The birthplace of modern mountain biking. And it still sets the benchmark. 

If mountain biking were to have a spiritual home, it would definitely be somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. The trails here didn’t just shape the sport, they defined what was possible on a bike. From the legendary bike parks of British Columbia to the desert riding of the American Southwest, North America offers a scale and variety of mountain biking that’s hard to match anywhere else on the planet.

This is part three of our six-part MTB Atlas series where we map out the best trails across every continent with insights from Steadyrack ambassadors Caroline Buchanan and Remy Metailler. 

WHERE TO RIDE

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Every list of North American trails start here. Whistler Bike Park is the gold standard of lift-accessed mountain biking, and two of our ambassadors have some of their most defining riding memories tied to this mountain. 

For Remy, one trail stands above the rest:

“Dirt Merchant. Located in the Whistler Bike Park, this is arguably one of the all-time best jump trails in the world. Whistler is beautiful, home of one of the best bike parks in the world and a great place to meet people, ride with friends and take trains down Dirt Merchant to A-Line.”

For Caroline, the connection to Whistler runs even deeper. A-Line was the trail that changed everything:

“It was the first time I ever experienced a true mountain bike park. I was a junior BMX racer at the time, and after the BMX World Championships in Victoria, my family made a detour to Whistler. I rented a mountain bike, rolled into A-Line, started jumping all the table tops, and instantly fell in love with mountain biking.”

“What blew me away was the flow. The trail just seemed to go forever, linking jump after jump in a way I’d never experienced before. It opened my eyes to a completely different side of riding.”

More than a decade on, the feeling hasn’t changed: “Whether it’s riding laps with friends, racing A-Line during Crankworx Whistler, dodging the occasional bear on the way up, or simply enjoying one of the most iconic trails ever built, it never gets old. For me it’s more than just a trail. It’s the ride that sparked my love for mountain biking and it’s still one of the best experiences you can have on a bike anywhere in the world.”

 

Top of the World, Whistler, Canada

If A-Line is where riders fall in love with mountain biking, Top of the World is where that love deepens. Caroline calls it her North American must-ride:

“This trail has everything that makes mountain biking special. The alpine snow exposed start, incredible views, technical rock, loam and roots features and long descent back into the creekside valley make it one of the most iconic rides I’ve ever done. It’s definitely most comfy on a downhill bike or long travel enduro trail bike and allow yourself time to enjoy.”

It’s a trail that demands commitment, the right bike, and a full day to do it justice. 

 

Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

Not every great riding destination comes with a world-famous bike park attached to it. Remy is quick to champion Nelson as one of North America’s most underrated destinations. 

“Nelson, BC. Between the food and the trails, this is a must visit place.”

Tucked into the Selkirk Mountains of southern BC, Nelson punches well above its size with a trail network that covers everything from mellow cross-country to serious technical riding. The town itself has a laid-back, arts-driven culture that makes it the kind of place riders keep coming back to.

Moab, Utah, United States

If British Columbia defines what mountain biking looks like in the trees, Moab defines what it looks like in the open. Set against the red rock canyon country of southern Utah, Moab is one of the most visually striking and technically demanding trail destinations on the planet. Trails like Slickrock and Porcupine Rim have been drawing riders from across the world for decades, and the network has only grown from there. 

The riding here is unlike anything else in North America. Smooth sandstone gives way to exposed ledges, steep technical roll-downs, and sweeping desert singletrack with views that stop you mid-ride. It rewards riders who are comfortable on technical terrain and willing to push their limits in a landscape that doesn’t offer much margin for error. 

 

WHEN TO GO

Both ambassadors point to June through September as North America’s prime riding window. Remy sums it up well: “June through September is hard to beat. That’s when destinations like Whistler, Canadian Rockies and the Pacific Northwest are at their best, with trails fully open and long summer days.”

A rough seasonal guide - 

Whistler and British Columbia: Best from late June through September, when the alpine trails are clear and Crankworx brings the whole riding world to town in early August. 

Nelson and the Selkirks: Follows a similar window, with September often offering quieter trails and ideal conditions. 

Moab and the American Southwest: Runs on a different calendar to the Pacific Northwest. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots, with mild temps and firm trail conditions. Summer heat in Moab can be extreme, and winter brings snow to the higher terrain, timing your visit around those shoulder seasons makes a significant difference. 

The Pacific Northwest: For riders willing to embrace some mud, you can stretch your visit into October. Early season riders will find the trails quieter and the forest at its most atmospheric. 

The trails are out there. Now you just need to ride them. 

 

Next month in the MTB Atlas: South America.