Below are the most common inquiries Erik has received about the Western States Mountain Bike Route, the longest off-road cycling trail in America. If your question is not addressed below, please contact Erik. He will answer your question and may even post it on the FAQ page.

Where is the Western States Mountain Bike Route? 

The route’s northern terminus is located at the Roosville Customs Station on the United States-Canada border, approximately an hour’s drive north of Whitefish, Montana. From this point, the route travels south 680 miles through the western regions of Montana, along eastern Idaho for 115 miles and down western Wyoming for 310 miles. In Utah, the route travels 755 miles down the center of the Beehive State. Arizona is last, boasting an 880-mile section that brings riders to the southern terminus located in Lochiel, Arizona, on the United States-Mexico border.

How long is the route and how much pavement and dirt does it possess?

The Western States Mountain Bike Route is 2,740 miles in length. 1,840 of those miles (67 percent) are dirt and 900 (33 percent) are pavement.

What surfaces do the dirt sections consist of? 

Off-pavement sections mostly consist of dirt roads but also include logging roads, rail trails, ATV paths, snowmobile trails, biking trails and hiking trails.

Is there singletrack? 

The highest concentration of singletrack is in southern Utah and throughout Arizona. There is an estimated 100 miles border-to-border. 

How much does the route climb? 

The route climbs an estimated 185,000 vertical feet end-to-end.

Is the route on public land? 

The Western States Mountain Bike Route enjoys public corridors while weaving from Canada to Mexico. The route crosses eighteen National Forests, three National Wildlife Refuges, two National Monuments, two National Parks and one Tribal Park. State lands include three State Forests, one State Park, one Wildlife Management Area, one Wildlife Area and one Experimental Range.

Would it be a good idea to hike this route?

It is not recommended you hike the Western States Mountain Bike Route. Though this trail visits the most beautiful terrain in the United States, that is not reason enough to hike it. In short, mountain bikes are the mode of choice.

Is the route open to dual-sport motorcycles or other off-road vehicles?

Yes (and no). Nearly 90% of the route is followable by dual-sport motorcycles. There are only a few sections in each state where motorcycles are not allowed due to limited-use regulations. Also, some sections in Utah and Arizona may prove too technical and tight for dual-sport riders. To address these non-motorcycle sections, alternate routes have been developed. Contrary to other mountain bike routes, the Western States Mountain Bike Route welcomes all.

What are the main attractions? 

The route boasts a natural stone arch; the largest forested plateau in North America; year-round snowfields; grizzly bear habitat; the Great Basin, Painted, and Sonoran Deserts; the Colorado Plateau; the Wasatch Plateau; tiny settlements; sizeable cities; prime wildlife viewing areas; the Grand Tetons; two international borders; elevations exceeding 11,000 feet; Utah's Skyline Drive; the Grand Canyon; five states; and countless nuances of Americana.

Do you think I can successfully tackle a thru-ride of the route? 

If you intend to ride the entire route in one shot, you need the physical and mental skills to realize that goal. You should be in very good shape, must like challenges, be an experienced rider and camper and, most importantly, be willing do your homework. If you don't think you’re up for this two-month-long task, it is suggested you explore a section of the route. Many Western States Mountain Bike Route sections can be dovetailed with nearby non-Western States Mountain Bike Route sections to form loops between 100 and 500 miles in length.

How long will a thru-ride take? 

A reasonable expectation is 65 days (42 miles per day). Erik’s thru-ride took 52 days (53 miles per day). His shortest day was 25 miles. Longest was 100. 

Can I camp along the route? 

More often that not, camping options are only limited by your imagination. The key to having great campsites is solid planning. It’s suggested you plan each campsite at least three nights in advance so you can calculate how many miles you have to ride to reach each site. There are campgrounds along the entire route though distances between them vary. If you are interested in staying at hotels, motels and hostels, you can find this type of housing about every other night. However, some stretches are remote with few options for housing.

When is the best time to attempt a thru-ride? 

Ideal months for a thru-ride are, north-to-south, August, September and October. Less ideal is south-to-north, May, June and July. The key is to avoid cold in the north and heat in the south. It's recommended you avoid the Wasatch Plateau of Utah north to Canada between November and June due to snow and cold. And, don’t venture across the southernmost 500 miles of the route between May and September when desert heat melts the hardiest riders.

Does it cost anything to ride the route?

Yes (and no). It costs cyclists $12.00 and motorcyclists $20.00 (as of July 2008) to enter Grand Teton National Park through the south gate. However, it is free to enter Grand Teton National Park via the northwest where there is no formal entrance. If you want to ride the off-road sections of the Western States Mountain Bike Route within the Marble Canyon or Little Colorado River areas of the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park you must obtain a backcountry permit. Backcountry permits are $5.00 per person per day.

If you decide to stay at state or federal campgrounds, there may be a fee charged but it is generally less than $20.00 per night. If you want to camp within the Marble Canyon or Little Colorado River areas of the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park you must obtain a camping permit. Camping permits are $5.00 per person per night. More information on the Navajo Nation's policies for land use can be viewed here.

Where can I find more information on the route? 

Erik is currently writing a travelogue that describes his 52-day adventure on the Western States Mountain Bike Route. Tentative release date is fall 2010. Until then, the following sources are available.

Where can I purchase maps of the route? 

Erik and a graphic artist are currently developing a map set of the entire route. Tentative release date is fall 2010.

Any advice for those interested in riding the route end-to-end? 

Use quality camping equipment; don't bring untested gear into the backcountry; do your homework; think big; go big; stop and smell the roses; and share the tale. And, follow your dreams. If you are contemplating riding the route – just do it!