Cycling isn’t just about pedaling—it’s about the wind in your hair, the crunch of gravel under your tires, and the kind of views that make you forget your legs are burning. And in 2025, the world’s best trails are calling. Whether you’re a road warrior, a mountain goat, or just someone who loves a leisurely ride, here’s where your next adventure should take you.
1. The Alps: Europe’s Ultimate Road Cycling Playground
Let’s start with the obvious. The Alps are the place for road cyclists who crave elevation and drama. The Tour de France might hog the spotlight, but honestly, you don’t need a peloton to enjoy these climbs.
Must-Ride Routes:
- Col du Galibier, France – A beast of a climb with switchbacks that’ll test your resolve (and your brakes on the way down).
- Stelvio Pass, Italy – 48 hairpin turns. Enough said.
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria – Less crowded, just as breathtaking.
Pro tip: Go in late spring or early fall to avoid summer crowds—and bring layers. The weather? Unpredictable at best.
2. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA/Canada
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding from Banff to the Mexican border—well, this is your trail. The Great Divide is the longest off-pavement bike route in the world, stretching over 2,700 miles of rugged backcountry.
It’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll deal with altitude, wildlife, and stretches where the nearest coffee shop is… nowhere. But the solitude? The raw beauty? Worth every pedal stroke.
Key Sections:
- Montana’s Flathead Valley – Lush forests and glacial rivers.
- New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness – Desert meets mountain, with a side of adrenaline.
Pack light, train heavy, and maybe bring a bear spray. Just saying.
3. Shimanami Kaido, Japan
For something completely different, try Japan’s Shimanami Kaido. This 60-kilometer route hops across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, connected by—get this—dedicated cycling bridges. No cars, just you and the ocean breeze.
It’s perfect for casual riders or families. Rent a bike in Onomichi, stop for citrus ice cream (trust us), and soak in views of floating torii gates and fishing villages.
Don’t Miss:
- Ikuchi Island – Famous for its lemon groves and onsen (hot springs).
- Sunset at Tatara Bridge – Pure magic.
4. The Carretera Austral, Chile
Patagonia’s wild, remote, and begging to be explored on two wheels. The Carretera Austral is a 1,240-kilometer ribbon of gravel and pavement cutting through fjords, glaciers, and rainforests. It’s like riding through a National Geographic documentary.
Logistics can be tricky—services are sparse—but that’s part of the charm. You’ll camp under stars so bright they don’t seem real.
Highlights:
- Queulat National Park – Home to the hanging glacier, a sight you’ll never forget.
- Cochamó Valley – Known as the “Yosemite of South America” for its granite walls.
5. The Munda Biddi Trail, Australia
Australia’s answer to the Great Divide, but with more kangaroos. The Munda Biddi (“path through the forest” in Noongar language) is a 1,000-kilometer off-road trail through Western Australia’s jarrah and marri forests.
It’s beginner-friendly, with purpose-built huts along the way. And the wildlife? Let’s just hope you like cockatoos screeching at dawn.
Best Bits:
- The Darling Range – Rolling hills and wildflowers in spring.
- Collie to Nannup – A 3-day section packed with river crossings and old-growth trees.
Final Thoughts: Where Will You Ride Next?
The world’s best cycling trails aren’t just about distance or difficulty—they’re about the stories you’ll tell afterward. The time you got caught in a hailstorm in the Alps. The moment a whale breached off the coast of Shimanami Kaido. The campfire chats with fellow riders on the Carretera Austral.
So, in 2025, pick a trail that scares you a little… and excites you a lot. The bike, after all, is just the vehicle. The journey? That’s up to you.