Mountain biking might just be the ultimate guys' activity, bringing pretty much everything you could ask for and then some. Fantastic heart-pumping exercise? Check. Gorgeous views of unspoiled nature? Check. High-velocity, adrenaline-pumping adventure? Big check! Whether you prefer to go mountain biking with a squad of guys or you'd rather hit the trail alone, this is one extreme sport that's likely to evolve from a hobby into an addiction.
The United States is home to lots of epic mountain biking trails but if you want to ride the best in the nation, you should set your sights on the West, where you can find thousands of miles of trails that will lead you up and down mountains, across deserts and through forests. Read on to discover some of the coolest mountain biking trails that the West has to offer!
The Top MTB Trails of the Western U.S.
- The Colorado Trail, CO - Are you up for a long-distance mountain bike ride? This is the trail for you! Stretching across 500 miles of wilderness, the Colorado Trail will take bikers across mountains, along rivers, through forests and over grasslands. Of course, you're not obligated to make the whole multi-day bike ride, as there are plenty of shorter rides along the way, accommodating to mountain bikers of all skill levels. If you do decide to go for the long haul, make sure to pack plenty of extra briefs and riding socks; otherwise, fellow bikers and hikers will be able to smell you coming from a mile off!
- Hangover Trail, AZ - One of the many great mountain biking trails in Sedona, Hangover Trail offers bikers a short but thrilling ride on a narrow singletrack trail along the edge of a canyon. This is a trail for experienced MTB aficionados only and, despite the name, it should most definitely not be attempted while hungover! But if you're up for a heart-pumping challenge and you're not terrified of heights, this might be one of the funnest mountain bike trails you could ever hope to ride. So put on your coolest shirt and boxers, and get ready to brave some of the best technical challenges you'll ever meet on two wheels.
- Monarch Crest Trail, CO - Found in the heart of the Rocky Mountains near Salida, Colorado, this is a high-altitude ride that you'll never forget. Monarch Crest Trail is guaranteed to wow riders with magnificent vistas of mountains and valleys, and it'll also give you quite the workout during the course of its 35-mile ride. This trail is a tough but rewarding adventure, and it can get pretty chilly, so you may want to pack some long johns and a hoodie just to be safe.
- The Tahoe Rim Trail, CA & NV - If you're a sucker for a good view, riding the Tahoe Rim Trail is a necessity. Located on the California-Nevada border, this technical singletrack trail brings riders through the cliffs and pine forests bordering Lake Tahoe, providing them with a spectacular view of the sapphire-hued lake the entire time. If you get tired of looking at that lake, there are also plenty of mountains to behold, and you might even catch a glimpse of elusive wildlife like black bears, mountain lions and wolverines. Just be careful not to ride too close!
- The Whole Enchilada, UT - This mountain biking trail earns its delicious name because it's a recipe for adventure that has just about everything. Located near Moab in eastern Utah, the Whole Enchilada begins in the alpine tundra of Burro Pass before bringing riders on an incredible descent through pine forest, desert cliffs, open prairie and sandstone canyon. Fair warning: this epic MTB trail is not for beginners! And even if you think you're up to the challenge, you should be sure to wear your coolest boxer briefs to keep the agony of chafing at bay. Hell, maybe pack an extra pair…
Cruise the Mountains in Style with Chill Boys Gear
What you wear can make or break your mountain biking trip; after all, if your clothes don't keep you cool and comfortable on the trail, you might find yourself wanting to call it quits mid-ride. Get in touch with Chill Boys today if you'd like to learn more about how our performance men's clothing can keep you in high spirits as you tackle the best mountain bike trails in the West!