8 Best Cycling Trips To Take This Summer

September 17, 2019

Some people like to spend their summers at the pool, thumbing through a magazine. You prefer to get your pedal on. There are tons of paths and trails to explore, from sea to shining sea. Just when you think you’ve done it all – you’ll realize there is a new cycling adventure you just have to try. If you’re not sure where to get started, here are eight of the best cycling destinations for a summer trip:

Fruit and Wine Byway

Where: Colorado

Distance: 25 miles

Who knew Colorado had an up and coming wine country? We did! In Colorado’s Western Slope, the state grows peaches and enjoys a lush landscape full of outdoor wonders. Among the things to do in the region is cycle the Fruit and Wine Byway in Palisade, CO. The 25-mile loop takes you near the Grand Mesa and past dozens of vineyards and fruit stands.

Jackson Hole to Teton Village

Where: Wyoming

Distance: 15 miles

Wyoming is a common winter destination thanks to the ski slopes. But don’t sleep on Jackson Hole in the summertime! You can cycle a well-paved route from JH all the way to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park. You’ll cross over the Snake River and its white-capped water and around the Grand Teton Mountain Range. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for moose crossings!

Wasatch Over Wasatch

Where: Utah

Distance: 9 miles

Park City is another destination that is known as a winter vacation destination because it’s full of slopes and cabins perfect for sipping hot cocoa. But it’s also one of the best places in the state for summer cycling trips. The short but sometimes steep Wasatch Over Wasatch (WOW) trail takes you through Aspen groves and around sharp switchbacks with views of the Heber Valley. The single-track route begins in Wasatch Mountain State Park.

Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

Where: New Mexico

Distance: 50 miles

People flock to Santa Fe to feed their artistic appetite, but did you know it’s also a great place to head on a summer bike trip? Because it is. Among the places you should visit is the Turquoise Trail, which connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. During your ride, you can enjoy scenic views from the top of Sandia Crest, and cycle your way through towns like Golden and Cerrillos. You’ll run into picnic spots (including at Cerrillos Hills Historic Park) and there are also places to stop to view art or grab a bite.

Orcas Trails

Where: Washington State

Distance: 29 miles

Washington State is one of the most cycling friendly places you can visit in the entire country. So, is it really surprising that its home to one of the best summer cycling trips? Not really. Take a boat to Orcas, an island in the San Juan Islands archipelago, for some breathtaking rides with a view of Puget Sound. There are 19 total trails with a distance of 29 miles between them. Whether you’re new to cycling or a pro mountain biker, the island has a trail for your comfort level.

West County Regional Trail

Where: California

Distance: 5.5 miles

Some of the best cycling vacations incorporate your other favorite vacation activities – like wine tasting. Up in Sonoma County, known for its wine production, the trails weave you in and around vineyards and other types of farmland. The West County Regional Trail is just under six miles, just long enough to build up an appetite for a charcuterie board at a local tasting room. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Atascadero Creek Ecological Reserve, an important wetland in the region.

Goat Island Ride

Where: New York

Distance: 2.2 miles

If you plan to visit New England this summer, make sure to include this stunning bike loop on your travel itinerary. Sure, you could wear a tarp and ride a boat out into the mist of Niagara Falls, but there is something equally exhilarating about viewing them from Goat Island. The bike loop around the island is just over two miles (and covers easy, paved terrain), so it’s a good place to take travel groups with varying cycling abilities. Points of interest along the way include the Nikola Tesla statue overlooking the American Falls, the top of Terrapin Point, Horseshoe Falls, and Three Sisters Islands.

Jekyll Island Loop

Where: Georgia

Distance: 16 miles

Just south of Savannah and north of the Florida state line, you’ll find a little community called Jekyll Island. Cycling has been kind of a big deal here for at least a century. Still, you won’t find the bike loop as busy as the trails in bigger Georgian cities like Savannah and Atlanta. Once upon a time, the likes of the Rockefellers graced the island with their cycles and their wealth, so you’re basically living the high life if you vacation here. The 16-mile trail is mostly paved and serves up plenty of beach-front terrain along the way. Stop to take a nap beneath a huge shade tree if you please; this is the South, and things move more slowly in these parts, after all.

Now that you have an idea of where to bike ride in the summer for the best views, it’s time to start evaluating your gear. Do you have the best bike for the job? You can rent bikes at most of the destinations mentioned above, but if you’re on a road trip why not bring your own? Check out sixthreezero for the best bikes for men and some incredible bikes for women, too.

While you’re here, browse our bike accessories. You can pick up water bottle cages, new fenders, baskets, and more. If you’re better prepared for your summer bike adventure you can really go the distance! And (cue mom voice) don’t forget your sunscreen!

This is just a taste of some of the amazing places you can enjoy a summer bike trip. Join our Journey Club to uncover biking locations around the world and connect with other cyclists.