Nothing compares to the feeling of speeding through scenic nature trails with nothing but your helmet, dirt bike, and the views around you. There’s a reason dirt biking is many people’s favorite pastime, and it has a lot to do with how exhilarating dirt bike riding can be.
However, not all roads, pathways, or trails are safe—let alone legally accessible—for dirt bikes. Before you start your engine and zoom off into the distance, it’s important to ensure that your destination is dirt-bike-friendly.
Thankfully, we’re here to point you in the direction of places to ride your dirt bike. Take a look at our compiled list of the best dirt bike trails in the U.S.
The 7 Best Locations For Dirt Biking in the U.S.
#7: Sand Dunes of Dumont Dunes, California
Address: 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
Home to an expansive 8,150 acres of available space, you’ll never regret taking your dirt bike to the California-based Sand Dunes of Dumont Dunes. While beginners may find the dunes a bit difficult to climb, dirt bikers of all experience levels should be good to go as long as their motorcycles have adequate horsepower.
Just keep in mind that there aren’t many amenities for miles on end, with the exception of some public restrooms. So, prepare for a sunny day in the sand by packing water and food to sustain you on your adventures.
#6: White Rim Trail, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Address: 321 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
The White Rim Trail stretches for 100 miles. As an unpaved road, dirt bikers are in for a treat, as the bumps and raised hills add excitement to their ride. Situated in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, this dirt biking trail is not only the epitome of an off-roading thrill but also offers breathtaking views along the way.
#5: The Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Address: Russellville, AR 72801
The good news for dirt bike enthusiasts in Arkansas is that the trail riding opportunities in the Ozark National Forest are aplenty. Collectively, all of the areas where dirt bikes are permitted encompass 42 miles of trails.
Here are the locations where off-highway vehicles are permitted:
- Big Piney Ranger District
- Brock Creek
- Austin Trailhead
- Mountain Man Trailhead
- Zing Trailhead
- Brock Creek Lake Recreation Area
- Moccasin Gap
- Buckhorn
- Huckleberry Mountain
- Mill Creek
#4: Arizona Cycle Park, Arizona
Address: 25848 S 279th Ave, Buckeye, AZ 85326
The Arizona Cycle Park is an off-road location where dirt bike riders are welcome to hang out and ride around a looped track. As a racecourse in Buckeye, Arizona, Cycle Park is an excellent opportunity for inexperienced riders to get the hang of dirt biking without the pressure or unpredictability posed by nature-based trails.
#3: The Mojave Road, Nevada
Address: 3675 Needles Hwy, Laughlin, NV 89029
The Mojave Road is made up of roughly 150 miles. This is certainly one of the more difficult motorcycle paths because the Mojave Road is susceptible to countless weather conditions, many of which can complicate the ease at which dirt bikes travel down the trails.
From floods caused by monsoons or fires sparked by a lack of moisture, dirt bike riders can also run into overly sandy or muddy conditions on the road. However, as long as you are mentally ready to adapt to the circumstances and take on surprises as they arise, the Mojave Road is a challenging and rewarding dirt biking experience.
#2: Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, West Virginia
Address: 180 Appalachian Outpost Trail, Man, WV 25635
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System offers over 1,000 miles of wide, open space for dirt bike riding. However, it’s important to understand that people travel along these trails via all sorts of transportation methods.
Explore by horse, ATV, or UTV. (You can even explore the area on foot) But be warned: you might not be able to ride as freely as you envision. On the Hatfield-McCoy Trail, you’ll need to be particularly aware of others on the trails. That being said, many dirt bikers name this trail system as an absolute must-see location.
#1: Slickrock Trail, Utah
Image courtesy of Dirt Bike Utah
Address: Sand Flats Rd, Moab, UT 84532
As one of the smaller dirt biking trails on our list, the Slickrock Trail in Utah is comprised of several different trails. You can start out with the practice trail, which is about two miles long, before heading off on the main trail, which is over 10 miles long.
Despite being one of many off-road trails in the U.S., Slickrock Trail offers more traction than most dirt biking paths. Plus, it’s in the Moab area, meaning you’ll have 360-degree views of eye-catching desertscapes and stunning red rock.
The Top Destinations For Dirt Biking Across the Globe
According to Muskoka, a reputable and reliable Canadian power sports company, these are the best worldwide locations for dirt biking:
- The Golden Triangle
- The Creston to Nakusp Scenic Ride
- The Cowboy Trail
- The Kananaskis Trail
- Peace River
- The German Autobahn
- The Italian Stelvio Pass
- The Switzerland Alps
- The Italian Dolomites
- Austrian Berchtesgaden and Grossglockner
- The French Route de Napoleon
- Switzerland Andermatt
- The Oman Roads
In Summary
If you’re a new dirt bike owner studying the best trails in the United States, you’re likely researching different dirt bike storage options, too. As you become more familiar with dirt bike ownership, you will find that proper dirt bike storage is an absolute must.
By keeping your dirt bike safe and sound with a reliable storage solution, you can protect it from external conditions that could potentially cause damage. For instance, exposure to sun and rain can result in rusting and fading of exterior parts and the overall deterioration of your bike’s mechanical components. And that’s only the beginning!
Instead of running the risk that your dirt bike will sustain preventable damage, why not consider renting a 5’ x 10’ storage unit or private garage for your dirt bike? The easiest way to seek out storage options for your dirt bike is via vehicle storage marketplaces like Neighbor. For local and budget-friendly dirt bike storage options that you can trust, peer-to-peer storage options are the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dirt Bikes Good for Trail Riding?
Take it from the power sports platform, RumbleOn, who says yes. Dirt bikes are great for trail riding!
What Is the “Trail” on a Dirt Bike?
When talking about the structure of dirt bikes, the trail refers to the distance between two points. Point A is where the steering axis of the front wheel intersects with the ground. Point B is where the front tire touches the ground. The distance between Point A and Point B is known as the trail of a dirt bike.
What Does It Mean to Ghost-Ride a Dirt Bike?
Ghost riding is a trick in which dirt bikers hop off their bikes while they’re still in motion. Some people enjoy ghost-riding when their bikes are in the air, while others prefer to jump off their bikes and run alongside them while both wheels are still on the ground.
What’s the Difference Between Dirt Bikes and Motocross?
Motocross is considered a type of dirt biking.
While dirt biking refers to any form of riding along trails, motocross is a term reserved for dirt bike races within enclosed race tracks.
For instance, motocross entrepreneur Ryan Amoils rides dirt bikes, but he is categorized as a motocross biker because he races his dirt bikes in competitions against other riders.
