The mellow 16-mile ride left us time for cold plunges in the Pacific Ocean and hiking along the cliffs above Shark Harbor. Expect to climb several long passes, including the day-long hike-a-bike up Mt. Difficulty Challenging Accommodation 4* Nights 2. As I was thinking about how much pavement lay ahead of menearly 100 detour miles on highwaya large truck passed by me and its rear-view mirror almost clipped my head. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the World), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. I hope youll find inspiration for your next ride, whatever your style may be. Be sure to take the option of the wild endless Porcupine Rim descent down into Moab. RSF Gravel Route. The Bikepacking Trip Planner Workbook can help you take the next step. The combination of these two historic routes takes bikepackers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, all the way to Washington DC. AU, Leg 1 - Perth to Adelaide, complete! Combining urban trails and tarmac, the route turns due south through metropolitan San Diego area and then veers east, climbs steadily for a day along the Sweetwater River up to Alpine before derailleur destroying descents through Oriflamme Canyon and there the riders meet the desert sands. One of the astonishing things is that routes can be utterly wild yet almost 100 percent rideable on a gravel bike. Weather is often sunny year-round, and wide-open desert landscapes are good for the soul. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Spring and fall will have a show of colors if you plan the right trip at the right time. It is very well waymarked but that's no excuse not to take some backup navigation. Here are a few good places to start when looking for a bikepacking route in Central California: Tour de los Padres: This is a bikepacking event held annually on a variety of different routes in the region. Wild camping is plentiful, and hosted options including cyclist-only lodgings! The extreme heat in the summer and unpredictable winter weather in the higher elevations make those seasons somewhat less desirable. Pretty much any long ride is sure to involve some pavement and at least a bit of busy road riding. The herd grew to over 4000 in the subsequent decades and decimated the islands vegetation. Your source for gravel and bikepacking routes in eastern and central Ontario, western Quebec, and Beyond! I had prepared my legs, and perhaps more importantly, I felt like my head was in the right space. Type self-guided. Brian and Dave continued to the coaston highway. The Baja Divide connects the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, historic Spanish mission sites rich with shade and water, remote ranchos and fishing villages, bustling highway towns, and every major mountain range in Baja California on miles and miles of beautiful backcountry desert tracks. Its not a pushover though youll need to plan your logistics well, there are a couple of significant river crossings, and its worth planning to avoid rainy periods the regions infamous bentonite clay is death to drivetrains. The Anza-Hapaha Loop is a 2-3 day bikepacking route that connects several of Anza-Borrego Desert State Parks magnificent dirt and sand roads, explores its wildflower, ocotillo, and cactus-rich desert, and snakes its way through the badlands of two geologically mesmerizing canyons. One of the really great things about bikepacking is the online community, so theres often plenty of opportunities to find out about the logistics and trails in detail, including conditions on the ground and potential diversions. 5% singletrack. Its well worth descending from the trail to towns along the way for coffee and snacks, and stocking up for the less populated second half. I recently had the chance to do a quick overnighter in the southern portion and it did not disappoint. Quite different from the other expeditions here, this is a gentle but beautiful route thats ideal for bikepacking beginners: super-accessible, and dotted with campsites and accommodation, markets and eateries. I love your blog and appreciate your willingness to share and write about this Awesome sport/ hobby. Youll also find simple campsites more often than in the UK. I am a bikepacking addict who also happens to be an above knee amputee. