By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Choosing from the best bikepacking routes in the US is harder than it looks, because the country offers everything from high-desert singletrack to long gravel traverses and coastal rail corridors. Most riders who want to plan a multi-day trip without building every line from scratch turn to a route atlas or a themed guidebook. This comparison looks at six of those resources, judged on how well they cover routes across the country, how practical their mapping and planning information is, how much they focus on bikepacking specifically rather than general cycling, and whether they explain the gear and skills a trip demands.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallUSA Bikepacking Routes AtlasView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for planning across the continentLonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the AmericasView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for New England ridersBest Bike Rides in New EnglandView on Amazon - 4
Best for long-distance inspirationGrand Bikepacking JourneysView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickUnited States Bicycle Touring AtlasView on Amazon - 6
Best for the American WestBike packing the American WestView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas | Riders wanting many named routes nationwide | Gravel-focused maps across the country |
| Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas | Trip ideas across North and South America | 200 routes with travel tips |
| Best Bike Rides in New England | Northeast backroad touring | Regional backroad route descriptions |
| Grand Bikepacking Journeys | Riders seeking iconic long-distance inspiration | Focus on celebrated routes worldwide |
| United States Bicycle Touring Atlas | Touring planners on a budget | Route maps plus planning guidance |
| Bike packing the American West | Western routes like the Continental Divide | Gear and skills alongside route narrative |
USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas
USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas : Gravel Paths, Maps & Multi-Day Adventures
Best for: Riders who want a broad, nationwide set of named bikepacking routes in one place.
This atlas suits riders who already know they want to ride, but need a starting point for choosing where. It is built around gravel paths and multi-day routes, so it leans toward the unpaved, self-supported style of the sport rather than paved touring.
Key specs:
- Format: map-based atlas covering multi-day routes
- Focus: gravel paths and bikepacking adventures across the US
Pros:
- Covers a wide geographic spread in a single volume
- Oriented specifically toward bikepacking rather than general cycling
- Useful for comparing several regions before committing to a trip
Cons:
- Breadth can mean less depth on any single route
- Riders will still need to check current trail conditions and closures
Bottom line: The best first stop for a rider who wants to see the range of options across the country before narrowing down.
Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas
Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas: 200 Amazing Cycling Routes | Maps & Travel Tips | Easy & Challenging Adventures | Stunning Photography
Best for: Riders looking for trip ideas that span North and South America, not just the US.
This is a broad-scope cycling book with maps, travel tips and photography. Bikepacking is one style among several it covers, so it works best as an idea generator rather than a detailed routing tool for self-supported multi-day trips.
Key specs:
- Covers roughly 200 cycling routes across the Americas
- Includes maps and travel tips alongside route descriptions
Pros:
- Strong for inspiration and planning a longer international trip
- Covers both easy and challenging rides
- Travel tips help with logistics beyond the route itself
Cons:
- Not specialized for bikepacking, so off-road detail is limited
- Only a portion of the content is relevant to US-only trips
Bottom line: A good pick for riders who want to think bigger than the US, with bikepacking as one option among many.
Best Bike Rides in New England
Best Bike Rides in New England: Backroad Routes for Cycling the Northeast States
Best for: Riders who want backroad touring routes in the Northeast.
This regional guide focuses on the six New England states and emphasizes quiet rural roads. It is more a touring guide than a bikepacking route book, but many of its backroad loops adapt well to multi-day self-supported trips.
Key specs:
- Regional scope: New England states
- Focus: backroad routes for cycling the Northeast
Pros:
- Concentrated regional coverage makes trip planning straightforward
- Backroad emphasis suits low-traffic riding
- Useful for weekend or short-tour planning in the Northeast
Cons:
- Limited to one region, so not a national reference
- Mostly paved routes, which may not suit gravel-focused bikepackers
Bottom line: The right choice for a rider based in or traveling to New England who wants mapped backroad options.
Grand Bikepacking Journeys
Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the World
Best for: Riders seeking inspiration from iconic long-distance bikepacking routes.
This book focuses on celebrated, long-distance bikepacking journeys, many outside the US. It is best read for the stories and scale of major routes, then used to guide planning for a comparable trip closer to home.
Key specs:
- Focus: iconic bikepacking routes around the world
- Emphasis on long-distance, multi-week journeys
Pros:
- Excellent for understanding what big-scale bikepacking involves
- Route narratives help riders judge difficulty and commitment
- Good inspiration for planning a first long trip
Cons:
- Many routes are outside the US, reducing direct use for domestic trips
- Not a practical navigation reference on its own
Bottom line: A strong read for riders dreaming about a major expedition, less useful as a day-to-day route tool.
United States Bicycle Touring Atlas
United States Bicycle Touring Atlas: Routes, Maps, and Travel Planning Guide
Best for: Touring planners who want map coverage and planning guidance on a limited budget.
This atlas covers routes, maps and trip planning across the country. Its touring orientation means it leans toward paved and mixed-surface roads, so riders focused on singletrack or rough gravel should cross-check details against trail-specific sources.
Key specs:
- Format: atlas with route maps and planning guidance
- Scope: national coverage for bicycle touring
Pros:
- Practical planning content alongside the maps
- Good for road-based touring segments of a bikepacking trip
- Strong national scope for comparing regions
Cons:
- Touring focus means less off-road bikepacking detail
- Maps may need supplementing with current digital data
Bottom line: A sensible, economical choice for riders combining paved touring with some unpaved sections.
