Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is considered a strenuous test of endurance. While it requires only intermediate off-road mountain biking skills, its immense length (2,700 to 3,000 miles), significant elevation gain (over 200,000 feet), remoteness, and long distances between resupply points contribute to its challenge. Riders must also be prepared for unpredictable weather and potential wildlife encounters.

The route is predominantly off-pavement, with about 90% consisting of high-quality dirt roads, gravel roads, trails, and occasional unmaintained tracks. You'll encounter a wide variety of conditions, from smooth paved sections to rutted dirt, four-wheel-drive roads, and singletrack. It features significant elevation changes as it repeatedly crosses the Continental Divide, traversing wild river valleys, remote mountains, open grasslands, and high desert.

The route offers a constantly changing panorama of North American landscapes. Notable highlights include the Flathead Valley in Alberta, Grand Teton National Park, the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming, South Park and Boreas Pass in Colorado, Polvadera Mesa, and the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. Near the New Mexico section, you'll also find the Rio Chama and Abiquiu Lake.

The best time to ride the route generally depends on the section. Most riders aim for summer months (June to September) to avoid snow in the higher elevations, particularly in Colorado. However, this also means contending with potential afternoon thunderstorms and intense heat in the southern sections. Planning is crucial to manage seasonal weather variations across its vast length.

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route traverses various land management areas, including national forests, state lands, and private property, each with its own regulations regarding dogs. While many sections in national forests (like Carson National Forest) generally permit dogs on leash, it's essential to research specific rules for each segment you plan to ride, especially concerning wildlife protection areas or national parks.

For the majority of the route, especially through national forests like Carson National Forest, specific permits for cycling are generally not required, nor are there entrance fees. However, if your route passes through or near National Parks (e.g., Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton), you may need to pay entrance fees or adhere to specific regulations for those areas. Always check local regulations for the sections you plan to ride.

Completing the entire Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which spans 2,700 to 3,000 miles, can take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks for most touring cyclists, depending on their pace, fitness level, and the amount of time spent off the bike. Racers in events like the Tour Divide can complete it in under three weeks.

Given its immense length, the route has numerous access points. Major towns along the route, such as Banff (Canada), Whitefish (Montana), Rawlins (Wyoming), Steamboat Springs (Colorado), and Abiquiu (New Mexico), offer various parking options and serve as common starting or resupply points. For the New Mexico section, access near Abiquiu Lake is possible, often involving parking in nearby towns or designated trailheads.

Yes, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a major long-distance trail itself, but it also utilizes and intersects with other paths. In the New Mexico section, for example, the route also passes through sections of the "Old Spanish Trail - Española to Abiquiu Lake" and briefly touches the "Old Spanish Trail - Northern Route - Abiquiu Lake to El Vado".

Resupply points can be sparse, with distances between towns sometimes exceeding 100 miles, especially in remote sections like the Great Basin in Wyoming. Riders must plan carefully for food and water, often carrying multiple days' worth of supplies. Towns along the route, though sometimes small, typically offer basic services like general stores, cafes, and accommodation. It's crucial to carry a detailed map or GPS with marked resupply locations.

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is generally not recommended for beginners or young families attempting the entire route due to its extreme length, remoteness, and challenging terrain. However, certain shorter, less remote sections might be suitable for experienced cyclists with intermediate off-road skills looking for a multi-day adventure. Always research specific sections thoroughly for difficulty, services, and bail-out points.