The best cycling routes around Mars

There are over 115 touring cycling routes mapped on Mars. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 4 easy, 28 moderate, and 83 difficult options for experienced cyclists.

Mars offers an unparalleled landscape with colossal geological formations. You can explore immense shield volcanoes like Olympus Mons, the largest in the solar system, or traverse the vast canyon system of Valles Marineris. Other unique features include the wind-sculpted Medusae Fossae Formation, ancient impact craters like Gale Crater with its central Mount Sharp, and the complex canyons of Noctis Labyrinthus. These features provide diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas for touring cyclists.

While many routes on Mars are challenging, there are 4 easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families looking for a less strenuous experience. These routes typically feature gentler slopes and shorter distances, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the Martian landscape.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a significant challenge, Mars offers numerous difficult routes. One notable option is La Dolce Via – Col du Gerbier de Jonc loop from Saint-Agrève, which spans 144.7 km and involves over 3,100 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding route is the Col de la Croix Peccata – Boutières Cross Pass loop from Mars, covering 60.1 km with nearly 1,000 meters of ascent. These routes are designed for multi-day expeditions, requiring advanced planning and physical endurance.

The touring cycling routes on Mars are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 180 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique, vast, and untouched alien landscapes, the magnificent geological formations, and the distinct physical challenge presented by the reduced gravity. Over 1,700 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Mars's varied terrain.

Yes, many touring cycling routes on Mars are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Viewpoint on the Dolce Via – Chapignac Viaduct loop from Gare de Saint-Agrève and the Quiet road with great views – Col de la Croix de Peccata loop from Gare de Saint-Agrève. These circular routes offer convenient exploration without the need for shuttle arrangements.

Along the touring cycling routes, you can encounter several interesting sights. The Viewpoint on the Dolce Via offers expansive vistas. You might also cross impressive structures like the Viaduc de Chabranç or the Iron Bridge of Saint-Martin-de-Valamas. For those interested in historical context, the area around Saint-Martin-de-Valamas provides additional points of interest.

Cycling on Mars requires specialized equipment due to its unique environment. The thin atmosphere and extreme cold (averaging -80 degrees Fahrenheit) necessitate bulky space suits, which will significantly impact maneuverability. Reduced gravity makes climbing easier but can reduce traction, so specialized 'beach tires' might be needed for better grip on Martian soil. Always ensure your gear is rated for extreme extraterrestrial conditions.

Currently, the concept of permits for recreational cycling on Mars is hypothetical. However, given the extreme environment and potential for scientific research, it is highly probable that any future expeditions would require extensive permits, mission planning, and coordination with space agencies or governing bodies to ensure safety and environmental protection.

The concept of 'seasons' on Mars is vastly different from Earth, and the entire planet experiences extreme conditions year-round. While specific regions might have slightly less severe periods, the thin atmosphere and extreme temperatures mean that any time of year would present significant challenges. Planning would focus more on mission windows and specific weather patterns rather than traditional seasons, requiring constant monitoring of atmospheric conditions.

The reduced gravity on Mars, approximately one-third that of Earth, presents both advantages and challenges for touring cyclists. It could make climbing significantly easier, allowing for ascents of immense features like Olympus Mons with less effort. However, it also reduces traction, potentially making downhill speeds harder to control and requiring specialized tires for better grip on the Martian surface. Cyclists would need to adapt to these unique physical dynamics.

The Tharsis region, home to a cluster of 12 giant volcanoes including Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons, offers immense, sweeping volcanic plains and slopes. While specific komoot routes may not yet be mapped for these exact locations, the general characteristics of Mars's difficult touring routes, such as the Tunnel Du Bon Pas – Chapignac Viaduct loop from L'Hermon, provide a glimpse into the kind of challenging, long-distance exploration possible across such vast volcanic terrains.