Bike packing the American West: Gear, Skills, and the Great Routes from the Continental Divide to the Desert Southwest

The American West holds the greatest concentration of bikepacking routes on the continent, from the legendary Great Divide to the slickrock and sand of the desert Southwest. This guide is for riders ready to leave pavement behind and carry everything they need on two wheels.Inside you will find practical guidance on choosing a capable bike, packing soft luggage, dialing in your setup, and managing food and water across long stretches of remote country. The great routes of the region are described in detail, with the terrain, seasons, and logistics that define each one.Whether you are planning your first overnight on dirt roads or a multi-week traverse of the Continental Divide, this guide meets you at your level. It covers skills, safety, navigation, and the mindset that keeps riders moving through wild and committing terrain.The backcountry is calling. Load your frame bags, study these pages, and roll out toward some of the finest dirt riding the West has to offer. Read more