Top Places to Cycle in the U.S.

Our Favorite Destinations for Road and Gravel Adventures

Whether you’re chasing long winding roads, rugged gravel climbs, or scenic paths by the sea, the U.S. offers a treasure trove of cycling destinations that make your legs burn and your heart soar. At LOUIS & JOY, we’re all about bikes as a path to healing, freedom, and everyday adventure—and nothing brings that to life like the right ride in the right place.

From high mountain passes to sun-drenched coastlines, here are our top picks for the best places to cycle in the U.S., whether you’re into smooth tarmac or dusty trails.

🌲 1.

Bend, Oregon

Best for: Gravel & mountain mixed rides

With endless forest service roads, volcanic climbs, and bike-friendly coffee stops, Bend is a dream for cyclists. Ride through the Deschutes National Forest or tackle a gravel loop with views of the Cascades. Bonus: local breweries are bike-friendly, too.

🌄 2.

Boulder, Colorado

Best for: Road climbs & altitude training

This iconic cycling hub is known for its challenging climbs (like Flagstaff and Lefthand Canyon), high-altitude training, and strong community. You’re likely to see pro riders on the roads—and plenty of everyday folks spinning through scenic open spaces.

🌊 3.

Pacific Coast Highway (CA Route 1), California

Best for: Coastal road riding

From San Francisco to Big Sur to Santa Barbara, the Pacific Coast Highway delivers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills. Choose a segment for a day trip or go big with a multi-day tour down the coast.

🌾 4.

Flint Hills, Kansas

Best for: Epic gravel rides

Home to the famous Unbound Gravel race, this region offers wide open skies and a grid of rolling gravel roads that seem to stretch forever. It’s peaceful, challenging, and beautifully stark.

🏔️ 5.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

Best for: Long road tours with elevation and views

Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a cyclist’s paradise. With limited car traffic and constant climbs and descents, it’s ideal for long touring days and fall foliage rides.

🌅 6.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Best for: Lakeside loops, alpine climbs & ski-resort biking. Circle Lake Tahoe on a breathtaking 72-mile road ride with water views the whole way, or take on mountain passes like Monitor and Carson for a high-altitude challenge. But what really sets Tahoe apart is what happens when ski season ends — the slopes transform into epic summer bike parks.

Ski resorts like Northstar and Heavenly open their trails to mountain and gravel bikers, offering chairlift-accessed riding, flowy singletrack, and jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re gliding through pine forests or bombing downhill, cycling at a ski resort in summer is a uniquely Tahoe experience.

🌁 7.

Marin County, California

Best for: Classic NorCal roads & off-road gravel

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin is where mountain biking was born—but it’s just as famous for its swooping road climbs, misty coastal views, and quiet gravel trails. Favorite rides include Railroad Grade on Mount Tamalpais and the Paradise Loop.

🧡 8.

Moab, Utah

Best for: Wild desert views & adventurous terrain

Known for mountain biking, Moab also offers gravel and road rides with red rock backdrops and wide open spaces. Ride along the Colorado River or tackle the La Sal Loop for elevation and epic scenery. Spring and fall are ideal to avoid the desert heat.

🌿 9.

Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota

Best for: Urban bike paths & accessibility

With over 100+ miles of bike trails, including the Midtown Greenway and trails circling the Chain of Lakes, the Twin Cities are incredibly bike-friendly. Gravel routes, river trails, and cafes that welcome cyclists are just part of the lifestyle here (and close to home for many of our LOUIS & JOY fans!).

🛣️ 10.

Austin, Texas

Best for: Rolling road rides & gravel escapes

Austin’s cycling culture is strong, and the nearby Hill Country provides perfect roads for roadies and tons of gravel for off-road riders. Stop for tacos and a swim in the river post-ride—it’s the full experience.

🏁 Bonus: Make the Most of Every Ride

Wherever you’re headed, your ride deserves great gear. Our handmade cycling bags are designed for everyday use on and off the bike—built to handle dust, rain, and coffee stops with equal grace.

Whether you’re grinding gravel in Kansas, climbing the Marin Headlands, or cruising the streets of Minneapolis, we’re here to carry what matters.

🚲 Got a Favorite Ride?

We’d love to see where you cycle! Tag us @louisandjoy and share your view from the saddle. Let’s ride, connect, and keep the joy rolling.