By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Choosing the best bikepacking routes in the world is harder than it sounds, because most riders are really choosing a planning resource first and a ride second. A guide either gives you a route you can roll out of the driveway with, or it gives you inspiration that still needs weeks of map work. This list compares six books that cover iconic long-distance and multi-day riding across continents, judged on route variety, level of navigational detail, the range of terrain and climate covered, and how practical each book is for someone planning a real trip.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallGrand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the WorldView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for global route varietyThe Bikepacker's Guide to the World: 75 Amazing Routes for the Ride of a LifetimeView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for a single countryUSA Bikepacking Routes Atlas: Gravel Paths, Maps and Multi-Day AdventuresView on Amazon - 4
Best for the AmericasLonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas: 200 Amazing Cycling RoutesView on Amazon - 5
Best for regional touringBest Bike Rides in New England: Backroad Routes for Cycling the Northeast StatesView on Amazon - 6
Best for inspirationCyclist Ride: The greatest cycling routes in the worldView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
The table below summarizes how each book fits common planning needs. Read it first, then the detailed notes that follow.
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the World | Riders wanting a well-rounded global overview | Iconic long-distance routes across several regions |
| The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World | Planners comparing destinations worldwide | 75 routes with maps and directions |
| USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas | Riders planning trips within the United States | Gravel paths, maps and multi-day routes |
| Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas | Trips spanning North and South America | 200 cycling routes with travel tips |
| Best Bike Rides in New England | Short to mid-length regional touring | Backroad routes across the Northeast states |
| Cyclist Ride: The greatest cycling routes in the world | Riders seeking ideas and big-picture inspiration | Broad selection of celebrated cycling routes |
Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the World
Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the World
Best for: Overall global route inspiration with bikepacking framing
This is a strong starting point for riders who want a broad view of what the best bikepacking routes in the world look like before narrowing down to a specific region. It suits readers who value a mix of famous routes over exhaustive turn-by-turn detail.
Key specs
- Format: illustrated route guide
- Focus: iconic long-distance bikepacking journeys
- Scope: multiple regions around the world
Pros
- Covers a wide range of landscapes and climates
- Good for building a shortlist of trips to research further
- Framed specifically around multi-day, self-supported riding
Cons
- Route detail is generally lighter than dedicated navigation guides
- You will still need current maps and local information for planning
Bottom line: A good first book for riders still choosing a destination, and a useful companion for a planning library.
The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World: 75 Amazing Routes for the Ride of a Lifetime
The Bikepacker's Guide to the World: 75 Amazing Routes for the Ride of a Lifetime | Detailed Maps & Directions | Tips to Get There | Top Sights Along the Way (Lonely Planet)
Best for: Global route variety with practical planning detail
Riders who want to compare many destinations side by side will get the most from this guide. Its structure of 75 routes, each with maps and directions, makes it easier to move from dreaming to a concrete plan.
Key specs
- Route count: 75 listed routes
- Includes maps and directions for each route
- Includes travel tips and top sights along the way
Pros
- Large number of routes across many regions
- Practical guidance on getting to each start point
- Useful for comparing difficulty and terrain between options
Cons
- Individual routes are summarized, so long trips need extra mapping
- Some routes may need updating against current road and trail conditions
Bottom line: The best pick for riders who want the widest range of global options in one volume.
USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas: Gravel Paths, Maps and Multi-Day Adventures
USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas : Gravel Paths, Maps & Multi-Day Adventures
Best for: Planning multi-day bikepacking within the United States
If your search for the best bikepacking routes in the world starts at home, this atlas is the most focused option here. It is built around gravel paths and multi-day trips, which matches how most American bikepackers actually ride.
Key specs
- Format: atlas with maps
- Focus: gravel and multi-day routes in the United States
Pros
- Concentrated on a single country, so route detail is more relevant
- Good match for gravel-oriented bikepacking setups
- Useful for planning resupply and route length within one region
Cons
- Not a global guide, so it offers little for international trips
- Gravel-focused routes may not suit riders wanting mostly paved touring
Bottom line: The right choice for US-based riders planning their next trip without leaving the country.
Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas: 200 Amazing Cycling Routes
Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas: 200 Amazing Cycling Routes | Maps & Travel Tips | Easy & Challenging Adventures | Stunning Photography
Best for: Long trips spanning North and South America
This book suits riders who want to think continentally. With 200 cycling routes covering the Americas, it offers a range of easy and challenging options, along with travel tips that help with logistics.
Key specs
- Route count: 200 cycling routes
- Includes maps, travel tips and photography
- Covers easy and challenging rides
Pros
- Large selection across a wide geographic area
- Mix of difficulty levels helps match routes to your fitness
- Travel tips help with border and logistical planning
Cons
- Routes are not all bikepacking-specific, so filter for self-supported touring
- Detail per route is limited compared with dedicated navigation resources
Bottom line: A strong pick for riders dreaming of a continental-scale trip across the Americas.
