13 Best Winter Biking Trails & Cycling Destinations in the USA

Winter is still in full swing, with the cold crisp air and trees bare in certain parts of the country. Snowbirds have already flown the coop and have settled in warmer destinations, while others are looking for a better way to enjoy the outdoors right where they’re at. At Aventon, we love an excuse to get in the saddle and take our ebikes off-the-beaten path wherever we can find a place to do it. We prefer fresh air and connecting with the outside world, to be among nature and all the beauty that it provides. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best winter cycling destinations in the country with beautiful mountain views, the lush greenery of the everglades, and picturesque desert landscapes all right from your handlebars.

Come sunshine, or cloudy weather, we’ve got just what you’re looking for to explore more of the outdoors. As always, it’s best practice to consult with your local regulations to ensure that electric bikes are permitted in the trails near you, or wherever it is you plan on going.

Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes, CA

Mammoth Mountain and the Mammoth Lakes area is located in the stunning Eastern Sierra region of California. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who come to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and biking! The area has plenty of fat tire biking trails for riders of all skill levels with beautiful mountain views and lush forest landscape. So, instead of having to Google “great snow, fat biking trails in California,” we’ve done the work for you. The Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers boundless recreation opportunities on more than 300 miles of trails. Check out these trails options on your next Mammoth adventure and some possible snow biking:

The Lakes Basin Pathway: This flat, easy trail follows the shores of several lakes in the Mammoth Lakes area and offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but is also suitable for fat bikes.

The Mammoth Rock Trail: This intermediate-level trail is located near Mammoth Mountain and offers a mix of singletrack and doubletrack trails through the forest. The Mammoth Rock Trail is a popular recreational trail located in Mammoth, California. It is a 4-mile out-and-back trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trailhead for the Mammoth Rock Trail is located near the town of Mammoth Lakes.

Before you set out, be sure to check the weather forecast and bring plenty of water, food, and other supplies. It is also a good idea to let someone know your planned route and expected return time, in case of an emergency. Finally, be sure to follow all Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural surroundings so that others can continue to enjoy the ride! Get ready for the best snow fat tire biking in California.

Methow Valley, Washington

The Methow Valley in Washington is a great destination for winter biking, with over 120 miles of groomed trails to choose from. The trails range in difficulty from easy to expert, so there is something for everyone! One of the standout features of the Methow Valley trail system is its groomed network of trails, which are maintained by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA). The MVSTA has a fleet of grooming machines that work to keep the trails in top condition, making it easier and more enjoyable to ride. Here are a few of the standout trails in the Methow Valley:

The Sun Mountain Loop: A 13-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trailhead for the Sun Mountain Loop is located near the town of Winthrop, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

The Rendezvous Trail: This intermediate-level trail is located near the Methow Valley Ranger District and offers a mix of singletrack and doubletrack through the forest. This is a long-distance trail that winds through the Methow Valley and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering a variety of landscapes and scenic vistas along the way. The trailhead for the Rendezvous Trail is located near the town of Winthrop, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

The Twisp River Trail: This intermediate-level trail is located near the Twisp River and offers a mix of singletrack and doubletrack through the forest. The Twisp River Trail follows the Twisp River for a portion of its length and offers a variety of landscapes and scenic vistas along the way.

The Methow Valley also offers a number of other amenities for cold weather biking, including lessons, and guided tours!

Tucson, Arizona: Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon is located in the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona. It’s the highest point in the range, with an elevation of 9,157 feet, and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals who want to find a little warmer weather, beautiful scenery, and all the recreational opportunities that the mountain has to offer. There are several recreational facilities on the mountain, including a ski resort, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The mountain is also home to a number of research facilities, including the Mount Lemmon Observatory. There’s also plenty of fat bike trails to choose from to enjoy the desert landscape:

The Lemmon Rock Trail: This intermediate-level trail is located near the top of Mount Lemmon and offers stunning views of the Tucson area. It is a mix of singletrack and doubletrack and is suitable for mountain bikes or fat bikes. The exact length of the trail may vary depending on the specific route that is taken, but it is generally considered to be a challenging trail for more experienced riders.

