By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Anyone trying to plan the kurt refsnider bikepacking orogenesis route usually needs more than a single map. You need a route description, enough elevation and distance detail to judge a day, and some sense of where to resupply and sleep. This list compares six books and atlases that cover long-distance bikepacking routes in the United States and beyond, so you can pick the one that fits how you plan. The selection criteria were route detail, geographic scope, quality of maps and directions, and how useful each book is for multi-day planning. This is a research-based comparison built from listing details, publisher descriptions and common owner feedback patterns. It does not reflect hands-on testing of the books.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallUSA Bikepacking Routes AtlasView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for big-picture inspirationGrand Bikepacking JourneysView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Americas-wide road and gravel optionsLonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the AmericasView on Amazon - 4
Best for learning skills and gearBike packing the American WestView on Amazon - 5
Best for a general route atlasBicycle Route Atlas USAView on Amazon - 6
Best for international trip planningThe Bikepacker's Guide to the WorldView on Amazon
Note: Route conditions, closures and water availability change. Always confirm current details with land managers and up-to-date maps before you ride.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas | Planning US bikepacking trips | Gravel paths, maps and multi-day routes |
| Grand Bikepacking Journeys | Big-picture trip ideas | Iconic routes from around the world |
| Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas | Western Hemisphere trip ideas | 200 routes with maps and travel tips |
| Bike packing the American West | Learning skills and gear | Gear and skills alongside named routes |
| Bicycle Route Atlas USA | General US route planning | Paths, trails and scenic routes in one atlas |
| The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World | International bikepacking | 75 routes with detailed maps and directions |
USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas
USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas : Gravel Paths, Maps & Multi-Day Adventures
Best for: Planning US bikepacking trips on mixed gravel and paved roads.
This atlas suits riders who want a US-focused reference for multi-day routing. Its listing emphasizes gravel paths, maps and multi-day adventures, which matches the core need of a route-planning book.
Key specs
- Format: atlas-style route book
- Focus: United States gravel and multi-day routes
- Includes maps for planning
Pros
- Clear US focus that suits domestic trip planning
- Gravel emphasis matches most bikepacking routes
- Multi-day framing helps with pacing decisions
Cons
- Route detail varies, so you will likely need supplemental mapping
- Not a substitute for current land-manager and closure information
Bottom line: A strong first choice for riders planning US gravel and multi-day routes who want one reference.
Grand Bikepacking Journeys
Grand Bikepacking Journeys: Riding Iconic Routes Around the World
Best for: Big-picture trip ideas and inspiration for long, ambitious rides.
This book is aimed at riders who want to see what is possible before narrowing down a route. It covers iconic routes around the world, which makes it more about vision than day-by-day logistics.
Key specs
- Format: illustrated route book
- Focus: iconic bikepacking routes worldwide
Pros
- Excellent for choosing a destination or trip concept
- Highlights routes that many riders would not find on their own
- Useful as a source of planning ideas
Cons
- Less detailed for turn-by-turn navigation
- Best paired with a dedicated map or GPS file for execution
Bottom line: Ideal for riders still deciding where to go, rather than those who already have a route in mind.
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: Western Hemisphere trip ideas across road, gravel and touring styles.
The listing describes 200 cycling routes with maps, travel tips and a mix of easy and challenging options. That breadth makes it a good scouting tool for riders weighing trips across North and South America.
Key specs
- Format: travel-oriented route guide
- Coverage: routes across the Americas
- Includes maps and travel tips
Pros
- Wide geographic range in one volume
- Mix of easy and challenging routes helps match fitness
- Travel tips add practical context beyond the route itself
Cons
- Broad coverage means less depth per route
- Not all routes are bikepacking-specific, so filter for your style
Bottom line: Best for riders who want a broad menu of Americas routes to compare before committing.
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: Learning bikepacking skills and gear alongside Western routes.
This title pairs practical skills and gear guidance with named routes across the American West, from the Continental Divide to desert terrain. It suits riders who are new to multi-day trips and want context for the routes themselves.
Key specs
- Format: skills, gear and route guide
- Geographic focus: American West
Pros
- Combines technique and route information
- Useful framing for desert and high-country riding
- Good starting point for newer bikepackers
Cons
- Route detail may be lighter than dedicated atlases
- Gear advice can date quickly, so check current recommendations
Bottom line: A good pick for riders who want skills guidance and Western route ideas in one book.
Bicycle Route Atlas USA
Bicycle Route Atlas USA: Cycling Paths, Bike Trails, Scenic Routes and Travel Planning Guide
Best for: General US route planning across paths, trails and scenic roads.
This atlas covers cycling paths, bike trails and scenic routes with a planning guide. It is broader than a bikepacking-only book, which makes it useful for riders who also take shorter or touring-style trips.
