RVing on 2 Wheels: Exploring Biking Options on the Road

Cycling is one of the very best ways to get outside and explore all the beauty this country has to offer. Because of this, it really goes hand in hand with RVing. The RV takes you out into the wilderness, and the bike allows you to navigate even deeper into the nooks and crannies of the world. 

While you can find amazing bike paths pretty much anywhere you roam, there are some places that offer some especially amazing cycling opportunities. In this article we will discuss some of my favorite states for biking, as well as the trails that I think make these states stand out from the crowd. 

Arizona

Let’s begin with the absolutely stunning state of Arizona. This place boasts warm temperatures that are perfect for biking almost year-round, and especially in winter when other places might be too cold for biking. Best of all, the scenery is pretty darn hard to beat.

Best Bike Trails in Arizona

Mescal Trail 

Best for intermediate riders, the two-mile Mescal Trail features some awesome slickrock riding that you’re sure to love. Additionally, you get to enjoy some beautiful views from Courthouse Butte. 

Bell Rock Trail 

An easy trail that is ideal for beginners, Bell Rock Trail in Sedona offers a gradual climb and a super fun descent that isn’t too thrilling for the more timid cyclists out there. To top it off, you get to ride the entire trail with a view of Bell Rock!

Mt. Lemmon Climb 

Hoping for a good challenging climb? The Mt. Lemmon Climb might be for you! Located in Sedona, this one is rated as difficult, and rightfully so. Make sure you pack plenty of food, water, and stamina so you can make it to the top and you’ll be rewarded with some amazing views. 

Cactus Forest Loop 

Located in Saguaro National Park, Cactus Forest Loop is a leisurely ride through a seriously epic cactus forest. It does involve a little bit of climbing and you do have to avoid cars along the way, but overall the trail can be tackled by pretty much anyone willing to ride a 10-mile loop. 

RV Camping in Arizona

Arizona is a very RV-friendly state. Because of this, you should have no trouble at all finding places to park your RV when you visit. 

Camping in Sedona

• Luxury Camping: Rancho Sedona RV Park 
• Dry Camping: Pine Flat Campground

Camping Tucson

• Luxury Camping: Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort 
• Dry Camping: Snyder Hill BLM

California

Next on our list is California. An amazingly diverse state, this place is home to hundreds of biking trails, including dozens of wonderful mountain biking paths in areas like Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. Really, you’ll likely find good cycling opportunities no matter which part of California you visit, but these are our favorites. 

Best Bike Trails in California

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride 

As you might have guessed, the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride trail is…well, a wild ride. It starts with a difficult climb, but then offers plenty of sharp turns and technical challenges along the way. This makes it ideal for advanced riders who are in search of a challenge while spending time in the Lake Tahoe area. 

Pope Baldwin Bike Path 

Pope Baldwin Bike Path in the Lake Tahoe area is great because it is a short 3.4-mile path that is totally paved. This makes it ideal for riders of all levels. That said, the path is anything but boring. This is because it passes by several gorgeous beaches, a historic site, and more. 

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail 

Did you know Yosemite National Park is an awesome bicycling destination? Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is the perfect easy trail that can be ridden by beginners and even kids. It even takes you by some of the park’s most popular sights, removing the need to drive through the loop (which is amazing when the park is busy).

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail 

Want a more difficult trail to tackle while in Yosemite? The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail might be the answer. This is a short 6.6-mile trail, but it hosts some pretty tough challenges. Your reward? Some seriously beautiful waterfall views. 

RV Camping in California

Campgrounds in California have a tendency to be a bit more expensive than in other states. Still, they are plentiful, and if money is a concern, there is also the option of boondocking, which is what I tend to do. 

Camping near Lake Tahoe

• Luxury Camping: Tahoe Valley Campground 
• Dry Camping: Fallen Leaf Campground

Camping near Yosemite

• Luxury Camping: Yosemite Lakes RV Campground 
• Dry Camping: Upper Pines Campgrounds 

Colorado

Gorgeous landscapes and plenty of mountains make Colorado the ideal destination for mountain bikers. If you’re looking for some challenging yet rewarding trails, we recommend spots like Crested Butte and Fruita. Just make sure you go in prepared to push yourself!

Best Bike Trails in Colorado

Trail 401 

Trail 401 is considered by many to be the cream of the crop when it comes to biking trails in Crested Butte. This trail includes a tough climb, some incredible views, and of course, a thrilling descent that is not for the faint of heart. Keep in mind, this trail is rated for advanced riders, and there is a reason why. 

Lower Loop Trail 

Those in need of something for intermediate and advanced beginner riders should check out the Lower Loop Trail in Gunnison National Forest. This straightforward path offers a very pleasant ride, but does still throw in a few challenges for a bit of fun.

Joe’s Ridge 

If you find yourself in Fruita, Joe’s Ridge is a must-do. This trail is suitable for all levels, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. On the contrary, this amazing trail includes beautiful views, a relatively easy climb, and best of all, a super thrilling ride down that you won’t soon forget. 

Zippity Do Da Trail 

The Zippity Do Da Trail certainly lives up to its name. This 8-mile trail zips riders along, offering some breathtaking thrills and some serious challenges along the way. This is not an easy trail and only advanced riders should attempt it. 

RV Camping in Colorado

We have also found that Colorado campgrounds are on the pricey side. That said, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a campground, and we love the state enough to pay those higher prices.

