Cycling is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore the United States’ beloved national parks. With 63 national parks scattered across the country, many boast scenic cycling trails. However, not all are equally suitable for cyclists. Our curated list of the top 10 US national parks for cycling takes into account safety, scenic beauty, and the unique experiences each park offers.
Criteria for Selection of top 10 US national parks
Our selection prioritises safety and serenity. We favour roads with minimal traffic, avoiding crowded main park roads without shoulders. In cases where these roads are included, it’s because of car-free days or seasons. Understanding each park’s regulations and preparing accordingly is crucial. While paved roads are typically open to cyclists, some parks restrict cycling on trails, especially gravel and mountain biking. Always check the latest regulations on nps.gov before your visit.
1. Glacier National Park: Cycling in Seclusion
Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see. Most visitors drive this scenic road, but the best experience is on a bike. Each year, snowfall closes the road, requiring significant efforts to clear it. After plowing but before the road opens to cars, cyclists have this breathtaking stretch to themselves, with the occasional encounter with wildlife. When the road opens to cars, cyclists share it with heavy traffic, but the experience remains unparalleled.
Figure 1: Glacier National Park
2. Grand Teton National Park: Majestic Mountains on Two Wheels
The Tetons rise triumphantly over a high-altitude valley, offering some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. Grand Teton National Park’s multi-use pathway runs parallel to the main road, separated from car traffic. Though the path ends at Jenny Lake, it continues into nearby Jackson, extending the ride beyond the park. Experienced cyclists can tackle the main road, enjoying the craggy mountain views.
Figure 2: Grand Teton National Park
3. Zion National Park: A Car-Free Cycling Paradise
Zion National Park, one of the most visited American national parks, offers a unique cycling experience. To manage traffic, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars for most of the year, opening only to shuttle buses and bikes. This 15-mile roundtrip offers a serene ride through some of the most scenic parts of the park. Cyclists must allow shuttles to pass, but this is a small price to pay for the opportunity to cycle without constant car traffic.
Figure 3: Zion National Park
4. Acadia National Park: Cycling Through History
Acadia National Park’s 45 miles of carriage roads, funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer one of the most bike-friendly experiences in any national park. These roads, built to blend with the natural landscape, provide access to the park’s best views. Cyclists can enjoy these historic roads, constructed over nearly three decades, free from car traffic.
Figure 4: Acadia National Park
5. Death Valley National Park: Cycling in a Land of Extremes
Death Valley may not seem like an ideal cycling destination, especially in summer when temperatures soar to 54°C. However, in cooler months, this park offers hundreds of miles of paved roads through varying desert landscapes. With the lowest elevation point in North America, Badwater Basin, and the highest point, Telescope Peak, Death Valley offers a unique cycling experience.
Figure 5: Death Valley National Park
6. Olympic National Park: A Pacific Northwest Challenge
Olympic National Park offers one of the best climbs in the Pacific Northwest. The Hurricane Ridge ride starts at the coast and ascends over 5,000 feet in 19 miles. Cyclists can enjoy this challenging climb without cars during an annual August event when the road is closed to traffic. Spots are limited, so early registration is essential.
7. Everglades National Park: A Flat, Wildlife-Filled Ride
Cycling in the Everglades is the antithesis of a mountain retreat. This flat park in southern Florida offers five bike pathways, ranging from 3.2 miles to the 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road. Cyclists can observe wildlife, including alligators and birds, while enjoying a leisurely ride. Unlike many national parks, Everglades’ bike paths remain open year-round.
8. Redwood National Park: Cycling Among Giants
Redwood National Park offers a unique experience as cyclists navigate through towering redwood trees in Northern California. The Elk Meadow Day Use Area provides access to several bike trails converted from old logging roads. While much of this area features second-growth forest, the western end of Lost Man Creek Trail offers a glimpse of old-growth forest. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is another excellent ride. On the first Saturday of the month from October to May, the parkway is closed to cars, offering a peaceful ride through the ancient trees.
9. Crater Lake National Park: A Serene Loop Around a Volcanic Lake
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers a stunning loop ride around its namesake lake. The 33-mile route climbs about 4,000 feet, making it ideal for experienced cyclists. While the road is often busy with car traffic, there are seasonal opportunities to ride it without cars. Additionally, on two Saturdays each year, about two-thirds of the road is closed to traffic, allowing cyclists to enjoy the ride in peace.
10. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Springtime Solitude on Volcanic Roads
Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California provides a unique cycling experience. While the park lacks dedicated bike paths, its roads offer a scenic ride through volcanic landscapes. During spring and early summer, after roads are cleared of snow but before they open to cars, cyclists can enjoy 20 miles of car-free riding. This temporary solitude provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the park’s volcanic features at a leisurely pace.
Exploring these national parks by bike offers a unique perspective on their natural beauty. Whether cycling through towering redwoods, along the rim of a volcanic lake, or through the flat landscapes of the Everglades, each park provides a distinct and unforgettable experience. Preparing ahead and respecting park regulations will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States.
