Happy Monday, cycling family! Today, I’m getting the inspiration to adventure. I’ve been cycling a great deal in my hometown of San Diego, California (speaking of which, check out my post on bartonhaynes.com about the Best Cycling in San Diego), but I’ve recently gotten the idea to take a vacation with my bike. In my opinion, there are fewer places in the United States more beautiful than state parks. Therefore, in my research, I came across several notable destinations if you’re looking to ride your bicycle in a state park.
To preface, a great deal of this post is inspired by an article on bicycling.com titled “The 13 Best Rides in National Parks.” Click on the link to find out more details and discover more national parks suited for cycling.
And without further ado, here are 5 of my choice destinations for a cycling in state parks vacation.
5. Cades Cove Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This 11-mile loop is a blissful bucket-list ride during the hours when it’s closed to motor vehicle traffic (Wednesday and Saturday morning before 10 am.) The terrain is rolling and not too challenging for less-experienced cyclists, who can rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground store during summer and fall. Ride highlights include a backdrop dotted with 19th-century homesites, churches, and barns—plus tons of opportunities to view area wildlife. Expect to take your time with the route and meet lots of other cyclists out doing the same.
4. Cactus Forest Loop Road, Saguaro National Park
This scenic 8-mile paved loop takes you through the lower elevations of the Rincon Mountain District. It’s a moderately hilly ride, with stunning views of the Santa Catalina mountains, local wildflowers, and of course, plenty of cacti of all anthropomorphic shapes and sizes. Expect to encounter more cyclists on the roads than cars—one of our most important criteria for a favorite route. Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes on the road!
3. Teton Park Road in Teton National Park
Cycling through Teton Park gives you an up-close look at some of the most striking mountains the U.S. has to offer. As Bicycling contributor Joe Lindsey puts it, “In most places, foothills that rise up to the base of the high peaks put some distance between you and them and reduce the sense of scale. But the geology of Jackson Hole is such that the Tetons rise straight off the valley floor. Grand Teton is something like 13,000 feet high, so it rises 6,000-plus feet right up in front of you—that’s pretty dramatic and unusual.” Aside from majestic views, this ride is also a winner due to the bike lane and short section of bike path that wraps a one-way loop road and lets you enjoy the dramatic peaks without having to fight traffic from RVs and car tourists.
2. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion National Park
Beginners and families will enjoy the relatively easy ride up to the Temple of Sinewava, a breathtaking national amphitheater, in Zion National Park on roads closed to car traffic (except shuttle buses) between April and October. The 1.75-mile Pa’rus Trail has a number of scenic creek crossings and leads to the 6.2-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. One caveat: Cyclists must jump on a shuttle to pass through the narrow, dimly lit, 1.1-mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
1. The White Rim Trail, Canyonlands National Park
Continuing the tradition of roads with “rim” in the title being excellent cycling destinations, the White Rim Trail is a 103-mile loop on jeep roads with stunning views of sandstone cliffs and formations. The climbs are tough, but the riding isn’t too technical, which makes it ideal for mountain biking beginners who are already strong road riders. Most cyclists choose to break up the mileage into multiple days, and there are campsites all along the route to facilitate a 2 to 5 day tour Just book far in advance—there are long waits for campground reservations.