People ask me if I would recommend bikepacking as a hobby. I usually thell them I created a website for it, so I think that answer might be pretty straightforward.
But, the next question is usually, “How do you find bikepacking routes?” or, “What are some good bikepacking spots?” To which, I shrug and say, “I don’t know. Use the internet or something.”
When I found the Great Divide, I didn’t do a bunch of research. I Googled “longest mountain bike trail in the world,” and lucked out that the biggest one was here in the U.S. As someone looking for a multi-month adventure, it was an open-and-shut case.
But, what about those who don’t throw caution to the wind and safely plan their journeys? Or people who can’t sneak away for an indefinite time to confront their quarter-life crisis? How do these responsible, level-headed people find bikepacking routes?
Well, this post is for you. I’m going to show you how to find the best bikepacking routes near you and how to prepare for your first trip.
How to Find Bikepacking Routes
Here are five ways to find a good bikepacking route in your area… or halfway around the world – whichever you prefer!
1. Use our free bikepacking route planner.
Not to toot my own horn but uh…
We (and by we, I mean me) created the first-ever Bikepacking Trip Planner. It uses our automated overlords (AI) to plan a bikepacking trip near you. It can suggest potential routes, offer turn-by-turn directions, and create a gear list to help you pack for your trip.
I’m not saying we’ve changed bikepacking forever with this tool. But, we did make it a heck of a lot easier to find bikepacking routes near you.
Here’s an example of a trip I planned while writing this post. First, I filled out the form and told the agent where I wanted to start, the types of roads I wanted to travel, and other key information like budget, starting point, trip length, etc. It suggested three trips to take, starting with this one:
From there, I selected my trip, and the planner provided an itinerary, supply list, and turn-by-turn directions – everything you need to start planning a bikepacking trip.
It’s a completely free tool, and the Pedaling4Pups team promises to keep it that way. Give it a try and let us know if you have any feedback in the comments below.
2. Ask ChatGPT (or another AI robot).
Now, if you wanted to do everything manually, you could use ChatGPT to plan your trip. The benefit is that ChatGPT can have a conversation with you and update its responses based on your feedback. If you don’t like the trip it suggests or the route it creates, you can tell it to start over and provide new directions for future responses.
Here is a prompt you can use to plan a bikepacking trip:
You're an expert outdoor adventure planner and experienced bikepacker. I want you to create a detailed bikepacking itinerary for a multi-day trip. Please include the following in your response:
- Day-by-day itinerary
For each day, list:
- Start and end locations
- Approximate mileage
- Terrain and difficulty
- Notable landmarks or scenic highlights
- Suggested campgrounds or lodging options
- Supply list
Include gear, clothing, food, water capacity, and any tools needed for the trip. Highlight any special gear needed for weather, terrain, or remoteness. - Turn-by-turn directions
Provide a route overview with turn-by-turn directions or at least a general route description for each day. Include names of trails, roads, and any navigation apps or maps that would be helpful to bring.
Please plan this trip for [insert number] days, starting in [insert city or location] and ending in [insert city or location, or "looping back to the start"]. Prioritize scenic beauty, safe cycling routes, and manageable daily mileage (no more than [insert number] miles per day).
If possible, include backup options or shortcuts for bad weather or mechanical problems.
Remember, ChatGPT is a conversation. Treat this tool like an enthusiastic intern. If you’re not satisfied with its results, provide feedback and ask it to try again.
3. Check out community forums.
Don’t trust the machines? No worries. There are plenty of community-based sites where people are sharing their favorite bikepacking trips. Some of my favorites are bikepacking.net and r/Bikepacking on Reddit. The Adventure Cycling Association also has some great forums you can use to chat with bikepackers and get ideas for your trip.
4. Subscribe to bikepacking websites (like Pedaling4Pups!)
When I first started Pedaling4Pups, I wanted to encourage people to take their own trips and share stories with me. From there, I would post them on the blog and build a network of routes created and reviewed by bikepackers.
Well, that dream hasn’t quite come to fruition just yet. But, there are sites like Bikepacking.com that are doing this now. They have a whole network of trails you can browse through and an interactive map that lays them out across the globe.
But, what they are missing are dog-based searches and trails that cater to animal lovers like you and me. That’s why I need your help building our own network of bikepacking trails. If you know a dog-friendly trail and would like it to be featured in a future Pedaling4Pups post, comment below, and our team would love to connect and hear your story.
5. Use a hiking app.
Another option is using a hiking app like AllTrails or Map My Run. These apps are great because they show you trails and paths you might not find on a road map. If you’re doing a single-day or weekend trip, they’re perfect for planning quick adventures and routes that you know other people have tried. You’ll set out knowing you’re heading down an established trail, while the downside might be seeing more people than you’re used to – especially on weekends and holidays. But, where there are people, dogs usually follow, so it’s not all bad to make a friend or two while you’re out on the trail.
Adventure Is Out There: Find the Right Bikepacking Route for You
I’m going to let you in on a little secret – I’m not an outdoorsman. I’m more of a whimsical wanderer who prefers riding a bike than hiking up a hill.
But, I am also a planner. A “schemer” as Heath Ledger’s Joker might say. I like to have a roadmap, set goals, andbe more prepared than I need to be before doing something new.
That’s why I created the Pedaling4Pups Trip Planner. It gives you a strong baseline to start from when planning a bikepacking trip. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but it does show you potential routes, provide detailed directions, and list general supplies needed before setting out. At the very least, it will save you a few minutes when doing your research.
If you give it a try, let me know in the comments below what you think. Or, roast my development skills and tell me why/how it’s broken. I’m not saying I’ll fix it, but it might make you feel better to blow off some steam.
