7 Must-Ride Bicycle Destinations in the USA for Vanlife Adventures

🏕️ Intro: Ride, Camp, Repeat

If you're traveling the U.S. with bikes in your van, you're already living the dream. But where do you really want to ride? From high-alpine flow trails to coastal boardwalk cruises, these U.S. bike destinations are worth the miles.

Whether you’re into road cycling, gravel grinding, or mountain biking, these rides pair perfectly with vanlife—and with your bikes securely mounted using Bike-Hook’s no-drill rear door system, getting there is the easy part.

🚲 1. Moab, Utah – Slickrock + Beyond

Moab is a mecca for mountain bikers. From the famous Slickrock Trail to newer flow trails at Navajo Rocks and Klondike Bluffs, this desert playground is made for two wheels.

• Ride Type: MTB

• Why it's vanlife-perfect: Tons of BLM camping and free trailheads.

• Pro Tip: Bring an eBike? Bike-Hook handles the weight with ease.

• MOAB MOUNTAIN BIKING

🌲 2. Bend, Oregon – Forest Singletrack

A hub for vanlifers and cyclists alike. Bend’s trail network is massive, flowy, and family-friendly. You can connect miles of pine-lined trails with easy van camping nearby.

• Ride Type: MTB / Gravel / Road

• Van Perk: Forest roads are bike + camp gold.

• BEND OREGON BIKE TRAILS

🌊 3. Santa Cruz, California – Coastal Cruising + Forest Rides

Cruise the cliffs or climb into the redwoods. Wilder Ranch State Park offers oceanfront loops, while Demo Forest offers true enduro.

• Ride Type: MTB + Coastal Road

• Van Tip: Overnight at New Brighton State Beach, bikes stashed cleanly on your Bike-Hook.

• SANTA CRUZ BIKE RIDES

🏞️ 4. Pisgah National Forest, NC – Technical + Wild

Pisgah’s trails are rugged, rooty, and worth the challenge. You’ll find long climbs, wild descents, and some of the best forest camping east of the Rockies.

• Ride Type: MTB

• Gear Tip: Muddy tires? No problem—Bike-Hook keeps your van interior spotless.

• PISGAH MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURES

🌵 5. Sedona, Arizona – Red Rock Flow

Epic views and unforgettable trails like “Hangover” and “Slim Shady.” Add van-accessible camping and daily sunrise rides—it’s a must-do.

• Ride Type: MTB

• Van Bonus: Plenty of dispersed camping off FR 525.

• SEDONA MOUNTAIN BIKING

🌉 6. San Francisco Bay Area, CA – Road + Gravel + Trails

Mt. Tamalpais is the birthplace of mountain biking. Mix road, gravel, and trail in a single day. Then park near the coast or inland.

• Ride Type: Gravel / Road / XC

• Security Tip: Keeping bikes mounted close on the van with Bike-Hook beats external racks in the city.

• SAN FRANCISCO BIKING

🏔️ 7. Crested Butte, Colorado – Wildflowers + Altitude

A high-alpine paradise, known for long loops and postcard views. Check out 401, Doctor Park, and Teocalli Ridge.

• Ride Type: MTB

• Vanlife Tip: Camp at Cement Creek or Washington Gulch. Bring a tire strap for high-elevation descents.

• CRESTED BUTTE MOUTIAN BIKING

🔧 Bonus Tip: Bike Storage That Moves With You

With all these amazing destinations, the last thing you want is a rack that rattles, bounces, or blocks your rear doors. That’s why more vanlifers are using Bike-Hook, the minimalist fork mount system that attaches to your rear doors—no drilling, no clunky hardware, and tested to carry eBikes and more.