In many national forests, Class 1 e-Bikes may be allowed on the same trails as standard bicycles. However, Class 2 and Class 3 e-Bikes may be restricted to these non-motorized trails. It depends on the land manager and forest area, so always check the local regulations before you plan your trip or start riding.
Best Road Bike Routes in the U.S: Scenic Rides for Every Level
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 2, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
My preference is pavement and yours might be too. Discover some of my favorite road bike routes across the US— there’s a little something for everyone.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
I often catch myself thinking about the things we miss while riding in cars. We move too fast to take in the little details of the road as we are trapped inside a speeding metal box. Start cycling on a road, however, and you’ll enjoy the perfect combination of pace and immersion. Fast enough to stay interested in the route ahead and slow enough to savor the little things.
I’ve had the privilege to see a lot of the US while on two wheels. From training sessions to late-night rides and week-long adventures, you could say that my saddle is well-worn. There are way too many roads out there to make an objective or decisive list, so I figured I’d speak from experience. If only wheels could talk…
I’ve had the privilege to see a lot of the US while on two wheels. From training sessions to late-night rides and week-long adventures, you could say that my saddle is well-worn. There are way too many roads out there to make an objective or decisive list, so I figured I’d speak from experience. If only wheels could talk…
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Best Road Bike Routes in the U.S
Below are a handful of my all-time favorite road bike routes across the country, including rides for every level of roadie, from recreational to racer!
Glendora Mountain Road & Mt. Baldy
I’ve ridden the scenic Glendora Mountain Road (GMR for the locals) more times than I can count. I went to college in Claremont, California which sits at the foothills of the Angeles National Forest, and enjoyed the privilege of having GMR as my backyard training grounds. For road cyclists looking for serious climbs and spectacular 360° views, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Mt. Baldy is high enough that there’s a ski station at the top and it gets snowcapped each year. You can climb it straight up from Claremont (the Inland Empire) or take Glendora Mountain Road for a more moderate and scenic approach to the peak used many times in the now-defunct Tour of California professional road race. Do yourself a favor and get out of the asphalted wasteland of Los Angeles and explore these amazing California roads!
Inland California: Solvang & Santa Ynez Valley
I first explored the Santa Ynez Valley on a week-long cycling trip with a friend, starting from San Luis Obispo and ending in San Diego. It was a fun interior detour away from the California coast and the overly busy Pacific Coast Highway that we’d eventually connect up with. Like the most elegant parts of inland California, the Santa Ynez Valley is wine country, featuring calm rolling roads and scenic wineries— and wine tastings galore.
Another highlight in the area is the old-style town of Solvang, originally founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. It’s now a mix of quant, touristy, and kitschy vibes but it makes for a fun and refreshing stop among the endless vineyards. The nearby town of Los Olivos and the rest of the Santa Ynez Valley lets you scratch your road cycling and wine itches without selling out to the overhyped (and more expensive) Napa Valley.
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The Pinky Traverse, Michigan
I’m not sure how many cyclists actually call it the “Pinky Traverse”, but the funky name refers to the most northwestern area of Michigan— the state kind of looks like a hand or mitten. I have family around Traverse City which sits on the Lake Michigan scene shoreline, stretching from the Leelanau Peninsula to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. The varied terrain can be ridden on a road bike, but a gravel e-Bike could be a smart choice, too.
My dad is an avid road cyclist (that must be where I get it from) and knows this area like the back of his hand (get it, like the shape of Michigan state). He even participated in the unique Glen Arbor triathlon that features a road bike segment along with kayaking and a dune climb. There are long stretches of open road as well as forested paved paths, cherry orchards, and coastal routes— no wonder Midwesterners love to vacation in this pristine corner of Michigan.
Jackson Hole Circuit, Wyoming
I explored the expansive roads around the famed Jackson Hole while doing some electric bike testing a few years ago. I knew the area was home to renowned skiing and winter sports, but was blown away by the beauty in the summer months. It’s a bit of a rich person’s playground these days, but there are still vibes of vintage mountaineering and untouched nature— and most of the area is preserved land so it’s bound to stay that way.
The road cycling is fairly flat in the plains and there are gorgeous separated paths along the roads. I rode several models on that trip, including a road e-Bike and adventure e-Bike, and there’s no shortage of terrain around Jackson Hole. If you want to switch things up after road cycling, you can hop over to the Jackson Hole Ski Resort which transforms into a mountain biking mecca during the summer— I earned my full-squish MTB stripes there and only fell once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric bikes allowed in national forests?
Key Takeways
- Scenic Routes for All Levels: From Mt. Baldy’s climbs to Michigan’s coastal roads, the article covers the top U.S. cycling routes for every rider.
- Cycling as Immersive Travel: Biking offers a unique way to experience landscapes, blending adventure, fitness, and scenery.
- Practical Tips & Insights: Includes e-Bike regulations, alternative routes, and hidden cycling gems.