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights Reserved, Route Guide: Central California Mixed-Terrain Bike Tour, Bikepacking Grand Staircase Loop in Southern Utah, Mendocino National Forest Bikepacking Overnight: Letts Lake Loop, California Bikepacking: Route Ideas in Every Region, Bikepacking Boise to Elko: Big Skies and Endless Gravel in Idaho and Nevada, Bikepacking Central Oregon: High Desert and Volcanic Geology from K Falls to Bend, Cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Trail in New Zealand: Overview + 4 Day Itinerary, Cycling Boise to Klamath Falls: Quiet Highways + Oregon Outback Bikepacking Route, How NOT to Bikepack the New Mexico Off-Road Runner, Black Mountain Overnight: Mini Bikepacking Adventure in the SF Bay Area, Idaho Smoke n Fire 2022: Rewarding and Fun Despite Tough Last-Minute Reroute, Bikepacking Bones to Blue: Singletrack Trial By Fire around Lake Tahoe, Pinyons and Pines Bikepacking Race: Dust, Rocks, and Sunshine in Northern Arizona, Tour de los Padres 2022: Burly Bikepacking Adventure in Central California, The Big Lonely 2021: High Desert Bikepacking with a Snowy Twist, Smoke n Fire 2021: Third Times the Charm, Idaho Smoke n Fire 2019 (and 2020) Bikepacking Adventure, Bike Nonstop US 2019: Lessons Learned From 3500 Miles at the Back of the Pack, Bike Routes Across America: Top Touring and Bikepacking Routes Compared, Oregon Bikepacking: 6 Scenic Routes For All Styles and Experience Levels, 6 Epic USA Bikepacking Routes with (Mostly) Non-Technical Riding, 7 Long Rail Trails in the US (Perfect For Bike Touring). You can find routes created by adventurers across the globe on bikepacking websites. As a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, I struggle with the lack of a true bikepacking scene here. Sacoche de cadre bikepacking; Sacoche de guidon bikepacking; Sacoche de selle bikepacking . Until then, this list of the 5 Best Bikepacking Routes in Alberta aims to help new bikepackers get started and inspire riders to get outside and explore new areas. Between Borrego and Idyllwild, there is the hike-a-bike through two miles of densely packed willows (think canyoneering but through branches), desert pedaling past abandoned bandit hideouts, ascending Coyote Canyon to cross the Pacific Crest Trail and then the long climb back to the where the route started. Treks Farley 9.6 is one of the most popular fat bikes on the market. This 376-mile route has it all. Elevation: 4000 ft. Start/End: The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, CA. Read More Aug 21, 2021 Close proximity to major metropolitan areas, particularly LA, keeps transportation time reasonable. Completed in 1997, the GDMBR was developed by Adventure Cycling Association, who continue to maintain highly detailed route maps and a guidebook. Traversing the spine of the continent and crossing the Continental Divide 30 times, theres no shortage of climbing, and the states it passes through are like a Top Trumps of North American landscapes. Spring and fall are excellent times to bikepack in the southern California desert. / 180 km 3-4 days SF Peninsula Traverse comment 137 time Oct 27 compose Guest Routes USA 146 mi. Soon after Californias stay-at-home order was first announced, the bikepacking community began debating its consequences on planned adventures. on relatively low-traffic road and trail, this newly developed route might be just the thing. Maybe Im biased, but I love my home state of California. I was keen to shave a day off my time this year. Perhaps like many of you reading this, Ive come to deeply appreciate a time just weeks ago when we could roll out of our front door, or drive to a trailhead, and meet a couple of buddies to ride to a campsite. Read More Rothrock Gravel Overnighter An 80% gravel loop in the forests and farmlands of central Pennsylvania. Our selection of routes spans the whole spectrum, from short two-dayers in the desert, to properly long technical mountain routes, and woodsy adventures in places you might not even have heard of. Camp high if you can and be sure you never set up camp in a wash due to potential flash floods. The loop nature of both routes, along with relatively easy food and water resupply, make both logistically simple. Go in spring, and you may see the desert bursting into flower. Day 2: 61 miles | 4,300 feet. These routes are all rideable throughout the year thanks to a moderate coastal climate, though its best to avoid riding during or right after heavy rain. The Three Bikepacking Gems of Southern California Gravelstoke Cuyamaca Bikepacking Route View Full Version Send to Device 158.7 mi + 21,293 ft / - 21,294 ft RWGPS BESbswy Stagecoach 400 Bikepacking Route View Full Version Send to Device 375 mi + 27,422 ft / - 27,419 ft RWGPS BESbswy Cackling Carnivore 2 years ago Southern California has a lot to offer when it comes to cycling and bikepacking. Check back regularly. Mountains, beaches, golden hills, desert