The 5 Best Winter Riding Destinations in the U.S.

When the northern mountains lock up under snow and the daylight disappears before you finish work, winter riding becomes less about chasing hero dirt and more about finding places where the trails actually stay rideable. While some are lucky to live in a place where you can ride 365 days a year, others among us are far less lucky.

While for many of us in snow-impacted states we prepare to make the transition winter sports or even to a proper off season; across the U.S., a handful of regions reliably deliver: warm temps, fast-drying surfaces, and a community of riders who treat winter more like a second season than an off season.

These are five of the top places where the trails stay great when the rest of the country turns off

1. Sedona, Arizona — Red Rock Prime Time

Sedona is the closest thing mountain biking has to an all-winter sanctuary. Slickrock and decomposed granite drain almost instantly, temperatures linger in the 50s–60s, and the trail diversity is unmatched: Hiline’s exposure, Hangover’s commitment, Slim Shady’s rhythm. Sedona gets busy, but for good reason—this place rides well 300 days a year. Add in events like Sedona Bike Fest and a strong community of riders who pedal year around and this is a must visit destination once winter sets in across the Rockies and beyond.

2. Tucson, Arizona — Tech Heaven Under the Sun

Tucson offers a different flavor of desert: rougher, rowdier, and deeply rewarding. South Mountain–style chunk meets long XC miles, with Mt. Lemmon shuttles adding big-mountain spice even in January. Honeybee delivers fast, sculpted desert flow, while the old-school rock gardens remind you to stay sharp. Winter temps hover around perfection and the winter riding is pletiful.

3. St. George & Hurricane, Utah — The Desert Freeride Playground

Gooseberry Mesa, Wire Mesa, Guacamole, Zen, KLC, and old Rampage venues—the list is packed with iconic winter lines. The mix of slickrock bowls, exposed ridgelines, and modern desert singletrack makes this region one of the most diverse winter destinations in the West. Watch for clay after storms, and snow at higher elevations but otherwise it’s ride-all-day terrain with a freeride soul.

4. Las Vegas / Bootleg Canyon, Nevada — Gnar in the Desert

Bootleg Canyon is unapologetic: steep, rocky, fast, and raw. Its volcanic terrain and desert exposure create perfect winter riding conditions for advanced riders seeking big-line energy. Blue Diamond and Cowboy Trails offer mellower loops when you want a break from the brutality. Plus when you're done you can go try and double your dinner budget at the casino. Unfortunately, that may also mean its ramen for dinner (again).

5. Phoenix / Mesa, Arizona — Big City, Bigger Riding

The Phoenix metro area quietly holds one of the country’s most complete winter riding ecosystems. South Mountain’s National Trail is legendary for its technical depth, while Hawes offers fast, modern flow and jump-trail variety. Sunshine is almost guaranteed, making Phoenix one of the most reliable winter bets in the country.

Bonus Destination: Your Own Back Yard

If traveling to ride is out of the question there is no better place to ride than your own back yard. Whether it's a quick pedal to the grocery store, bundling up and building a frozen jump, or simply slashing some snowy corners down your street staying on your bike is possible year around if you redefine the mission. Not every ride has to be a destination; sometimes the best winter miles are the ones that start from home.

So when the winter blues kick in and the sun sets at 4pm, take your days as they come. Put on your jacket and ride or remember even if it's just tinkering on (or staring at) your bike in the garage with a cup of hot cocoa, there are lots of ways to stay involved in our favorite summer time activity all year around.