friendly experiences in any national park. Built to blend into the natural landscape, these roads provide access to the park’s best views. Cyclists can enjoy these historic roads, built over nearly three decades, free from automobile traffic.
Figure 4: Acadia National Park
5. Death Valley National Park: Cycling in a land of extremes
Death Valley may not seem like an ideal destination for cyclists, especially in summer when temperatures can reach 130°F (54°C). However, in the cooler months, this park offers hundreds of miles of paved roads through diverse desert landscapes. With North America’s lowest point, Badwater Basin, and its highest point, Telescope Peak, Death Valley offers a unique cycling experience.
Figure 5: Death Valley National Park
6. Olympic National Park: A challenge in the Pacific Northwest
Olympic National Park offers one of the best climbs in the Pacific Northwest. The Hurricane Ridge ride starts on the coast and climbs 19 miles over 5,000 feet. Cyclists can enjoy this challenging climb without cars during an annual event in August, when the road is closed to traffic. Space is limited, so early registration is essential.
7. Everglades National Park: A flat drive full of wildlife
Biking in the Everglades is the opposite of a mountain vacation. This flat park in southern Florida offers five bike trails that range from 3.2 miles to the 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road. Cyclists can spot wildlife, including alligators and birds, while enjoying a leisurely ride. Unlike many national parks, the Everglades bike trails are open year-round.
8. Redwood National Park: Cycling among giants
Redwood National Park offers a unique experience as cyclists ride through Northern California’s towering redwood trees. The Elk Meadow Day Use Area provides access to several bike trails converted from old logging roads. While much of this area is secondary forest, the western end of the Lost Man Creek Trail offers views of the old-growth forest. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is another excellent bike ride. On the first Saturday of the month from October to May, the parkway is closed to cars, so you can enjoy a peaceful ride through the ancient trees.
9. Crater Lake National Park: A quiet walk around a volcanic lake
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers a stunning loop around its namesake lake. The 33-mile route climbs about 4,000 feet, making it ideal for experienced cyclists. Although the road is often busy, there are seasonal opportunities to ride it without cars. In addition, on two Saturdays a year, about two-thirds of the road is closed to traffic, allowing cyclists to enjoy the ride in peace.
10. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Spring solitude on volcanic roads
Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California offers a unique biking experience. While there are no dedicated bike paths in the park, the roads offer a scenic ride through the volcanic landscape. In the spring and early summer, after the roads have been cleared of snow but not yet opened to cars, cyclists can enjoy 20 miles of car-free biking. This temporary solitude offers a unique opportunity to explore the park’s volcanic features at a leisurely pace.
Exploring these national parks by bike offers a unique perspective on their natural beauty. Whether you’re cycling through towering redwoods, along the edge of a volcanic lake, or through the flat landscapes of the Everglades, each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Preparing in advance and following park regulations will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip through some of the most stunning scenery in the United States.
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