The best gravel rides around Bonneville
4.5
(2)
22
riders
7
rides
Gravel bike trails around Bonneville offer diverse landscapes for cycling, ranging from the unique, vast salt flats of Utah to the varied terrain of the Columbia River Gorge. The Utah region features expansive, hard-packed salt crusts, providing a distinct riding environment. In contrast, the Columbia River Gorge area presents mixed terrain, including packed gravel paths through forests and open grasslands. These regions provide a range of surfaces suitable for gravel biking, from flat, open stretches to routes with varied elevation.
…Last updated: July 6, 2026
6
riders
103km
07:43
810m
810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
2
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
1
riders
13.3km
00:51
100m
100m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
48.0km
03:24
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
56.0km
03:43
450m
450m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Château Saint-Martial de Jarnac is an elegant neo-Renaissance-style residence, built between 1882 and 1884 for Maurice Laporte-Bisquit, a cognac merchant and mayor of Jarnac. Its main façade is organized around two polygonal towers and a central H-shaped plan; the facades are decorated with ceramic panels, a tribute to the founding family. The château boasts a majestic stone staircase with a wrought iron railing, large reception rooms adorned with woodwork and gilded stucco, and a landscaped park. The building served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the First World War and later became a home for art collections. Listed as a historic monument in 2014, the château now houses guest rooms and remains a testament to the prestige of cognac houses during the Belle Époque.
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The Château des Chabannes in Jarnac was built at the end of the 19th century for Baptiste Vert, then a cognac company manager. It is distinguished by its vast terrace offering a panoramic view of the Charente River and a garden featuring a pond and a rockery pierced by grottoes. The château's architecture, composed of a central building, two rectangular wings, and pavilions with round towers, reflects the tastes of the time and the importance of the local cognac houses. The architectural details are particularly elaborate: stone balustrades, a south-facing gallery, sculpted friezes, and a prominent winter garden that accentuates the refinement of the ensemble. This residence, surrounded by a park sloping down to the river, bears witness to the prestige of the region's cognac merchants during the Belle Époque.
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Covered washhouse at the exit of St-Cybardeaux, dating from 1877. Rectangular with three sloping edges, two wash tables were installed there at the time, to allow for a more comfortable break.
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Washhouse with two sloping stone curbstones. It is located along the road, 1.5 km from St-Cybardeaux, sheltered by trees. The washhouse's water comes from a small circular stone fountain, while the water flows on the other side under a bridge once crossed by the Petit Rouillac.
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One of the small sections of the greenway in the commune of Douzat, weeded and very clean, sheltered from vegetation, with a slight constant D+, from south to north.
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Small section of the Douzat greenway, a bit of D+ at the start (from the N-E), but very clean and under cover of vegetation.
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In fact, this building is a small square with a stone table and coping stones, at the entrance to the village of Grillauds, on a stretch of the Nouère at the Grillauds mill, just under the bridge spanning this stretch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Bonneville?
There are 9 gravel bike trails around Bonneville, offering a range of experiences from easy loops to more challenging, longer rides. You'll find options for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Bonneville?
The Bonneville region offers incredibly diverse terrain. You can find unique, hard-packed salt crusts in the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah, providing an otherworldly riding experience. In the Columbia River Gorge, you'll encounter mixed terrain, including packed gravel paths through forests, open grasslands, and even some technical sections with sand or rocks.
Are there gravel bike trails suitable for beginners in Bonneville?
Yes, there are options suitable for beginners. For example, the Bridge over the Nouère in Rouillac loop from Chez Proullaud is an easy 8.3-mile trail that takes about an hour to complete, perfect for a relaxed ride through local landscapes.
Are there challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Experienced riders can tackle routes like the Font Arnaud Washhouse – Forest loop from Saint-Cybardeaux. This difficult 63.7-mile trail features significant elevation gain through forest landscapes and typically takes nearly 9 hours to complete.
What are some scenic highlights or attractions along gravel bike routes in Bonneville?
The Bonneville region is rich in scenic beauty. In Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats themselves are a primary attraction, offering a vast, shimmering white landscape perfect for photography. In the Columbia River Gorge, you can explore areas near the Bonneville Lock and Dam, which offers insights into hydropower and fish migration. The Gorge is also known for its diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to arid grasslands, and numerous waterfalls like Multnomah Falls are often accessible nearby.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Bonneville?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Bonneville are designed as loops. For instance, the Bridge over the Nouère in Rouillac – Font Arnaud Washhouse loop from Mareuil is a moderate 30.6-mile path that offers a balanced ride through varied terrain, bringing you back to your starting point.
What is the best season for gravel biking in Bonneville?
The best season depends on the specific Bonneville region. For the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, though it's advised to avoid wet areas during winter to prevent getting stuck in salty mud. The Columbia River Gorge is beautiful year-round, with lush greenery in spring/summer and vibrant colors in autumn, but be prepared for varied weather conditions.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about gravel biking in Bonneville?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique and diverse landscapes, from the otherworldly Salt Flats to the varied terrain of the Columbia River Gorge, and the range of routes available for different skill levels.
Are there any gravel bike trails that pass by historical sites or landmarks?
Yes, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge area. The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail, parts of which are being restored, offers scenic routes that take you through beautiful spots and past historic tunnels. The Bonneville Lock and Dam itself is a significant landmark, blending engineering marvel with natural beauty.
Can I find moderate-difficulty gravel bike trails in Bonneville?
Yes, there are several moderate-difficulty trails. The Tusson – Medieval Monastic Garden loop from Aigre is a moderate 16.6-mile route, and The Jarnac Quays – Chateau des Chabannes loop from Mareuil is another moderate option at 29.9 miles, offering varied terrain and scenic views.
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