There is something here for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: For a short two or three day trip, Catalina island has several established campgrounds and lots of dirt/gravel roads. For those seeking desert solitude tinged with a touch of the bizarre, we present the SoCal Desert Ramble. Both routes go through Truckee. The island has about 40 miles of mostly dirt roads and trails open to "mountain biking," but I noted in pictures that several were riding their gravel bikes. Gravel Bike with Shimano Dura Ace 6 years warranty & 30 days Return Policy Bikes directly from the manufacturer Discover here! Southern California, specifically the area to the east of Santa Barbara, LA, and San Diego, is an obvious place to start. Where these two deserts collide, the land explodes into a geological spectacle of giant Monzogranite boulder formations, diverse displays of time folded mineral-rich rock and sand, and a unique array of desert flora and fauna. With its gentle and easy-riding gravel, the 92-mile Denali Park Road is a favorite among cyclists. / 800 km 10 days The SoCal Desert Ramble, Southern California comment 146 time Mar 10 compose Cass Gilbert USA 112 mi. Though remote in some places, it also takes in a bit more civilization than the Baldy Bruiser, including quirky desert communities and sights like Joshua Tree, Salton Sea, and the unforgettable Slab City. Truely a route to savor. New to the 2023 Australian bikepacking event calendar is a bucket list route from Hunt Bikes.. This route offers stunning views from Mt Lukens and the Mt Wilson Observatory and there are camping options near both those areas. Share your location with friends and loved ones during an activity. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. Bikepacking Alliance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Are you looking for a high-performing fat bike that can provide you with a great riding experience? Possibly one of the most exciting MTB bikepacking routes in the USA, this was designed from scratch for two wheels and is over 50% singletrack. Carrizo Plain National Monument: Flat-ish gravel roads and wildflowers in the spring, with opportunities for wild camping in a vast landscape. For those of you with more time on your hands, I cant resist noting that these routes around Tahoe, especially the Tahoe Twirl, are easy to link up with the Pony Express to the south and the Trans Northern California to the north for three sides of a massive California bikepacking loop. The ambitious Trans North California is technically an underground race, though it would make an interesting touring route too. Historical signage en route explains how the railroad was established to support the logging and mining industries. Given the proximity of the mountains, lakes, forests, and deserts, youre able to have a variety of options, so hop on your bike and enjoy the ride. . Samen met collega Hans Tacken op pad geweest. Sardine Lookout Tower Overnighter is a mini adventure that gives riders a taste of the beautiful forests, meadows, and reservoirs around Tahoe National Forest. In this post Ive collected a wide range of California bikepacking routes and trails organized by region. I just bought a tour/gravel bike and am stoked for the bikepacking adventures to come. Catalina Island is west of Los Angelos and accessible by ferry. Your obvious solution is to base yourself in Moab for at least a fortnight and immerse yourself in the endless riding opportunities. Its fire roads can be devilishly steep though, and summer temperatures can soar, so dont expect easy riding. Excited to try bikepacking but need help getting started? We cycled through Catalinas varying biomes with verdant hills reminiscent of Ireland, sage and Indian paintbrush covered arroyos as in Wyoming, and even Baja desert-like trails weaving between Velvet Cactus and Peppergrass. A beautiful and challenging bikepacking loop through a mosaic of contrasting landscapes leads riders from remote mountains through a seemingly endless desert, into the city and along the sea. Tour Divide racer winners may smash the whole route in a fortnight, but most riders would allow at least 6-8 weeks, with time to loll in pools, enjoy company and rest when you need to, and be sanguine about setbacks. 