How do we pull ourselves out of life’s funk? For some, it’s compact, throaty sports cars; for others, it’s a dramatic career change. But for the majority, nothing beats the tried-and- true formula of plunging headlong into an intense physical pursuit. After all, a rush of endorphins tends to do far more for the spirit than the purr of a Bugatti.
But which sport to make your personality? While many opt for a triathlon, marathon, or to join the hoards of mamils (middle- aged men in lycra), there’s another sport in town: bikepacking. Not to be confused with its more pedestrian cousin, backpacking, bikepacking is all about multi-day cycling with camping in between.
Embracing ultimate efficiency, bikepacking eschews hauling around bulky panniers in favour of outfitting your ride with lightweight, integrated gear designed for agility on those off-road twists and turns.
A common misconception is that bikepacking requires a lot of new gear and countless hours of planning – the perfect bike, custom bags, and all the latest ultralight camping equipment. While investing in quality gear and a dependable bike can certainly enhance the experience, you don’t need Nasa-level kit to get started.
Rather, dust off whatever bike you already own, chart a modest overnight route (30 to 60 kilometres should do), and ensure you’ve got the essentials: the right gearing, a trusty repair kit, and a selection of makeshift storage solutions (a dry bag, a handlebar bag, or even a humble backpack can all serve as your loyal companions).
With better technological leaps in gear design – and the emergence of robust gravel and adventure bikes – bikepacking has never been more accessible than in 2025. Whether you’re tackling the alpine trails of Méribel, taking on Colorado’s notorious climbs, or weaving through the wildness of the Scottish Highlands, these routes offer the perfect antidote to our swelling cities and shrinking schedules.
Best bikepacking routes
Meribel, France
A lycra-clad cyclist hurtles down rough terrain in the Alps in Meribel
Joffrey Maluski
Tired of inhaling car fumes on your London commute? Swap particulate matter for pure alpine air with a bikepacking trip to Méribel. In winter, it may be all rosé-injected après and swish salopettes, but come summer, Les 3 Vallées transforms into a cycling paradise, with lung-busting ascents and views that make the sweat worthwhile.
A good warm-up is the 25km ride to Refuge de la Folie, climbing 1,300m through forests and valleys before collapsing into a well-earned snack. If you’re feeling heroic, put your bum cheeks to the test with the full Tour de Les 3 Vallées – 80km, 3,000m of climbing, and a thorough trial of your will to live. The reward? Panoramic peaks, crisp alpine air, and camping spots in Courchevel and Val Thorens, where you can swap tales of near-death experiences over a bubbling raclette.
Colorado, United States
San Miguel Biking in Colorado, United States
Andrew Maguire
Colorado is riddled with brutal climbs, jaw-slackening scenery, and enough gravel to shake your fillings loose. The Colorado Trail (860km, Denver to Durango) is a high-altitude test of endurance for the truly masochistic, while the Great Divide route (800km) meanders past Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs, allowing you brief glimpses of civilisation before returning to solitude.
For a cocktail of pain and beauty, there’s the San Juan Skyway Loop (370km), where you’ll conquer Red Mountain Pass, tackle the Million Dollar Highway, and soak in Ouray’s hot springs to soothe your spent bones.
Shorter but equally savage, the Alpine Loop (104km) and Kokopelli Trail (370km) promise steep climbs and desert bliss. Just pack extra chamois cream and a veracious appetite for adrenaline.
West Highlands Peninsulas, Scotland
West Highlands Peninsulas
Connor Mollison
You don’t have to travel as far as you think to be plunged into rugged, grit-laced wilderness. Head north to Scotland’s untamed West Highland Peninsulas to pedal (and raft) the Great Western Loop.
A 226km undertaking, also known as Headland of the Great Seas, it kicks off in the tourist-friendly chaos of Glenfinnan before whisking you off into a land of silent, empty roads, gravel paths, and mythical lochs. You’ll be bouncing between peninsulas like Ardnamurchan, Morvern, Sunart, Moidart, and Ardgour – each with its own Gaelic nickname and history.
With four lochs to paddle (and tidal currents to outwit) plus a 5km hike-a-bike stretch that’ll test your mettle, this loop is no small undertaking. Campsites, bothies, and cafes are scattered throughout, ensuring you never truly run out of life or larder.
Pittsburgh, United States
Roberto Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh
Jordan Faux
Looking for a bikepacking destination that leans urban? With its growing web of bike lanes, bike-sharing stations and a robust network of bike-friendly streets, Pittsburgh is the perfect place for a two-wheeled adventure.
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is your gateway to urban cycling nirvana, winding past museums, parks, and enough scenic spots to justify multiple snack breaks. Feeling brave? Take on Mount Washington – a quad-searing climb that rewards you with sweeping city views.
For those who prefer their cycling with a side of small-town charm, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) awaits – 240km of rail-trail heaven stretching from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Mostly flat (mercifully), it serves up rolling hills, forested stretches, and plenty of bucolic stop-offs for refuelling.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, Italy
Gilgarza
While many flock to the shores of Lake Como to ride Riva Boats, suck on spritzes and hang out with Mr Clooney, dedicated cyclists find their own pilgrimage on the steep ascent to the Madonna del Ghisallo.
According to legend, a medieval count fleeing bandits sought sanctuary at a modest chapel, where the Virgin Mary appeared and saved his life. This miracle led to the shrine’s transformation into a revered stop for cyclists, eventually earning the Madonna the title of patroness of cyclists in 1949.
The climb, featured in races like the Giro di Lombardia and Giro d’Italia, stretches roughly 10km with an average gradient of about 5.2%, challenging riders with its steeper sections. At the summit, a quaint chapel houses cycling memorabilia – jerseys, bikes, and a perpetually burning flame honouring fallen riders.
If you don’t fancy pitching your tent (or hauling your bike onto a plane), Il Perlo is the perfect lodging for cyclists embarking on the route, where you can rent Quella bikes for the climb.
Mammoth Lakes, United States
Mountain biking in the Mammoth Lakes, US
Patrick Griley
In the mood to test your lungs, legs and general will to live? Time to sport those padded shorts; we’re heading to Mammoth Lakes in California. Whether you fancy bone-rattling dirt trails through the Inyo National Forest or a smooth, scenic road ride, this place has it all – plus an altitude that makes every climb feel that bit more testing. Sane folk might rent an e-bike for a spot of pedal-assisted dignity, but if you’re here for bragging rights, two routes stand out.
The June Lake Loop serves up lakes, waterfalls, and rolling climbs with narrow shoulders but friendly drivers. Minaret Vista, meanwhile, is a brutal climb to 2,800 meters, winding past ski runs, seismic faults, and, if you survive, one of the best panoramic views in the Eastern Sierra region.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Icelandic
The Highlands in Iceland
Like your socks on the soggy side? The Iceland Fjallabak Track offers a 290km loop through the Icelandic Highlands, promising five days of water crossings, moss-cloaked peaks, and volcanic vistas reminiscent of a Norse epic.
The route meanders through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, established in 1979 – a terrain sculpted by relentless geothermal activity into a patchwork of lava fields, sands, rivers, and lakes. Beginning on the F-210 road, you’ll navigate basalt canyons and glacial plains before reaching the valleys around Lake Álftavatn and then shifting back to black sand deserts.
Two geothermal pools punctuate the route: the secluded Strútslaug and the bustling Landmannalaugar hot pot. The latter offers a chance to refuel with piping hot bowls of soup and hot dogs before soaking those weary limbs. While less committing than a full cross-country trek, the Fjallabak Track demands strong resolve and even stronger quads.