Key specs
- Format: US cycling atlas
- Coverage: paths, trails and scenic routes
- Includes travel planning guidance
Pros
- Versatile across trip lengths and styles
- Atlas format suits big-picture route comparison
- Planning guide adds structure to trip preparation
Cons
- Not specific to bikepacking terrain or loads
- May need supplementing with trail-specific maps for rough routes
Bottom line: Suited to riders who want a general US reference covering both touring and bikepacking interests.
The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World
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: International bikepacking trips with detailed maps and directions.
The listing promises 75 routes with detailed maps, directions, travel tips and top sights. It is the most international option here and a strong choice once you move beyond US borders.
Key specs
- Format: travel route guide
- Coverage: 75 routes worldwide
- Includes detailed maps and directions
Pros
- Directions and maps give practical navigation support
- Global scope for comparing trip options
- Travel tips cover logistics beyond the route
Cons
- Maps may not match the level of detail needed for remote terrain
- Information for specific countries should be verified locally
Bottom line: Best for riders planning trips abroad who want structured routes and travel context.
Buying Guide
Route detail and navigation support
Check whether a book gives turn-by-turn directions, cue sheets or only broad route overviews. Detailed directions save time on the road, but overviews are better for choosing a trip. Many riders carry a book for planning and a GPS file for navigation.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas, The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World
Geographic scope
Decide whether you want a single country, a region or a global view. A US-only atlas will be more useful for domestic planning, while a worldwide guide suits trips abroad. Mismatched scope is one of the most common reasons a route book feels unhelpful.
Good picks for this: Bicycle Route Atlas USA, Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas
Map quality and format
Look at how maps are presented. Atlas-style layouts work well for seeing the big picture, while larger-scale maps help with terrain and water planning. Check whether maps are printed clearly enough to read in rain or dust.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas, Bicycle Route Atlas USA
Terrain focus
Bikepacking routes are often gravel, dirt or mixed surface. Confirm whether the book prioritizes off-road routes or mostly paved touring roads. A book aimed at gravel will serve you better on rough routes than one built around road touring.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas, Bike packing the American West
Skills and gear content
If you are new to multi-day trips, a book that covers packing, gear and riding skills can shorten your learning curve. Experienced riders may prefer route-only references and skip the instructional sections.
Good picks for this: Bike packing the American West, Grand Bikepacking Journeys
Inspiration versus execution
Some books are designed to spark ideas, while others are built for executing a specific route. Decide which stage you are in. If you are still choosing a destination, prioritize inspiration. If you already know your route, prioritize detail and maps.
Good picks for this: Grand Bikepacking Journeys, The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World
Updates and current conditions
Trail access, water sources and closures change. Publication date matters, and no book replaces current local information. Plan to verify closures and conditions with land managers and recent trip reports before you depart.
Good picks for this: USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas, Bicycle Route Atlas USA
FAQ
What is the kurt refsnider bikepacking orogenesis route?
The kurt refsnider bikepacking orogenesis route is a named bikepacking route associated with Kurt Refsnider. Route details, distances and conditions should be confirmed against current maps and official sources before you plan a trip.
Do I need a book if I already use GPS?
A book is helpful for trip planning, inspiration and context on terrain and logistics. Many riders still use a GPS file for navigation on the road. Using both gives you the widest margin for error.
Which book is best for a first bikepacking trip?
Riders new to multi-day trips often benefit from a book that combines skills and route information. Bike packing the American West is designed around that combination, while the USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas suits riders who already have some experience.
Are these books useful for routes outside the United States?
The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World and Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas cover routes beyond the US. Verify local rules, road conditions and border requirements with official sources before you ride.
How often are route books updated?
Update frequency varies by publisher. Check the publication date and compare route information with recent trip reports and official land-manager sites, since trail access can change.
Should I buy one book or several?
Many riders combine a broad atlas for planning with a more specific guide for the route they choose. This gives you inspiration, scope and detail without relying on a single source.
Do these books cover gear and packing?
Only some do. Bike packing the American West includes gear and skills content, while route atlases focus primarily on navigation and terrain. Check the table of contents before buying if gear advice matters to you.
Conclusion
For most riders planning US trips, the USA Bikepacking Routes Atlas is the most direct fit because of its gravel focus and multi-day framing. Riders still choosing a destination will get more from Grand Bikepacking Journeys, while Lonely Planet Epic Bike Rides of the Americas offers a wider regional menu. Newer bikepackers may prefer Bike packing the American West for its skills content, and the Bicycle Route Atlas USA suits general US planning. For international trips, The Bikepacker’s Guide to the World is the strongest option here. Whichever you choose, verify current conditions before you commit to the kurt refsnider bikepacking orogenesis route or any other long route.
For background on planning a trip from start to finish, see Planning a Bike Tour: Route, Distance and Stops and Multi-Day Bike Routes: How to Choose and Plan Them. If you are still deciding between riding styles, Types of Bike Touring: Credit Card to Bikepacking gives a useful overview.
Sources
- Current trail conditions, closures and access rules for national parks and trails (nps.gov)
- Topographic maps and elevation data for planning routes and terrain (usgs.gov)
- Land access, permits and conditions for routes crossing public lands (blm.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.