1. The winter, spring, and fall are the best seasons to tackle this route; given the extreme heat in the summer months. We have everything! Ten routes as featured in "Bikepacking in the Canadian Rockies" Should you choose to ride any routes listed on our site, do so at your own risk. Short description. Bikepacking in southern California often means desert landscapes and everything that comes with them: sand, rocks, rattlesnakes, hot summer days, and cold winter nights. A few of the climbs are almost definitely too steep to ride, but this is a generally doable ride, even having marker posts in many places. Cycle through the best terrain the Peak District has to offer, from gravel tracks to country lanes and stargaze from a giant tepee The route consists of small rural roads, stoney tracks, flagstone paths and ancient trails used by packhorses and drovers. I finished the pct this September 2021 for my 60th birthday havent used my bikes for at least ten years due to an autoimmune disease but with fortitude and planing I did hike from Mexico to Canada been training on an e bike and hope to put a few thousand miles on dirt this next year love your site and will stay tuned. I think youll like them, but you can unsubscribe at any time. Astonishingly almost all rideable, it takes you on dirt roads and jeep trails from Banff, in Alberta, Canada, to the Mexican border in New Mexico, via British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. For this area I can only offer a few general leads, since I have yet to explore it much outside of Mendocino National Forest. I bivyed in tall brush along the Coast to Crest trail and broke camp early the next morning. Theres no such thing as certainty in bikepacking, but the number of online resources around the GDMBR including regular maps addenda on trail conditions and closures from the Adventure Cycling Association means that you can totally nerd out on your preparation. This 146-mile route starts at Big Bear Lake and takes you on some diverse terrain like forest roads, ATV trails, sandy two-track, and even some unused paved roads. Terms of use | Privacy | Cookie policy, nearSanta Rosa, California (United States), nearHaight-Ashbury, California (United States), nearMontgomery Village, California (United States), nearPierpont Bay, California (United States), nearDesert Lodge, California (United States), nearRapetti (historical), California (United States), nearPresswood, California (United States), nearKent Woodlands, California (United States), nearSan Gregorio, California (United States), nearArmstrong, California (United States), nearBlackhawk, California (United States), Ventura keys-Ventura Pier-tortilla flats(Ventura), 20220226-RainbowWash&HillsOfTheMoonWash, Gravel Bike trails in Bothin (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Dyerville (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Fort Ord Village (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Friendly Village of Anaheim, Gravel Bike trails in Guadalupe (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Gypsum (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Illinoistown (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Gravel Bike trails in Miller (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Ponderosa Palisades, Gravel Bike trails in Rapetti (historical), Gravel Bike trails in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Road Bike trails in California (United States), Mountain Bike trails in California (United States), Bicycle Touring trails in California (United States), Gravel Bike trails in California (United States), eBike trails in California (United States), Bikepacking trails in California (United States), Downhill MTB trails in California (United States), Trailer Bike trails in California (United States), Kickbike trails in California (United States), Hiking trails in California (United States), Discover other outdoor activities in this region. Your experienced riding buddy in digital form: 140 mobile-friendly pages packed with how to's, problem solving tips, and hard-earned wisdom from the trail and road. The North Bay / Mount Tamalpais area is a prime candidate for Bay Area bikepacking routes, such as this overnight loop out of Fairfax. Bring a lot of water since the only reliable water is at Red Box Station. From our sponsor; more content below. The whoosh of truck knocked us into the gravel shoulder. The TDLP website contains a wealth of information about the official route, as well as descriptions and GPS tracks for a number of shorter bikepacking routes in the Santa Barbara backcountry. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The edition The Wolf Bikepacking 2023 will take place on Friday 21 July 2023 with departure in Two Harbors, County Lake, Minnesota. bikepacking roots and our logo are registered trademarks. Hi there, Im Alissa. Well-maintained community trail takes you between Meaford and the sections terminus Thornbury. You will need to carry all your water with you for this trip since there are no reliable water sources along this route. