Cycling is a thrilling way to experience the United States’ cherished national parks, with 63 parks across the country offering a range of scenic trails. However, not all parks are equally suited for cyclists. Our top 10 list highlights the best national parks for cycling, focusing on safety, stunning scenery, and unique experiences.


Criteria for Selection


Our list emphasizes safety and tranquility, favoring roads with minimal traffic and avoiding crowded main park roads without shoulders. In cases where such roads are included, it's usually because they have car-free days or seasons. Cyclists should be aware of each park’s specific regulations and prepare accordingly. While paved roads are generally accessible to cyclists, some parks restrict biking on trails, particularly gravel and mountain paths. Always check the latest guidelines on nps.gov before your visit.


1. Glacier National Park: Cycling in Seclusion

Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road offers an unparalleled cycling experience. During the winter, the road is closed for snow clearing, providing cyclists with a rare opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views without traffic. Although the road eventually opens to cars, the early-season cycling experience remains exceptional, with the occasional wildlife encounter.


2. Grand Teton National Park: Majestic Mountains on Two Wheels

The dramatic Tetons dominate the landscape of Grand Teton National Park. The park’s multi-use pathway runs parallel to the main road, separated from vehicle traffic. This path ends at Jenny Lake but continues into Jackson, allowing for an extended ride. For seasoned cyclists, the main road offers stunning mountain vistas.


3. Zion National Park: A Car-Free Cycling Paradise

Zion National Park provides a unique cycling opportunity with its Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is closed to private vehicles for most of the year. This 15-mile roundtrip route is open to bikes and shuttle buses, allowing cyclists to explore some of the park's most scenic areas without the hassle of car traffic.


4. Acadia National Park: Cycling Through History

Acadia National Park boasts 45 miles of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offering one of the most bike-friendly environments in national parks. These historic roads blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, providing cyclists with access to the park’s most picturesque views, free from vehicle traffic.


5. Death Valley National Park: Cycling in a Land of Extremes

Despite its harsh summer temperatures, Death Valley National Park is an intriguing cycling destination in cooler months. The park features extensive paved roads traversing varied desert landscapes. From the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, to the highest peak, Telescope Peak, Death Valley offers a distinctive cycling experience.


6. Olympic National Park: A Pacific Northwest Challenge

Olympic National Park is known for its challenging climbs, including the Hurricane Ridge ride, which ascends over 5,000 feet in 19 miles. During an annual August event, the road is closed to traffic, offering cyclists a chance to tackle this strenuous climb with fewer distractions. Early registration is required due to limited spots.


7. Everglades National Park: A Flat, Wildlife-Filled Ride

In contrast to mountain parks, Everglades National Park offers a flat, leisurely cycling experience with five bike paths ranging from 3.2 miles to the 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road. Cyclists can enjoy observing wildlife, including alligators and birds, on paths that remain open year-round.


8. Redwood National Park: Cycling Among Giants

Cyclists at Redwood National Park can ride among towering redwoods on several trails. The Elk Meadow Day Use Area offers bike trails converted from old logging roads, while the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is closed to vehicles on the first Saturday of each month from October to May, providing a serene ride through ancient forests.


9. Crater Lake National Park: A Serene Loop Around a Volcanic Lake

Crater Lake National Park features a 33-mile loop around its stunning lake, ideal for experienced cyclists. Although the road is often busy, there are seasonal opportunities to ride it car-free. On two Saturdays each year, about two-thirds of the road is closed to traffic, offering a peaceful cycling experience.


10. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Springtime Solitude on Volcanic Roads

Lassen Volcanic National Park provides a unique spring cycling experience. While the park lacks dedicated bike paths, its roads offer scenic rides through volcanic landscapes. After snow removal but before the roads open to cars, cyclists can enjoy 20 miles of car-free cycling, offering a rare chance to explore the park’s volcanic features at a relaxed pace.

Cycling through these national parks offers a unique way to experience their natural beauty. Whether navigating towering redwoods, riding along a volcanic lake’s rim, or exploring flat Everglades terrain, each park provides a memorable cycling adventure. Proper preparation and adherence to park regulations will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.