Top 11 'Gravel-Grinding' Bikepacking Routes to try for a Self-Supported Escape in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a unique magic that happens when your tires leave the smooth, predictable tarmac and hit the crunch of gravel. It's the sound of true adventure beginning. The hum of the road is replaced by a gritty whisper, a promise of remoteness, challenge, and the kind of freedom that only a self-supported journey can offer. This is the world of gravel bikepacking—a perfect blend of endurance, exploration, and minimalist travel.
Bikepacking isn't just about covering distance; it's about the experience. It’s about waking up with the sunrise in a wild landscape, brewing coffee as the mist clears, and knowing that everything you need is strapped to your bike. It’s the ultimate escape from the noise of daily life, a chance to reconnect with yourself and the world at a human-powered pace. Whether you're a seasoned endurance rider or a weekend warrior looking for a new challenge, the right route is out there waiting for you.
As we look ahead to 2025, the call of the open road (and the unpaved path) is stronger than ever. We've curated a list of eleven incredible gravel-grinding routes that offer a perfect self-supported escape. From iconic cross-country epics to hidden European gems, these journeys promise stunning scenery, physical tests, and unforgettable memories. So, start dreaming, start planning, and get ready to grind some gravel.
1. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), USA & Canada
The Granddaddy of All Bikepacking Routes
You can't talk about bikepacking without mentioning the GDMBR. This behemoth stretches over 2,700 miles (4,300 km) from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, following the Continental Divide. It’s a journey of epic proportions through the Rocky Mountains, featuring remote forests, vast basins, and breathtaking alpine passes. The terrain is a true mix, from smooth gravel service roads to chunky, washed-out doubletrack that will test your handling skills and your resolve.
Completing the entire route is a monumental undertaking, typically taking 6-10 weeks. The logistics of resupply in remote sections of Wyoming and New Mexico are a major part of the challenge. However, the beauty of the GDMBR lies in its scale and the profound sense of accomplishment it offers. You’ll experience the wild heart of North America in a way that few ever will.
- Pro Tip: Don't be intimidated by the full length. Tackling a section, like the stunning stretch through Montana or Colorado, makes for an incredible one- or two-week adventure and is a fantastic way to get a taste of this legendary route.
2. The Tuscany Trail, Italy
Gravel, Chianti, and Renaissance Charm
Imagine pedaling along white gravel roads, or strade bianche, flanked by rolling vineyards and silver-leafed olive groves. You crest a hill to see a medieval hilltop town, its stone towers silhouetted against the setting sun. This is the Tuscany Trail. At around 350 miles (560 km), this route is a sensory feast, combining challenging riding with Italy’s world-renowned food, wine, and culture.
The route is an unsanctioned "event" that takes place each spring, but the GPX file is available year-round for anyone to follow. It takes you from Massa, through Florence and Siena, and down to Orbetello. While the climbs can be brutally steep, your efforts are rewarded with incredible views and the promise of a perfect espresso or a plate of fresh pasta in the next village. This isn't about speed; it's about soaking in la dolce vita.
- Pro Tip: Pack light, but make sure your setup has room for a bottle of local wine and some pecorino cheese you pick up from a farm along the way. The best time to ride is late spring or early autumn to avoid the intense summer heat.
3. King Alfred's Way, UK
A Ride Through 10,000 Years of English History
Launched in 2020, King Alfred's Way has quickly become a UK bikepacking classic. This 220-mile (350 km) circular route starts and ends in Winchester, the ancient capital of Wessex, and winds its way through the heart of historic England. It cleverly links several established long-distance paths, including the Ridgeway and the South Downs Way, creating a stunning loop that’s 85% off-road.
You'll ride on ancient chalk tracks, through lush woodlands, and past iconic historical sites like Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles. The route is challenging, with plenty of punchy climbs, but it's also incredibly rewarding. The accessibility from London and other major cities, combined with the abundance of charming pubs and villages for resupply, makes it a perfect choice for a long weekend or a week-long escape.
- Pro Tip: English weather is famously unpredictable. Pack reliable waterproofs, even in summer. Also, embrace the pub culture—a pint and a pub lunch are an essential part of the King Alfred's Way experience.