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. There are a few hotels in Borrego Springs, otherwise, its dispersed camping the entire time. More here. More flag On KUMEYAAY, COCOPAH, CUPENO, Agua Caliente & Serrano Land Distance 497 Mi. on the fork blades or below the downtube for gear and bottle cages, or at the dropouts and seat stays for racks. Design a route: Use maps, guidebooks, websites and word of mouth to find roads and trails you can ride on. For 2-3 days of bike packing, look into linking the trails from Cuyamaca the Cleveland National Forest to Noble Canyon, and the Mount Laguna Recreation Area. (800 KM) Days 10 % Unpaved 65% % Singletrack 3% % Rideable (time) 98% I absolutely love the Lost Sierra region for outdoor adventures of all kinds. Parsons Landing is the farthest north-eastern point on the island where bicycles are allowed26 miles from Avalon with 3,400 feet of climbing. The official notes describe the trail as strenuous, technical, challenging, complicated and barely existent in some sections. It will certainly be a ride of a lifetime. If youre looking for spectacular scenery, this may be the route for you. Rides: Specialized Chisel Comp; Canyon Inflite CF SLX; Canyon Aeroad; Roberts custom road bike. October 12, 2020. Lower elevation in the desert can be brutally hot during summer. Lets help get more bikepackers out there on our roads and trails. The SF Peninsula Traverse is an easy-to-reach and easy-to-bail, weekend-warrior-compatible bikepacking route that will bring you deep in the forest where you will forget civilization, and high up on the ridgelines with expansive ocean and bay views. As one of the closest national forests to the Bay Area, Mendocino National Forest is an intriguing possibility. The SF Peninsula Traverse is one of the standout local routes and includes a lot of the best bike-legal trail on the peninsula. This is as much a tour of Vermonts fine smalltown eateries and microbreweries as it is a meander through its countryside. I havent had a chance to explore these yet, but here are some other areas of northern California that look intriguing: More of those backcountry discovery route ideas here. The Caldera 500 is a rugged and endlessly beautiful route that immerses riders in the Eastern Sierra. Sometimes my posts contain affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It not only takes in the best of Cuyamaca terrain but the single track and gravel roads in the adjacent Pine Creek and Hauser Wilderness areas. BikePerfect is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. If you beat me to it, please let me know what you find out. There are some highly rideable miles, but these routes are still a step up from simple dirt road touring or gravel grinding. Everything you need - GPS tracks, waypoints, resupplies, & daily itineraries. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. One of these days Ill get back to the area and try out some bikepacking routes! Hello! Gravel Routes - BikepackingPA Gravel Routes Map Gravel Routes List The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon The deepest gorge of the Keystone State. Great Divide Bikepacking Route: Essential Q&A. The riding in Cuyamaca and the nearby wilderness areas weaves through oak and pine forests, across alpine meadows, sage-brush covered canyons, and frequent stream crossings. Much of my bikepacking time has been spent exploring other states and countries, but Im looking forward to exploring my home state more thoroughly in the near future. The new 700c x 50mm gravel bike tires are all exclusively available in Hutchinson's top tubeless-ready 127tpi construction with Hardskin puncture protection & dual-compound rubber, and only with natural tanwalls. But beyond the famous singletrack, Ive explored a few of the areas dirt roads on shorter rides and I believe this would be a fantastic if challenging and steep area for bikepacking. Bivvying spots and campsites are plentiful, and you'll dip into a number of welcoming points of civilization, including the mountain biking hotspot of Oakridge around halfway you really might want to take your time and linger. The bikepacking routes in southern California take you through the mountains and peaks, forests, high and low deserts, and badlands. Youll go from open swaying grasslands into steep-sided valleys, along ridges and even through cool groves of cottonwood trees - a welcome respite from the heat if you go in summer. Some of the best bikepacking routes are short trips found