Golden Gravel Trail
Adventure Cycling’s 50th Anniversary Epic Route
The Future of Epic Bikepacking Has Arrived
3,804 Miles
70% Unpaved
8 States
Celebrate five decades of Adventure Cycling with an epic journey from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
This groundbreaking route cuts across eight states — Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon — offering an unparalleled cross-country odyssey. Experience the full spectrum of American landscapes as you traverse rolling Ozark hills, endless Great Plains, stark deserts, and challenging alpine passes to reach the dramatic Pacific coastline.
Designed to redefine long-distance bikepacking in the United States, this mixed-surface adventure combines the technical challenge of primarily off-road riding with the soul-stirring diversity of America’s most iconic terrain. Built through meticulous research and local partnerships, the Golden Gravel Trail is the ultimate celebration of adventure, endurance, and the transformative power of bicycle travel.
on the Route
The Golden Gravel Trail was initially based on professional adventure cyclist Sarah Swallow’s 2015 Trans-America Trail (TAT) ride. TAT is a rugged 5,000-mile dirt road route designed for dual sport motorcycles. In 2025, we worked with Sarah and other route researchers to build a route that better accommodates the needs of bikepackers and adventure cyclists. Sarah was the first to ride part of our new route, pedaling 1,800 miles in 38 days, validating the route and posting her experience to Instagram.
In 2026, you can follow along with Ambassadors Ali Becker, Mat Leblanc, and Meaghan Hackinen as they ride Drop-in Rides on the route. Watch them and many others on our dot-watching page.
Get In on the Ride
Accessibility
The Golden Gravel Trail is set to be the next iconic bikepacking trip in the U.S. To help everyone ride it, we’re giving it away for free in celebration of our 50th anniversary. Everything from the route line to the services to the up-to-date details you come to expect from an Adventure Cycling Route.
This only possible through the generosity of our donors. Help us get this free route in the hands of riders everywhere. Just $18 builds one mile of route.
Golden Gravel Trail
The Golden Gravel Trail represents the future of Adventure Cycling iconic routes, and we want you to ride it! Drop-in Rides are our 50th Anniversary celebration by bike.
Drop-in means you can ride any section at any time, or the entire route. Sign up for free and tell us what you plan to ride, and we’ll show you how to form a group and help you plan your ride with how-to resources.
Follow all riders and tag your trip!
#AdventureCycling50
#GoldenGravelTrail
#DropinRide
Get a taste of the route from our Route Researchers.
Photos by John Hormell, Denny Koontz
