Self Guided Cycling Trips in USA

Pedaling towards Bryce Canyon National Park

The key benefits of self-guided cycling tours in North America are their flexibility and affordability. As the name suggests, a self-guided cycling trip in the United States allows you to set your own pace and daily itinerary. Start the day when it suits you and linger at sights and attractions as long as you like.

With luggage transfers, detailed route notes, and maps provided, self-guided cycling trips offer a deeper connection to your destination. You’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the region. After a day of riding, you'll arrive to find your luggage waiting at your next accommodation, typically charming two-, three-, or four-star hotels or inns that reflect the local character.

Modern 21-speed bicycles or electric bikes are included, so you'll be ready to feel the wind in your hair in no time. Most of our self-guided cycling trips require just two participants to operate. Since we take care of the logistics, including bike setup, lodging, and luggage transfers, you can leave your worries behind and simply enjoy the ride while soaking up the best of your chosen corner of the United States.

More about Self Guided Cycling

Popular destinations
Staff picks
Why travel with us
Bike information
Responsible travel
FAQs
Accommodation
Trip reviews
Related articles
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Grading Information

Self Guided Cycling highlights

Why travel with us

Self Guided Cycling Specialists

As the pioneers of self guided cycling trips in the United States you can expect a seamless experience. Our detailed route notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality self guided cycling experience for you.

Quality Cycling Services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free self guided cycling trip in your chosen pocket of the US or Canada.

Expert Local Advice

Our team is passionate about cycling in North America and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right self guided cycling itinerary for you.

Bike information

Hybrid Bikes in USA

We take great pride in providing high-quality bikes from preferred brands such as Specialized or Trek. Depending on your trip you will have the choice between a hybrid bike (cross between a mountain bike and touring bike), or E-Bike with an alloy or carbon frame and top-quality components. All bike rentals come with a flat repair kit, water bottle cages, helmet, lock, and lights.

Hybrid Bikes in Canada

Modern hybrids suitable for road and mild off-road use with eighteen to twenty-four gears. They are provided with panniers, helmet, lock, bell, and basic tool kit.

Electric Bikes

Worried about your fitness? An electric bike, or e-bike, provides a pedal boost to help make the hills or longer days a little easier. All bike rentals come with a flat repair kit, water bottle cages, helmet, lock, and lights.

Responsible travel

Great American Trails is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when our parent company, World Expeditions, was established in 1975, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. By joining a hiking or cycling tour, you too are making a concerted effort to minimize your impact when you travel. Learn more about our Thoughtful Travel policies and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?What is a self-guided cycling trip?

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries across the USA and Canada have been designed to afford you as much freedom as possible to explore what interests you, at your own pace. We take care of the logistics: we supply you with lodgings in charming inns and B&B’s, mountain huts, and 2, 3 and 4-star hotels chosen for their location and local flavour; we provide route maps and information about sites you can visit; we generally include daily breakfast, packed lunches during remote hikes, and often dinner; we organise for your luggage to be transferred daily; on cycling trips we supply rental bikes – typically modern 21-speed bicycles, with the option to upgrade to electric-assisted (ebike) models.

?How fit do I have to be for a self-guided cycling trip?

Fitness is an important aspect of our trips, with each itinerary carefully-graded for ease of selecting the trip that best suits you. Detailed information, including suggested pre-trip training, can be found in the trip notes and pre-departure information. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the physical requirements of your trip and speak to our staff if you have any questions. View our trip grading system for more detail as to how we grade the activity levels on our adventures and the suggested physical preparation.

?I’m a solo traveller, can I join a self-guided cycle tour?

On a number of our self-guided tours, transfer services are shared so you will meet others along the way and need only pay the cost of covering single room accommodations. On select self-guided tours which operate using private transfer services, we offer Solo Friendly departures; Solo travellers can sign up on these departure dates and we will match them up with other solo travellers. And, for those who are happy to go it alone, there is an option to pay a solo traveller supplement for private transfer services and accommodation throughout. Please check the trip notes or ask one of our agents for more details.

?Are tips included in my trip price?

Tips and gratuities are not included in the trip cost, unless listed under the trip-specific inclusions. Tipping is customary in the USA and Canada but is a completely personal thing. Guidelines are provided in our pre-departure information upon booking.

?What is included in my trip?

It is our aim to ensure that we incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimise any out of pocket expenses while you are away. It is important that you refer to our trips notes for the exact inclusions. On most trips, all meals and arrangements are included from the start of the trip right through until the end.

?Do you have family friendly self-guided cycling trips?

Each family is unique in their interests, abilities, and composition. Many of our self-guided tours are appropriate for families with up to two or three children who are physically active and are experienced with the outdoors. Child discounts are listed, where this is possible given the exact tour itinerary and are generally based on a maximum of 2 children sharing a room with 2 full paying adults. Our guided, small group adventures are typically geared toward adult travellers, but we sometimes make exceptions for mature, exceptional children (12 and older) who are accompanied by an adult. Bottom line: Please ask! If our advertised itineraries and pricing do not suit your family, we are happy to customize a tour just for you.

?Can I bring my own bike?

You are welcome to bring your own bike, if you are up for the challenge of transporting it to your tour destination. If you choose to bring your own bike, be sure you notify us well in advance of your trip and we will let you know if any discounts are possible for that specific tour. We do recommend using the bicycles that are included in the tour package as they are good quality bicycles suited for the terrain on which you will be cycling. The majority of our bicycle rentals are replaced each season and we are always sure to tune them up between uses, so you can feel confident in their performance.

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures rarely involve camping.

Adventure Touring

These adventure tours may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Some of these trips involve camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will sometimes involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, or paddling for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. Hikes are mainly on well-defined trails with undulating terrain and cycling is on mostly flat surfaces.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with some moderate components. Hiking trips typically require carrying a daypack only, but could involve carrying a pack of up to 20 pounds (9kg), depending on personal gear.

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, or paddling for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. Many moderately graded hiking trips involve the carrying of a daypack only, though some may involve carrying a backpack of up to 30 pounds (14kg), depending on personal gear. Hikers should be prepared for plenty of roots, rocks, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and potential variable weather conditions. Cyclists should be prepared for undulating terrain and some steep hills.

Moderate to Challenging

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity with some challenging components. Hikers should be prepared for very rugged off-trail hiking, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and to carry a pack weighing up 45 pounds (20kg), depending on personal gear.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or paddling in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). Hikers should be prepared for very rugged off-trail hiking, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and to carry a pack weighing up to 45 pounds (20kg), depending on personal gear.

Discovery & Cruising

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

To enjoy these adventures, we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for 3 months leading up to your trip.

Introductory to Moderate

On these adventures you will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week from a minimum of 3 months leading up to your trip. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a 15lb daypack is highly recommended at least once per week.

Moderate

These adventures require a good level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a full day pack is strongly recommended at least once per week (or a 30lb pack for backpacking trips).

Moderate to Challenging

These trips require an excellent level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, four to five times per week for three to six months leading up to departure. Hill walking with a full pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is essential.

Challenging

On these adventures, you will need to be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions, have an excellent level of fitness and be in good health.