10 Best Cycling Roads in the USA: Bucket-List Rides

You don't need a plane ticket to Europe to ride something legendary. The US has volcanoes you can climb from sea level, the highest paved road in North America and some of the most beautiful parkways anywhere. Here are ten bucket-list rides, from big mountain days to long, easy miles.

1. Haleakalā, Hawaii

About 35 miles · 10,000 ft of climbing · from sea level

The climb from Paia, on Maui's north shore, to the summit of Haleakalā is one of the longest continuous climbs in the world. You start among sugar cane fields and finish above the clouds on volcanic rock. It's never brutally steep, but it is relentless, and the air is thin at the top. Start early, carry plenty of food and pack a warm layer for the descent: it can be close to freezing at the summit while it's 85°F at the beach.

2. Mount Blue Sky, Colorado

About 27 miles · 6,800 ft of climbing · summit at 14,130 ft

Formerly known as Mount Evans, this is the highest paved road in North America. The climb from Idaho Springs has a steady, moderate gradient, but above 12,000 ft every pedal stroke feels harder. The summit road reopened in 2026 after a long closure for repairs, and cyclists ride without the timed-entry reservation that cars need. The road usually opens from late May to early October. The upper section has rough pavement, so take the descent carefully.

3. Mount Lemmon, Arizona

About 25–29 miles, depending on where you start · up to 7,000 ft of climbing

Tucson's signature climb starts in the cactus-covered desert and finishes in pine forest, and the temperature can drop by 20°F or more on the way up. The gradient is gentle and the road surface is smooth, which makes it one of the best long climbs in the country for riders who aren't pure climbers. Ride it in fall, winter or spring, and stop for cookies at the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven near the top.

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

About 50 miles across Glacier National Park · Logan Pass at 6,646 ft

Carved into the cliffs above glacial valleys, this may be the most scenic road in America. The best time to ride it is late spring, during "hiker-biker" season, before the road fully opens to cars and you can ride sections car-free. In peak season, bikes are banned from parts of the road in the afternoon (in 2026, eastbound from noon to 6 pm and westbound from 3 pm to 6 pm). Check the National Park Service's bicycling page before you go.

5. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

About 48 miles across Rocky Mountain National Park · high point 12,183 ft

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the US. It crosses the Continental Divide and spends miles above the tree line on open tundra, often with elk grazing beside the road. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so start early and be off the high section by midday.

6. Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire

7.6 miles · average gradient about 12%

Short, but possibly the hardest climb in the country. The average gradient is about 12%, the steepest sections pass 20%, and the summit has some of the worst weather in the world. Bikes are normally only allowed on the road during the annual hill climb race, so plan around that event and fit the lowest gear you can find. Our gear calculator shows how slow your easiest gear really is.

7. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

469 miles · ride any section

The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains: no trucks, no billboards, and miles of long climbs with views across the Appalachians. Most riders pick a section for a day ride, though riding the full length over a week or more is a classic tour. Fall foliage season in October is spectacular.

8. Skyline Drive, Virginia

105 miles through Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a 35 mph speed limit that keeps traffic calm. There are rolling climbs, dozens of overlooks and plenty of chances to see deer and black bears. It joins the Blue Ridge Parkway at its southern end, if you want to keep going.

9. Highway 1 through Big Sur, California

About 90 miles from Carmel to San Simeon

Cliffs dropping into the Pacific, redwood canyons and Bixby Bridge make Big Sur one of the most famous rides in the world. Ride it north to south so you're on the ocean side of the road and usually have a tailwind. Landslides close parts of the highway from time to time, so check Caltrans for current conditions, and use lights, because the shoulder is often narrow.

10. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee

444 miles · gentle and car-light

Not every great ride has to hurt. The Natchez Trace follows an old travel route from Natchez to near Nashville, and it's designated a bicycle route along its whole length. The commercial traffic ban and 50 mph limit keep it quiet. It's perfect for a multi-day tour or for clocking big, easy miles.

Planning your ride

• Know your pace. Our climb time estimator tells you how long a climb will take at your power. That's handy for working out how much food and water to carry on a climb like Haleakalā.
• Fuel properly. Long climbs at altitude burn far more energy than they feel like. Use the ride fueling planner to set carb and fluid targets.
• Pack for the descent. A wind vest and arm warmers take up almost no pocket space and make a cold mountain descent much safer. Our what to wear tool builds your layers from the forecast.

Riding one of these with friends? Make the photos count in matching kit. Design your own in our Kit Designer, or browse our jerseys.