The Best U.S. States for Mountain Biking in 2025 and beyond

Think you know where to ride in the U.S.? Hold that thought—there are more epic trails than you might expect, and some hidden gems too. Read on to find your next mountain biking destination—and find out why these states stand out.

 

What Makes a State Great for Mountain Biking?

Before we dive into the top picks, here’s what really matters when choosing a riding state:

• Diverse terrain – Does it match your style? Alpine, desert, forest, technical, flow?

• Trail network & maintenance – Are the trails expansive and well-kept?

• Local MTB community – Good shops, events, trail advocacy?

• Infrastructure – Are there bike-friendly towns, rentals, shuttle services?

• Rideability – How long is the riding season? Is it year-round?

A top MTB state nails all of these. But keep in mind—there are great trails across the country outside this list, too. Let’s start with the best.

Colorado – High-Altitude Heaven

Top Areas

• Crested Butte – Iconic ridges and wildflowers

• Fruita – Flowy slickrock and desert scenery

• Durango / Silverton – Alpine singletrack and lift-access downhill

Riding Style

Expect epic climbs, fast descents, and technical granite. The long summer season runs from late June through September—snow can linger in high passes earlier in the summer. Cool temps, stunning views, and a strong mountain-biking culture make Colorado a top-tier destination. Colorado stays popular because they invest in trail maintenance and host major MTB events year-round.

Best time to ride: July–September.

 

Utah – Desert Playground

Top Areas

• Moab – Slickrock—you’ll recognize the iconic heart logo trail

• Park City – Lift-access downhill and established singletrack

• Hurricane & St. George – Tech with desert landscapes

Signature Trails

• Whole Enchilada – Canyon-to-valley epic run

• Slickrock – Massive exposure, great grip, tested tires!

Expect raw desert beauty, technical rock slabs, and dry conditions. Utah’s ride season starts early—March through October. Just be sure to bring lots of water and good sun protection.

California – Coast to Crater Rides

Top Areas

• Santa Cruz – Loamy redwood singletrack with old-school charm

• Lake Tahoe – Alpine trails with lift service and epic descents

• Downieville – Big mountain singletrack with shuttle support

Terrain Variety

From redwood forests to alpine bowls, California offers everything. Coastal trails are densely forested; Tahoe gives high-country challenges; SoCal adds freeride and lift access. California’s communities, shops, events, and bike centers are global-stage strong.

 

North Carolina – East Coast Rough & Rowdy

Top Areas

• Pisgah National Forest – Steep climbs, rocky descents

• Dupont State Forest – Flowing, scenic trails with waterfalls

• Asheville – Pivot point for rides and MTB culture

What to Expect

Expect old-school, technical East Coast riding: roots, rocks, mud, and punchy climbs. Trails in Pisgah are steep and raw, while Dupont has loamier, scenic flow—more accessible for all skill levels. With a local scene full of passion, North Carolina keeps growing on the national MTB map.

 

Oregon – Loam and Flow

Top Areas

• Bend – Dry pine forests and sunny trail networks

• Oakridge – Deep fir forests with buttery singletrack

• Hood River – Gravity trails and fatbike loops

Riding Style

Oregon thrives on loam: smooth, flowy, fir-lined singletrack that begs to be ridden at speed. Expect well-designed trails and strong stewardship. Ride season runs roughly March to October. Don’t let the rain deter you—mudding builds character (and an awesome bike!)

 

Vermont – East Coast Precision

Top Areas

• Kingdom Trails – Over 200 miles of smooth singletrack

• Killington – Groomed flow runs with terrain parks

• Stowe – Alpine descent meets forest singletrack

Why It’s Rising

Vermont’s tight-knit community has created a trail system that feels like a family: maintained with love, ride access, and outdoor festivals. Great trail etiquette, easy loops, and picture-perfect scenery make it ideal for riders and families alike.

 

Arizona – Red Rock and Year‑Round Sun

Top Areas

• Sedona – Tech rock trails with mental exposure

• Tucson – Sandy desert loops and elevation gain

• Prescott – Compact, punchy desert terrain

Rider Appeal

Arizona delivers winter riding where others hibernate. Expect punchy heaps of rocks, twisting singletrack, and lots of sun. If you love technical exposure and can take the heat, add Arizona to your list.

 

States with Stellar MTB Trails Beyond the Headliners

• Washington – Rainforest loam and alpine bowls (e.g., Mount Baker, Whistler-adjacent style)

• Idaho – Backcountry gems around Boise and the Sawtooth Mountains

• New Mexico – Gravity-fed Southwest terrain near Albuquerque

• Tennessee – Smoky Mountains technical climbs and flow

• Pennsylvania – Solid East Coast trails around State College

These states may not top lists, but they offer real riding value—and appeal if you’re chasing solitude or unique terrain.

 

How These States Compare

 

Where Should You Ride Next?

• Love big climbs and alpine views? Colorado or California Tahoe.

• Thrill-seeker craving technical desert lines? Go to Moab or Sedona.

• Want flow in a green forest? Saddle up in Oregon or Vermont.

• Enjoy purposeful climbing and raw routes? Try North Carolina.

And if your style leans toward quieter rides or building gnarly backcountry skills, check out Washington, Idaho, or New Mexico.

AMS Tip: Match Your Gear to the Trail

Where you ride shapes your bike setup. Facing Colorado granite, Utah rock, North Carolina roots, or Vermont loaf? You’ll want applicable protection, fenders, and durable components. That’s what All Mountain Style is all about—gear that adapts to the ride.

 

Wrap-Up: Gear Up and Explore

Mountain biking in the U.S. isn’t one-size-fits-all. From alpine ridges to desert slickrock, each state offers its own flavor. Choose your terrain, understand your ride season, and go prepared—trail knowledge matters.

Gear with confidence: steer clear of harsh conditions with AMS gear tailored for the best endurance and protection on whatever trail you ride.

Let us know which state you’re hitting next—and if there’s a ride you’re dreaming of, we’ve got your back.—