Want to plan a winter biking getaway in warmer temps? Check out these southern towns, parks, and regions that are perfect for gravel or MTB vacations to taste some warmer riders during frigid Norhtwoods winters.
Holy smokes, the Northwoods winter gets long and cold. Fat biking our winter wonderland is a total delight but sometimes the numbing cold or a lack of snow make the winter something we just wish we could escape a little while.
You may be surprised to find out that not all of the USA experiences half a year of freezing temperatures and lifeless blankets of snow.
If you want to escape the cold winters and a gravel or MTB getaway is calling your name, here are several great spots to check out and add to your itinerary.
Map: Best Winter Biking Destinations
San Diego, CA
San Diego offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking, with a mix of rugged hills, open canyons, coastal trails, and inland valleys. The terrain ranges from smooth hardpack to technical singletrack, with fire roads and bike paths weaving through scenic natural areas. Riders can enjoy a variety of environments, from coastal views to remote, hilly backcountry.
The climate is mild and sunny year-round, making it an ideal winter escape for cyclists. Temperatures are comfortable, and the region rarely experiences extreme weather, ensuring consistent riding conditions.
San Diego’s gravel routes are generally well-maintained and accessible, catering to different skill levels. They often combine road segments with off-road trails, creating diverse and engaging rides that highlight the area’s natural beauty and outdoor appeal.
Explore some San Diego routes HERE.
Tuscon, AZ
Tucson, Arizona, is an excellent and popular winter destination for road and mountain biking with tons of varying terrain, a nice climate, and a vibrant cycling community.
The region has a mix of desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and scenic canyons. MTB riders can explore a huge network of hard-packed dirt trails that see rolling hills and open desert, providing both challenging climbs and leisurely routes. Also enjoy trails ranging from smooth singletrack to technical, rocky descents, particularly in areas like Mount Lemmon, which offers significant elevation changes and varied trail difficulties.
Winter temps have daytime highs typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s and a whole lotta sunshine.
Patagonia, AZ
Patagonia, Arizona, is a high-desert winter destination for gravel and mountain biking almost to the Mexican border. Nestled between the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains, the area features diverse terrain, from riparian corridors to open grasslands, with unpaved roads and trails suited for all skill levels. The mild winter climate ensures comfortable, sunny riding conditions.
Popular routes include loops through the San Rafael Valley and events like “The Spirit World” gravel ride, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes. Patagonia’s rich cultural history and welcoming cycling community make it a unique and rewarding destination for winter biking adventures.
Explore more winter cycling ideas with a Patagonia Gravel Guide here.
Austin, TX & The Texas Hill Country
Austin, Texas, and the Texas Hill Country offer variable terrain and mild winter weather, making them ideal for gravel and mountain biking. Gravel riders can explore routes like the Texas Hill Country Loop, a 316-mile tour of rolling hills and scenic backroads, while mountain bikers enjoy urban trails like Walnut Creek Metro Park or more rugged options like Flat Rock Ranch near Comfort.
The area features a mix of smooth dirt roads, rocky trails, and scenic countryside, with minimal rainfall ensuring great riding conditions. Austin’s vibrant cycling culture and the Hill Country’s natural beauty make this region a top winter destination for cyclists.
Check out the Austin MTB trails and scene here.
Las Cruces, NM
Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a nice destination for both gravel and mountain biking with hundreds of miles of unpaved roads and trails set against the backdrop of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The Monumental Loop, a famous bikepacking route, connects four sections of the national monument, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Events like the DangerBird 250, held annually in late October, celebrate the area's terrain and foster a growing community of bikepackers. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and favorable climate, Las Cruces invites cyclists to embark on transformative journeys through its desert landscapes.
Link to the Gravel Adventure Field Guide for Las Cruces here.
Trinidad, CO
Trinidad, Colorado, has rapidly become a hot destination for gravel biking, with over 1,600 miles of gravel roads that travel expansive eastern plains and the rugged western mountains. This network gives cyclists with a unique, Old West-inspired rural experience, characterized by scenic landscapes, rich history, and minimal traffic—often encountering more cattle guards than cars
Additionally, events like The Rad Dirt Fest highlight the region's growing reputation in the gravel cycling community.
Note that Trinidad still has the coolest temps in this list with January highs of just 49 degrees and February highs of 51 (and lows below freezing).
Learn more at Visit Trinidad.
Joshua Tree National Park, CA
A renowned destination for rock climbers and hikers, Joshua Tree National Park boasts one of the most distinctive landscapes in the United States. Located in California’s eastern desert, the park is named after the iconic Joshua Tree—a unique species that thrives in specific conditions and attracts visitors from around the globe. For gravel biking enthusiasts, the park offers a fantastic experience with nearly 100 miles of dirt roads. While these roads are open to both bikes and vehicles (many requiring 4x4), they provide plenty of route options for adventurous cyclists. Campers can choose from designated campgrounds within the park, with Jumbo Rocks being a popular choice that fills up quickly, thanks to its prime location among stunning rock formations.
The quiet, expansive desert roads and the chance to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets make gravel biking here an unforgettable way to experience one of California’s most remarkable national parks.
Check out this 2-3 day bikepacking route in Joshua Tree here.
Central Florida
Central Florida provides an excellent setting for gravel biking, with trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rural countryside. Riders can enjoy a mix of terrain, from packed clay roads to sandy stretches, offering both scenic beauty and physical challenge. The area’s mild weather makes it a year-round destination for gravel enthusiasts, whether you prefer a relaxed ride through nature or a more demanding adventure. With its variety of trail options and peaceful surroundings, Central Florida is well-suited for riders of all skill levels.
If you're heading that way, make sure to check out Florida Gravel Biking. They have a huge collection of well curate gravel routes all over Florida.