4. The Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia
A Journey Through a Unique Wilderness
Stretching over 620 miles (1,000 km) from Mundaring to Albany, the Munda Biddi Trail is one of the world's longest continuous off-road cycling trails. The name means "path through the forest" in the local Noongar language, and it's an apt description. The trail takes you through the stunning and diverse ecosystems of Western Australia, from towering eucalyptus forests to ancient woodlands and scenic coastal heathlands.
What makes the Munda Biddi special is its incredible support system. Purpose-built shelters are spaced a day's ride apart, featuring sleeping bunks, a water tank, and a toilet. This makes logistics relatively simple, allowing you to focus on the ride and the incredible nature around you. The trail is mostly gentle gravel and hard-packed earth, making it suitable for intermediate riders.
- Pro Tip: Plan your ride during the Australian spring (September-November) for pleasant weather and a spectacular display of wildflowers. Water management between the huts is still key, so always carry a filter and capacity for several liters.
5. The Trans-Pyrenees, Spain & France
An Epic Traverse of High Mountains
For those who crave elevation, the Pyrenees offer a truly epic European challenge. While there are many ways to cross this formidable mountain range, numerous gravel-focused routes have emerged that connect ancient smugglers' paths and high-altitude service roads. A typical route runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, covering 500-600 miles (800-965 km) and accumulating a staggering amount of climbing.
This is a route for experienced riders. You'll be tested by long, grueling climbs, unpredictable mountain weather, and remote sections where self-sufficiency is paramount. The rewards? Unparalleled views of jagged peaks, lush green valleys, and a profound sense of solitude. You’ll cross borders, cultures, and your own perceived limits.
- Pro Tip: A wide-range cassette (like a 10-52t) is your best friend in the Pyrenees. Plan your resupply points carefully, as mountain villages can have limited services and opening hours.
6. The Oregon Outback, USA
High Desert Solitude and a Test of Self-Reliance
This 364-mile (585 km) route bisects the state of Oregon from south to north, starting in Klamath Falls and ending at the Columbia River. The Oregon Outback is a journey into the vast, empty, and stunningly beautiful high desert of the American West. The landscape is characterized by sagebrush seas, dramatic canyons, and star-filled night skies that will leave you speechless.
This route is not for the faint of heart. Resupply points are scarce, water can be a major issue, and the exposure to sun and wind is relentless. It’s a true test of planning and self-reliance. But for those prepared to take on the challenge, it offers a deep sense of isolation and connection to a wild and rugged landscape. I’ve heard from many friends that the feeling of finishing this ride is second to none.
- Pro Tip: Tire choice is crucial. You'll want a durable, high-volume tire (45mm or wider) to handle the mix of chunky gravel and sand. Carry a reliable water filter and be prepared to treat water from cattle troughs.
7. The Hebridean Way, Scotland
Island Hopping on the Edge of the Atlantic
If your idea of adventure involves dramatic sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, and a healthy dose of wind, look no further than Scotland's Hebridean Way. This 185-mile (297 km) route hops across ten stunning islands in the Outer Hebrides, connected by a series of causeways and ferries. It’s a journey through a unique landscape and a land rich in Gaelic culture and history.
While not exclusively a gravel route (it uses a mix of quiet single-lane roads and old tracks), its wild character and off-the-beaten-path feel earn it a spot on this list. The main challenge here isn't elevation—it's the wind. The Atlantic breeze can be a brutal headwind one moment and a glorious tailwind the next. The ever-changing light and dramatic coastal scenery make every pedal stroke worthwhile.
- Pro Tip: Pack for all four seasons, even in a single day. A high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. Booking ferries and accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months.
8. The Silk Road Mountain Race Route, Kyrgyzstan
The Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge
This one is for the truly adventurous, the pinnacle of self-supported riding. The Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR) is an annual ultra-endurance event in Kyrgyzstan, and its route is the stuff of legend. While racing it is an extreme endeavor, using the route (or a section of it) for a personal bikepacking trip is a bucket-list goal for many. The route covers over 1,000 miles (1,700 km) across the celestial mountains of the Tien Shan.