The Marshall Gulch Trail: This trail is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and offers a mix of singletrack and doubletrack through the forest. The trail winds through the mountains and offers a variety of landscapes and scenic vistas along the way. Some notable features of the Marshall Gulch Trail include the Marshall Gulch Falls, the Thimble Peak Lookout, and the Aspen Fire Memorial.

The Molino Basin Trail: Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, this trail offers a mix of singletrack and doubletrack through the forest. Molino Basin Trail includes the Molino Basin Campground and the Molino Basin Overlook which gives stunning views of the basin and rock formations and the desert stretched out before you.

Electric bikes are allowed on the trails at Mount Lemmon and are subject to the same rules and regulations as standard bikes. This means riders have to stay on designated trails. Check the trail conditions and consult a local bike shop or trail guide to determine which trails are best for you.

Everglades City, FL: Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park in Everglades City, Florida is a unique and beautiful destination for winter biking for ebikes with a motor that is 750W or less. The park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including alligators, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The park also has a number of trails ranging from easy, flat trails to more challenging, hilly routes. One of the standout features of Everglades is its unique ecosystem. The park is home to a variety of wetlands, including sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks. It’s also home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the American crocodile. Here are some of the best trails that run through the park:

The Anhinga Trail: This easy, flat trail is located near the Royal Palm Visitor Center and is suitable for riders of all skill levels. The Anhinga Trail is a self-guided boardwalk trail that winds through a wetland habitat with great views of the wildlife!

The West Lake Trail: This intermediate-level trail is located near the West Lake Campground and offers a mix of singletrack and doubletrack through the forest. The trail winds through a wetland habitat and offers the opportunity to see a variety of plants and animals, including alligators, wading birds, and turtles.

The Long Pine Key Nature Trail: This easy trail is located near the Long Pine Key Campground with scenic views through pine forest and views of the beautiful everglade landscape with plenty of wildlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, Everglades National Park also offers a number of amenities for winter bikers, including guided tours and a number of visitor centers where you can learn more about the park's history and ecosystem.Take your ebike through the Everglades, with some of the best winter garden bike trails in the country!

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis and the twin cities area is a great place for winter cycling, with many trails that offer a variety of scenic views and plenty of snowy terrain. No matter how cold it seems get up there in that northern midwest city, nothing will stop the locals or visitors from getting outside and staying active. Some of the best trails for winter biking in Minnesota include:

Lebanon Hills Regional Park: The park offers over 20 miles of groomed trails for winter cycling, as well as trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. It’s located in the city of Eagan, just south of Minneapolis and is easily accessible from the city. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a 2,000-acre park that features a variety of recreational amenities, including a swimming beach, fishing piers, and a campground. In the winter months, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the beauty of the Minnesota winter.

Wirth Winter Recreation Area: Located in the heart of Minneapolis, this park offers over 10 miles of groomed trails for winter cycling and fat tire biking. The park is located in the heart of Minneapolis and is easily accessible from the city. The Wirth Winter Recreation Area is part of the larger Theodore Wirth Park, which offers over 1,300 acres of parkland for outdoor recreation.

Remember to always be prepared when cycling in the winter, as the weather can be unpredictable and the trails can be slippery. It’s important to dress in layers, wear proper footwear, and bring along some essential supplies in case of an emergency.

Affirm Financing

Looking for a quick way to hop in the saddle and hit the road? At Aventon we offer Affirm financing. It’s the perfect way to get you rolling in no time with flexible payment terms ranging from 3 to 36 months, so you can choose a payment schedule that better fits your budget! There’s no hidden fees, either. Affirm clearly discloses all pricing upfront, so you know exactly what you'll be paying. The process is quick and easy. Simply apply for an Affirm loan online in just a few minutes. You’ll know the total cost of your loan, including interest, before you agree to the loan terms. And there’s zero impact on your credit score! Find your freedom through Affirm and enjoy the ride of a lifetime. Get ready to feel the wind in your hair again.

Find Your Freedom

Find your favorite trails and tell us about it! We’d love to know what places to highlight next so we can continue to share more of the best places to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Remember to use best safety practices, and enjoy the ride!