Things to Do & Trip Ideas

The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of adventure for intermediate mountain bikers.

The best way to cycle within the first three miles of the park is by using the Shared-use path. It provides 5 miles (8 km) of vehicle-free two-lane path connecting the shuttle station north of the park with the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. Bicyclists looking for a longer ride can travel along the main park road to the southern end of the park.

Bicycling can be a great way to experience Scotts Bluff National Monument. There are two locations in the monument where bicycling is permitted: the Prairie View Trail, and the Summit Road when it is closed to vehicular traffic.

Road biking the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers cyclists a challenging ride with stunning views.

The Katahdin Loop Road is a 17 mile loop starting on the Swift Brook Road past Sandbank Stream Campground.

Take your mountain bike on an 18-mile roundtrip trail through the woods of the Big Sandy Creek Unit. See different kinds of forest habitats along the way.

The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original 1775 road remnants: Where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775. Bicycling the trail is welcome and a great way to enjoy the park. The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road.

Biking to Wildcat Campground is no easy feat—but a lot of work yields a lot of reward! Enjoy your lunch at sunny Wildcat Campground or spend some time at Wildcat Beach after you bike up and over one of the highest points of Inverness Ridge. This ride starts at the Five Brooks Trailhead. Allow 10 minutes drive time from Bear Valley to the Five Brooks.

This wide gravel trail through Douglas fir forest is great for a family cruise, a mellow ride, or the start of a multi-sport adventure! This trail begins at the Bear Valley Trailhead, at the south end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot.

Explore this little-known dirt road in Kings Canyon National Park: the River Road in Cedar Grove. The traffic on the road is light, so it is good for biking, walking, running, or walking your dog. And it's a great place to escape the busier spots in the park.