Here are some mountain biking destinations for this fall that you can’t miss. If you’re looking to plan a road trip in your van this fall and you’re planning on taking your mountain bike with you, we’ve got a list of some of our favorite spots in the United States to share with you. Read below to see some of our favorite spots to mountain bike and camp in your van this Fall.
MOAB, UTAH
Moab has long been a favorite for 4×4 enthusiasts, but did you know the area boasts some of the best mountain biking trails in the country? In fact, Moab continues to build more and more bike-legal singletrack, at a rate of about 30 miles per year.
Camping in Moab with your van is easy and plentiful. You can find many BLM sites around the area, which are first-come, first-serve, so there’s no need to book ahead. If you’d like to plan in advance, you can check out some camping options here. For those more spontaneous travelers, it’s definitely the kind of place where you can wing it.
TOURIG Badassador @swillett_ in Moab
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO
The Crested Butte area has over 750 miles of trails, and if you’re ready to pedal at altitude, you’ll find the most picturesque high-alpine trails in the USA.
When the riding is done for the day, you’ll enjoy exploring the quaint western mountain town for delicious food and drinks.
Paid campgrounds book up fast in this area, so we suggest getting off the grid and exploring Gunnison National Forest, where you can find plenty of free dispersed camping. Our favorite spot is Washington Gulch Road dispersed camping. Remember to leave no trace, and if you want more information, you can always talk to the Forest Service, who are very helpful.
TOURIG Badassador @swillett_ knows the climb is worth it for these views in Crested Butte, CO
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
We’ve mentioned Lake Tahoe before in our 6 Best Places to Camp and Climb Journal, and it truly is one of our favorite places.
Tahoe is a ski destination in the winter, but during the summer season, the ski lifts are open to access some killer downhill mountain biking trails.
For camping, look away from the crowded lake and head to the hills. There are many easily accessed fire trails in the area, and camping is permitted in the pull-off areas of those trails.
TOURIG Badassador @mr_teargas packed and ready to go
BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS
This area is home to miles and miles of regularly groomed and maintained trails. The Walton family (heirs to Walmart) has turned the Bentonville region into a mountain biking paradise. With a commitment to “investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta,” the area is now a haven for bikers.
This region is one of the newer biking destinations in the USA, but its popularity is well-earned thanks to some incredible trails.
While off-grid camping is limited, there are plenty of paid campgrounds ranging from $15–$40 per night. Trust us – the trails are worth it!
TOURIG Badassador @good_n_you showing us how it’s done!
Start Planning Your Fall Mountain Biking Adventure
Whether you’re headed to the rugged landscapes of Moab, the high-alpine trails of Crested Butte, the lakeside beauty of Tahoe, or the purpose-built trails of Bentonville, each destination offers something unique for every mountain biking enthusiast.
Pack your gear, hit the road, and enjoy some of the best trails in the country this Fall!