right in your backyard. I completed the 2019 edition of the Stagecoach, and wrote about it here, in just over 4 days. Here are the two well-established options: Tahoe Twirl: 187 miles, 19,300 feet of gain, Bones to Blue: 250 miles, 31,000 feet of gain. Be sure to make reservations for campgrounds or accommodation in advance if needed, and be prepared to share the trails with plenty of hikers. Routes are mapped and chronicled by a core group of experienced route designers and a thriving group of contributors from around the world. Bikepacking Central Oregon: High Desert and Volcanic Geology from K Falls to Bend. The Bay Area Triple Crossover weekend bikepacking route highlights the diversity of bay ecosystems, where each day feels distinct from the next. The switchback road ascends for three miles through eucalyptus forests with gradients reaching 14%. The Stagecoach organizers didnt want to send us to the highways but this year it was inevitable given the flooded and unrideable trails. Wending east it's a combination of smooth or bumpy gravel roads, disorderly non-serviced roads and forest trail as you ride through the little visited Georgian Bluffs and then onto the Bayview Escarpment. Pack the Coast (bikepacking) - Morro Bay 10 - Truckee Dirt Fondo, Truckee. Thanks for reading! We share our tips and tricks for a successful bikepacking adventure. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Plenty of viewpoints to be enjoyed. 1 / 10. Bikes are permitted on a majority of the trail, with a notable exception through Desolation and Granite Chief wilderness areas and a few smaller sections. Many riders cache water beforehand or use support. Pavement and panniers or singletrack and seat bag, I love it all. Cheers! I was donemy legs said yes, but my head was saying no. Unlike the familiar coastal route, this trek takes you through the San Bernardino Mountains, Anza Borrego Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and Cleveland National Forest. You can get water and resupply at lake Arrowhead and in the Mt Baldy area. The Bay Area Triple Crossover links up a lot of the best options in the north and east bay, and includes three bridge crossings! Find event and ticket information. My buddy was riding a fully loaded Surly Crosscheck with 35 mm tires and was challenged on the singletrack but on all other roads it worked well. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Theres a lot of variety on this route, from coastal riding to ridgetop views, and singletrack trail to paved highway. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams. It's well worth descending from the trail to towns along the way for coffee and snacks, and stocking up for the less populated second half. Awesome! As a cyclist, I know the feelingbut on this occasion, when the truck was just inches away from us, it spooked me more than usual. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. Bikepacking.com and others have already developed several routes in this area, and there are many more options waiting to be explored. 364. Yavapai Backcountry Loop . The Hunt Sydney to Summit is exactly what it sounds like, an off-road bikepacking route from sea-level at Sydney Harbour, that over 680km takes you to the highest summit in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. Four hundred miles of lung-busting alpine climbs, desolate desert terrain where you need to carry many liters of water, wind-swept highways and peanut butter mud, and frequent hike-a-bikes in unrideable canyons and soul-sucking sand. We all gave double thumbs up for trail etiquette. It offers an all-around, Powered by red Starbursts and Fat Tire Amber Ale, 11 of the Most Popular Bikepacking Trails in the US, Colorado Bikepacking Trails A Bikepackers Dreamland, How to Prepare For the C&O Canal and GAP Trail. There may be long steep stretches without water so be prepared and plan ahead. Green Mountain Gravel Growler (opens in new tab). And now, in this liminal space, where we inhabit at socially acceptable distances from each other, I wanted to offer my thoughts on the three bike packing gems of Southern California - Santa Catalina Island, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and the formidable Stagecoach 400. Read more on the About Me page. We all know that to connect all the amazing mountain, desert, and coastal dirt, there needs to be some highway connectors. Also an enthusiastic midpack club cyclocross and XC racer, he loves his role as a junior cycle coach on the Kent/Sussex borders, and likes to squeeze in a one-day unsupported 100-miler on the South Downs Way at least once a year.