Expect brutal, unmaintained Soviet-era roads, multiple river crossings, and breathtaking passes over 4,000 meters. You’ll ride through a landscape of nomadic herders, yurt camps, and vast, empty valleys. This is not a trip to be taken lightly; it requires meticulous planning, experience at high altitude, and a robust bike setup. The reward is an experience that is truly transformative.
- Pro Tip: If the full route is too daunting, consider a shorter loop in a region like Song-Kul Lake. Acclimatize properly and be prepared for extreme weather swings, from scorching sun to snow, at any time of year.
9. C&O Canal Towpath / GAP Trail, USA
The Perfect Gateway to Bikepacking
Looking for your first self-supported adventure? This is it. Combining the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath creates a nearly 335-mile (540 km), virtually flat, car-free route from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C. The trail surface is mostly smooth crushed limestone and dirt, perfect for a gravel bike.
This route is rich in American history, following old railway lines and canal towpaths that were once the lifeblood of the nation's industry. You’ll ride through scenic river valleys, cross historic viaducts, and pass through charming small towns with plenty of options for food, lodging, and camping. Its gentle grade and ample services make it incredibly accessible for riders of all abilities and a fantastic option for a family trip.
- Pro Tip: While the trail is not technical, the C&O section can get muddy after rain, so fenders are a wise addition. The free hiker-biker campsites along the C&O are basic but plentiful, making for an easy and affordable multi-day tour.
10. The Salar de Uyuni Circuit, Bolivia
Riding Across an Otherworldly Landscape
For an experience that feels like riding on another planet, nothing compares to the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. The world’s largest salt flat becomes a vast, dazzlingly white canvas for an unforgettable bikepacking trip. A typical route involves a multi-day loop across the salt, visiting the cactus-studded Isla Incahuasi and sleeping in salt hotels along the shore.
This is a journey of extremes. The altitude (over 12,000 ft / 3,650 m), intense solar radiation, and cold nights present serious challenges. Navigation on the featureless expanse can be tricky, and the saltwater is notoriously harsh on your bike's components. But the surreal beauty of pedaling across an endless horizon, with the sky perfectly reflected on the flooded flats in the wet season, is an experience that will be etched in your memory forever.
- Pro Tip: Meticulous bike maintenance is essential. Clean your drivetrain daily to combat salt corrosion. A GPS device is mandatory for navigation. Travel with a partner and carry all necessary food, water, and emergency supplies.
11. The Central Japan Gravel Traverse
A Journey of Mountains, Onsens, and Umami
This is a route that I, Goh Ling Yong, have been personally mapping and dreaming about for 2025. Japan is a paradise for cyclists, but its potential for gravel bikepacking is still a hidden gem. This conceptual route pieces together quiet mountain roads, old pilgrimage trails, and forgotten "rindo" (forest service roads) through the heart of the Japanese Alps near Nagano and Gifu.
Imagine spending your days grinding up serene mountain passes surrounded by dense cedar forests, then descending into a valley to soak your tired muscles in a natural hot spring, or onsen. Resupply is a joy, with Japan's legendary convenience stores (konbini) offering surprisingly delicious and high-quality food. This route combines tough, rewarding cycling with a deep cultural immersion, offering a unique blend of challenge and comfort.
- Pro Tip: Learn a few basic Japanese phrases—it will go a long way in rural areas. Pack light, as the climbs are long and steep, but always have a small towel handy for impromptu onsen stops. Be sure to try the onigiri (rice balls) at every konbini!
The world is crisscrossed with unpaved roads and forgotten paths, each one a thread in a grand tapestry of adventure. Whether you're drawn to the epic scale of the Great Divide or the cultural richness of Tuscany, the perfect self-supported escape is waiting for you. Planning a bikepacking trip is half the fun—the research, the gear prep, the anticipation. The other half is the pure, unfiltered joy of the journey itself.
So, which route is calling your name? What gravel-grinding dream are you cooking up for 2025? Share your next planned adventure or your all-time favorite route in the comments below! Let's inspire each other to get out and ride.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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