Camping in Crested Butte

• Luxury Camping: Crested Butte RV Park
• Dry Camping: Kebler Pass Designated Dispersed Campsites

Camping in Fruita

• Luxury Camping: Monument RV Resort 
• Dry Camping: Pike Ridge Dispersed Camping 

Oregon

Oregon is another bike-lover’s dream come true. This lovely state boasts bike-friendly cities such as Portland, but better than that, it is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor areas around. There are trails for all levels, so find one that suits you and get ready to have an amazing time cycling the Beaver State.

Best Bike Trails in Oregon

Whoopdee Trail 

Another trail with a name that suits it perfectly, the 9-mile Whoopdee Trail in Columbia River Gorge includes a nice climb as well as plenty of exciting twists and turns. Just be sure to watch out for hikers, as this is a multi-use trail. 

Pilot Butte 

The city of Bend is a lovely place. Why not get a good look at it by climbing Pilot Butte? This moderately challenging trail will give you an excellent workout as you make your ascent, and the ride down is a fast and exhilarating reward for your efforts.   

Tumalo Creek Falls via North Fork Trail #24.2 

Located in Deschutes National Forest outside of Bend, Tumalo Creek Falls via North Fork Trail #24.2 is great for intermediate riders looking to challenge themselves. It provides a steady climb and lovely views of the waterfalls. Again, this is a multi-use trail and it is popular with hikers, so be aware of that. 

RV Camping in Oregon

RV campgrounds are scattered all across the state of Oregon. My family has found a number of wonderful campgrounds in this state and we’re guessing you’ll find one that you love as well.

Camping in Columbia River Gorge

• Luxury Camping: Harvest RV Park
• Dry Camping: Lost Lake Campground 

Camping in Bend

• Luxury Camping: Bend-Sunriver RV Campground
• Dry Camping: Harrington Loop Road Dispersed Camping

Utah

Speaking of beautiful views, we can’t forget to mention Utah. With its incredible geological formations and vast natural areas, this state offers some awesome bicycling opportunities that you are definitely going to want to seize. Our favorite places to go cycling in Utah? Moab and St. George, for sure!

Best Bike Trails in Utah

Shafer Trail

Located in Canyonlands National Park, Shafer Trail is for advanced riders who enjoy a good thrill. This ride takes you down into the canyon and includes gorgeous views, some dangerous drop-offs, and lots of speed on the downhill sections. Watch out for off-roading vehicles!

Slickrock Bike Trail

Slickrock Bike Trail is another difficult ride that is well worth checking out if you are an advanced cyclist. Found in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, the trail is an 8.9-mile loop and offers just the right amount of challenge, which is balanced by the amazing views. 

Turtle Wall and Paradise Rim Loop

Intermediate riders should check out Turtle Wall and Paradise Rim Loop. This is a 3.8-mile ride with beautiful rock formations and varying terrain, meaning you aren’t likely to get bored along the way. Make sure to watch out for drop-offs, which are plentiful along this trail. 

Virgin River North Trail 

The beginners out there will be happy to learn that Utah also has a fabulous trail for them. The Virgin River North Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that is perfect for beginners, kids, and those just looking for a leisurely ride. It follows the river, meaning you will be treated to lovely views the entire ride. 

RV Camping in Utah

Like Arizona, Utah is a very RV-friendly state. RV parks are found pretty much everywhere in the state and boondocking spots are also easy enough to find. 

Camping in Moab

• Luxury Camping: Sun Outdoors Moab
• Dry Camping: Gemini Bridges Road Designated Campsites

Camping in St. George

• Luxury Camping: Temple View RV Resort 
• Partial Hookup OR Dry Camping: Snow Canyon Campground

Washington

Last on my list is the amazing state of Washington. Like Oregon, this place offers some great urban cycling opportunities and even better biking in amazing natural areas. Olympic National Park and Columbia River Gorge are our two favorite places to take our bikes in this lovely state. 

Best Bike Trails in Washington

Olympic Discovery Trail Adventure Route

Located in Olympic National Park, the Olympic Discovery Trail Adventure Route is great for intermediate riders. With moderately difficult climbs and a flowy descent, this is a super fun trail that you’re sure to appreciate. 

Spruce Railroad Trail

Another trail found in Olympic National Park, the Spruce Railroad Trail is good for all levels. It is 11.2 miles long and includes a tunnel and a bridge. Riders will also get to enjoy some of the most incredible scenery out there as they tackle this ride. 

Coyote Wall Loop Trail 

One of the best biking trails in Columbia River Gorge, the Coyote Wall Loop Trail is best for intermediate cyclists. This one offers plenty of challenges, keeping riders on their toes. It also includes some cool views, and during certain times of year, the wild flowers along the route are stunning. 

RV Camping in Washington

In my opinion, RVing is the only way to see Washington State. This is easily one of the most beautiful places in the country, and being able to park your home-on-wheels in the middle of all this beauty is simply incredible. 

Camping in Olympic National Park

• Luxury Camping: Quileute Oceanside Resort 
• Dry Camping: Hoh Campground 

The states and trails listed above are amazing, to be sure. That said, they are really just the tip of the iceberg. After exploring some of these spots, why not venture out on our own to see what other awesome bike paths you might come across? Maybe you’ll find a favorite that isn’t even listed here!