Mountain biking is one of the most demanding, challenging, but also rewarding outdoor activities you can try. It allows you to relieve stress and improve your mood while also providing a whole-body muscle workout and lowering the risk of diseases. And there isn’t a better option to make the most out of your mountain biking experience than riding your MBT in the most stunning and cinematic scenery.
Below, you will find several must-ride mountain bike trails around the world that deserve a spot on your bucket list. They range from the Old Ghost Road in New Zealand, Lupra Pass in Nepal, and 401 Trail in Colorado, US to Cotopaxi in Ecuador and Tizi Mezzik Pass in Morocco. Continue reading to choose the next destination for your mountain biking adventure!
Cotopaxi in Ecuador
The Cotopaxi volcano is an active stratovolcano in Ecuador with a summit elevation of 5,897 m (19,347 ft). It is considered one of the main tourist attractions in Ecuador because of its close proximity to Quito and the numerous hiking trails that lead up it. But not many people know that this volcano is also home to one of the most rewarding mountain bike trails in Ecuador.
In fact, Cotopaxi Volcano National Park is home to one of the only three official mountain bike parks in South America. This park has everything for everyone: for those who prefer easy rides, there are two green trails that lead from the park entrance to San Francisco de Quito on the other side of the volcano. If you have enough skills, you’d probably be able to do them with your best road bike under 1000.
For more advanced riders, there are two black downhill trails that cross Cotopaxi’s caldera – an extinct crater, which has been replaced by a lake called Quilotoa; for experts, there are three black downhill trails with jaw-dropping views. If you are looking for ways to relax after an exciting ride, you might want to buy Ars Italica Caviar and let your mind rest a bit.
Old Ghost Road in New Zealand
The Old Ghost Road in New Zealand is one of the most amazing mountain biking trails in the country. It was initially built in the 1800s to give access to mines and gold towns, and it is still open to the public today.
The trail offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the rich New Zealand nature and diverse wildlife, including rare birds and endangered giant weta – a large nocturnal insect native to New Zealand.
The Old Ghost Road in New Zealand is an easy trail to ride. It is perfect for less experienced riders, families with kids, and people who don’t have much time to spend planning the trip. The trail can be ridden both from north and south, making it an excellent option for a day trip from Queenstown or Wanaka.
Lupra Pass in Nepal
Lupra Pass is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, a truly magical place that provides breathtaking views of tree-covered hillsides filled with rhododendron forest and wildflowers.
If you want to enjoy the view from above but still travel in style and comfort, you should definitely rent a helicopter to fly you over this area. Riding a bike through narrow paths can be challenging and dangerous, especially if you are not an experienced rider.
401 Trail in Colorado, USA
401 Trail is considered one of the most scenic mountain biking routes in Colorado, US. And it’s easy to understand why: it connects two of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the state – Copper Mountain and Vail – passing through a spectacular landscape with high alpine peaks and rolling hills.
This trail is perfect for intermediate and advanced riders who want to experience a beautiful and challenging ride in nature. During the 5-day journey from Copper Mountain to Vail via 401 Trail, you will encounter different types of terrain, including rocky sections and steep climbs. It’s also worth noting that 401 Trail passes through several wildlife refuges, so keep an eye out for elk herds, deer, mountain lions, and bears!
Tizi Mezzik Pass in Morocco
Located between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, Tizi Mezzik Pass is considered one of the most beautiful mountain biking trails in Morocco. The pass is part of a long-distance route that runs across Tizi n’Test on the western side and Tizi n’Telgha on the eastern side.
Together, they form the highest paved road in North Africa at 2,165 m above sea level. Not surprisingly, Tizi Mezzik Pass offers some of the most impressive views of the area: you can see the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to your left and rolling sand dunes to your right.
To access this beautiful place from Marrakech or Ouarzazate city center, you need to drive towards Fezouata, toward the Moroccan Sahara desert. Then you need to turn onto Route des Targuistes and start your journey through the valley of Ourika River up until you reach Tizi Mezzik village at 2,000 m above sea level. From here, you need to phone ahead and hire a 4×4 vehicle to take you up to Tizi Mezzik Pass at 2,165 m above sea level.
Final Note
As you can see, mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and get in touch with nature. When you choose a place to ride your MBT, make sure that the trail is safe, well maintained, and has a proper infrastructure for riders.
Riding your MBT off-road can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, so you should always check out the trail before riding it. Happy riding!