Best Bike Rides in New England: Backroad Routes for Cycling the Northeast States
Best Bike Rides in New England: Backroad Routes for Cycling the Northeast States
Best for: Regional touring and shorter multi-day trips
Not every great route is a continental expedition. This regional guide focuses on backroad riding in the Northeast, making it a sensible choice for weekend or week-long bikepacking closer to home.
Key specs
- Scope: backroad routes across the New England states
- Focus: regional cycling rather than international expeditions
Pros
- Good for shorter trips with manageable logistics
- Backroad focus suits quieter riding
- Useful for riders building experience before longer tours
Cons
- Limited to one region, so it is not a global reference
- Routes may need adapting for fully unpaved bikepacking
Bottom line: The best fit for riders starting out or planning shorter regional trips in the Northeast.
Cyclist Ride: The greatest cycling routes in the world
Cyclist Ride: The greatest cycling routes in the world
Best for: Ideas and big-picture inspiration
This book works best as a source of ideas rather than a navigation tool. It gathers celebrated cycling routes from around the world, which helps when you are still deciding where to ride next.
Key specs
- Focus: celebrated cycling routes worldwide
- Format: inspirational guide
Pros
- Strong for discovering destinations you had not considered
- Broad view across road and touring routes
- Easy to browse without committing to a plan
Cons
- Not written specifically for multi-day self-supported bikepacking
- Less practical detail for turning an idea into a route file
Bottom line: Worth owning for inspiration, best paired with a more detailed planning guide.
Buying Guide
Route scope: global, continental, national or regional
Decide first how far you want to travel. A global book offers variety but usually less depth per route. A national or regional atlas gives more detail for trips you can actually reach in a few days. Match the scope to your available time and budget for travel.
Good picks for this: The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World; Best Bike Rides in New England
Level of navigational detail
Some guides give turn-by-turn directions and maps. Others describe the route in broad strokes. If you plan to ride without a separate GPS file, look for explicit directions and map quality. If you already use digital tracks, a lighter overview may be enough.
Good picks for this: The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World; USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas
Terrain and surface type
Bikepacking routes range from paved backroads to rough singletrack and gravel. Check whether a guide emphasizes gravel, paved touring or mixed surfaces. A gravel-focused book will not reliably describe loose, technical terrain in the same detail as a dedicated mountain bike guide.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas; Grand Bikepacking Journeys
Difficulty and fitness match
Look for guides that rate or describe difficulty in a way you can compare. Mixed-difficulty collections help riders choose appropriate routes. Be honest about your daily distance and elevation capacity, and plan rest days into longer routes.
Good picks for this: Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas; Best Bike Rides in New England
Logistics and travel information
Getting to the start, resupply points, camping options and local transport all shape a bikepacking trip. Guides that include travel tips reduce the research burden. Check for information about access, border crossings where relevant, and seasonal considerations.
Good picks for this: The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World; Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas
Maps and format
Printed maps are easy to reference at a campsite but limited in scale. Confirm whether the book includes maps, what scale they use, and whether the format suits your planning habits. Heavier, larger-format books work better at home than on the road.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas; Grand Bikepacking Journeys
Currency and updates
Roads, trail access, campgrounds and border rules change. A guide is a starting point, not a final authority. Check recent route information, local bike shop advice and official land-management websites before committing to a long trip.
Good picks for this: Cyclist Ride: The greatest cycling routes in the world; The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World
FAQ
What makes a bikepacking route the best?
The best bikepacking routes combine scenery, a manageable mix of terrain, access to water and resupply, and clear navigation. The right route also depends on your experience and the time you have available.
Are these books enough to plan a trip on their own?
They are a good foundation, but most riders add digital route files, current maps and local information. Use the book to choose a route, then verify conditions before departure.
Which book is best for a first bikepacking trip?
A regional guide such as Best Bike Rides in New England is often a practical choice, because shorter distances and familiar logistics reduce the planning load.
Do I need a gravel-specific guide?
Only if you plan to ride unpaved surfaces. If you prefer paved backroads, a general touring guide will serve you well.
How far in advance should I plan a long route?
For international or remote routes, many riders begin planning months ahead to arrange transport, visas where needed, and resupply. Shorter regional trips may need only a few weeks.
Should I check conditions before riding?
Yes. Trail closures, weather, water availability and road changes can all affect a route. Consult local land-management agencies and bike shops before you ride.
Conclusion
For a single, well-rounded starting point, Grand Bikepacking Journeys is a sensible choice. Riders who want the widest set of global options will prefer The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World. If your trip stays in the United States, the USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas is the most relevant reference. Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas suits continental-scale dreams, Best Bike Rides in New England fits shorter regional trips, and Cyclist Ride works best as an inspiration source. For more route ideas closer to home, see 6 Best Bikepacking Routes in the US: Best Route Guides Compared (2026) and Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Bikepacking: A Practical Guide (2026).
Sources
- Official guidance on national park trails, closures and camping rules for long-distance riders (nps.gov)
- Public land access, trail information and regulations for routes crossing federal land (blm.gov)
- Road safety and bicycle facility design guidance relevant to planning road-based routes (fhwa.dot.gov)
Related reading
About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike touring & bikepacking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
