The open road calls with grit beneath your tires and horizons stretching beyond the ordinary. The U.S. is a playground for gravel bikepackers seeking routes where adventure meets practicality: challenging terrain, scenic landscapes, and self-sufficient travel. Here are five gravel bikepacking routes that stand out for their mix of wild beauty and ride-able practicality.

1. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Montana to Colorado) Spanning over 700 miles, this route tests stamina and skill with rugged climbs and remote stretches that dare you to keep pushing. Expect forest-draped mountain passes, river crossings, and long gravel roads where nature’s flow pushes your momentum forward. Elevation gain is significant (around 40,000 feet), so pack light but prepared, and plan resupplies carefully in small towns en route.

2. Ozark Highlands Trail Gravel Loop (Arkansas) This loop combines gravel backroads with sweeping views of dense Ozark woodlands and rocky bluffs. About 150 miles with moderate elevation shifts, it’s technical enough to keep you alert but accessible for intermediate riders. The route dips through hollows where creeks chatter alongside you, making hydration planning critical since water stops are sporadic.

3. Kettle Crest Bikepacking Route (Washington) Narrow gravel ribbons snake through the Cascade Mountains here, about 120 miles of solitude and sky-piercing ridges. Elevation gains hover around 14,000 feet, offering panoramic views that reward hard climbs. Expect challenging weather conditions; winds and sudden rain demand layered clothing and a reliable tent for unexpected overnights.

4. Pine to Palms Loop (Southern California) From high desert slickrock to palm-lined canyons, this 180-mile loop showcases shifting ecosystems and terrains—from sandy washes to firm gravel climbs. Elevation gain of roughly 10,000 feet is interspersed with fast descents that urge you forward. The ride requires careful water management and heat awareness, especially in warmer months.

5. Willamette Valley Loop (Oregon) A gentler ride compared to the others, this 140-mile route threads vineyards, farmland, and quiet gravel roads. Elevation gain stays under 5,000 feet, making it friendly for first-time bikepackers wanting panoramic views without severe climbs. The valley’s river corridors offer spots to refill and recharge, but wet spring conditions may require tires with extra grip.

Each of these routes invites you to engage with terrain that’s fiercely itself—demanding respect and preparation. Gear up with durable tires, layered clothing, and reliable navigation tools. Stay mindful of water availability and weather shifts. The payoff: immersive rides across landscapes that challenge and inspire, where every mile is earned through sweat and rewarded by the land’s raw invitation.