Bike packing the American West
Bike packing the American West: Gear, Skills, and the Great Routes from the Continental Divide to the Desert Southwest
Best for: Riders planning trips through the Western US, including Continental Divide and desert routes.
This book combines route narrative with guidance on gear and skills. Its regional focus makes it a natural companion for riders heading into demanding terrain, where planning around water, elevation and weather matters as much as the line on the map.
Key specs:
- Regional focus: American West
- Covers gear, skills and major routes such as the Continental Divide
Pros:
- Combines route ideas with practical skills and gear advice
- Well suited to remote, high-commitment Western routes
- Helpful context on desert and high-elevation riding
Cons:
- Regional scope excludes eastern and central routes
- Route information will need checking against current conditions
Bottom line: The best fit for riders focused on the West who want both route ideas and the skills to ride them safely.
Buying Guide
Geographic scope
Decide whether you want a national overview or a deep dive into one region. National atlases help you compare options, while regional books give more local detail on terrain, water sources and services. If you plan to ride in one area, a regional book usually saves time.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas, Best Bike Rides in New England
Surface type
Bikepacking routes range from paved backroads to loose gravel and singletrack. Check whether a resource leans toward gravel, touring or mixed surfaces. A touring atlas suits mostly paved trips, while a gravel-focused guide fits riders on wider tires.
Good picks for this: United States Bicycle Touring Atlas, USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas
Trip length and commitment
A two-night loop asks very different things from a multi-week traverse. Look for route descriptions that note distance, elevation gain and the number of resupply points. Long-distance narratives help you gauge what a major journey involves before you commit.
Good picks for this: Grand Bikepacking Journeys, Bike packing the American West
Planning information
Maps are only part of a useful route resource. Services, water availability, camping options and seasonal closures all shape how a route actually works. Resources that include travel tips or gear and skills sections reduce the number of gaps you will need to fill yourself.
Good picks for this: Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas, Bike packing the American West
Terrain and remoteness
Western routes often involve long stretches without services, high elevation and extreme heat or cold. Match the resource to the terrain you expect. Remote desert and mountain routes call for resources that discuss self-sufficiency directly.
Good picks for this: Bike packing the American West, USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas
Currency of information
Trails change. Closures, new access rules and washed-out sections all affect routes over time. Check the publication context, cross-reference official land management sites before departure, and treat printed routes as a starting point rather than the final word.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas, United States Bicycle Touring Atlas
Budget and format
Some riders prefer a printed atlas they can mark up, while others want a book for reading and inspiration. A budget-oriented touring atlas can cover the basics well, while broader illustrated books suit trip planning and dreaming.
Good picks for this: United States Bicycle Touring Atlas, Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas
FAQ
What makes a route a good bikepacking route?
A good bikepacking route balances interesting terrain, manageable distance per day and reliable access to water, food and camping. Many riders prefer routes with mixed surfaces that stay off heavily trafficked roads, though preferences vary with experience and bike setup.
Do I need a specialized bikepacking atlas, or will a touring map work?
A touring map can work for paved or mostly paved trips. For gravel and off-road routes, a bikepacking-specific resource usually gives better surface information. Many riders use both, combining a printed atlas with a digital navigation file.
How far should I ride per day on a bikepacking trip?
Daily distance depends on fitness, terrain, weather and how much gear you carry. Many new riders plan shorter days on rough surfaces and extend them as they gain experience. Route resources that list daily stages can help you set realistic targets.
Are these routes safe to ride alone?
Solo bikepacking is common, but it carries real risks, especially in remote Western terrain. Tell someone your route and expected check-in times, carry navigation and emergency gear, and check current conditions. For medical or safety planning specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.
How do I know if a route guide is up to date?
Look for publication dates and whether the author notes route status. Cross-check trail closures and access rules with the land management agency responsible for the area before you leave. Printed routes can drift out of date, so verify key sections.
Should I buy a book or use digital maps?
Many riders use both. Books offer curated route ideas and context, while digital files give turn-by-turn guidance and easy updates. A printed atlas is useful as a backup and for planning at home.
Conclusion
For a broad national overview, USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas is the most direct starting point. Riders focused on the American West will get the most from Bike packing the American West, which pairs route ideas with practical skills. Those planning a Northeast trip should look at Best Bike Rides in New England, while touring planners on a budget will find the United States Bicycle Touring Atlas practical. For inspiration toward a major expedition, Grand Bikepacking Journeys is the strongest read, and Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas suits riders thinking beyond the US border.
For more regional planning, see Bike Trails in Georgia: 6 Best Routes and Guides Compared (2026) and Bike Trails in Los Angeles CA: 8 Best Routes for Every Rider. Riders focused on gear may also find Bikepacking Top Tube Bag: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026) and Ortlieb Gravel Pack Bikepacking Panniers: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026) useful, and Bikepacking First Aid Kit: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026) covers an essential item for remote trips.
Sources
- Current trail conditions, closures and access rules for national park units along popular bikepacking corridors (nps.gov)
- Land management guidance for public lands in the Western US, including camping rules and seasonal restrictions (blm.gov)
- Topographic and water resource data useful for judging elevation and remote water availability (usgs.gov)
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.
