Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

The route is predominantly unpaved, with about 90% on dirt and gravel roads that can range from smooth to rocky and washboarded. Approximately 70% consists of county, Forest Service, and BLM roads, with another 5% on unpaved four-wheel-drive tracks and singletrack trails. The remaining 25% is on paved roads. While generally not highly technical, some sections may be unridable, requiring you to walk your bike.

Given the varied terrain, riders often opt for a hardtail mountain bike or a gravel bike with drop bars and wide tires. These bikes offer the versatility needed to handle both the smoother gravel sections and the rougher, unpaved tracks.

While not requiring advanced technical mountain biking skills, its sheer length and significant elevation changes (over 200,000 feet of gain and loss) make it a painstaking test of endurance. It's a challenging route, even for experienced cyclists, demanding preparation for varying weather conditions and remote sections.

The route offers incredibly diverse and spectacular scenery, traversing remote mountain wilderness, river valleys, open grasslands, and high deserts. You'll pass through the Canadian Rockies, Montana's wild backcountry, Wyoming's wide-open basins, Colorado's towering mountain passes, and New Mexico's desert mesas. Highlights include the Ute Pass 🏔️, Boreas Pass, and Indiana Pass (the highest point at 11,910 feet).

The route offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bear (especially grizzly bears in Montana), deer, wild horses, and various birds. Being prepared for wildlife encounters, such as carrying bear spray in certain areas, is advisable.

The ideal time to cycle the route is typically from June to September. However, be prepared for varying conditions; snow can still be present on high passes even in July, and desert sections may experience heat and monsoons during the summer months.

While there isn't a single permit for the entire route, some sections, especially those passing through national forests like Arapaho National Forest, may have specific regulations or require permits for certain activities, such as dispersed camping. It's always best to check with the local land management agencies for the specific areas you plan to traverse.

Bringing dogs on such a long and remote route presents significant challenges due to the varied terrain, extreme weather, wildlife encounters (including bears), and limited resupply points that may not accommodate pets. While some sections might permit dogs, it's generally not recommended for the full route due to these logistical and safety concerns.

Resupply points can be scarce, especially in remote areas like the Great Basin. Careful planning for food and water is crucial. It's essential to carry enough supplies to last between towns and to research water sources, which may include natural springs, streams (requiring filtration), or planned caches.

Yes, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is the primary path, covering 100% of the route. It also briefly intersects with sections of the TransAmerica Trail (Colorado) and the Ute Pass Trail.

It holds the distinction of being the world's longest off-pavement cycling route and is widely considered the birthplace of bikepacking as a sport. Its remoteness, diverse landscapes, and the profound sense of wilderness and adventure it offers make it a truly unique experience.