Winter may not be considered a prime cycling season for most of North America, but it certainly isn’t in our home in the PNW; that doesn’t mean there isn’t world-class cycling available to those willing to travel. From southern-hemisphere destinations to the American Southwest, winter brings a whole new realm of possibilities for bike travel. If you’re looking for your next winter adventure but want to trade the snow for sun, continue reading below to learn about the best winter cycling tours around the world.
Why Winter Is One of the Best Times to Take a Cycling Vacation
When we say winter cycling, we’re not talking about fat tire riding on snow-covered trails; we’re talking about trading the harsh winter conditions of home for the eternal sunshine of the Southwest or summer riding in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter riding in the Southwest means mild temperatures in some of America’s most iconic desert landscapes. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter cycling means riding during the Southern Hemisphere summer months, which bring long daylight hours, pleasant temperatures in exotic landscapes, and an immersive cultural experience all on two wheels.
Taiwan’s Eastern Coast: Asia’s Hidden Cycling Paradise
Escape the cold in Southeast Asia on Bicycle Adventure’s Taiwan’s Eastern Coast Cycling Adventure. This bicycle tour combines tropical mountain riding with coastal road exploration into a single diverse, unique adventure. The adventure begins in Taipei and then moves to the eastern side of the island, where jungle-clad mountains, rural valleys, and the legendary roads of Taroko Gorge await. This trip explores rice paddies, fishing villages, tea fields, and rural Taiwanese communities, combined with delicious Thai cuisine.
Chile Lakes & Volcanoes: Summer in the Southern Hemisphere
Chile’s mighty Andes Mountains are home to mighty volcanoes, turquoise alpine lakes, and some of the best cycling in the world. Snow-capped mountains tower over alpine lakes, and remote mountain roads wind through northern Patagonia and the Chilean Andes. This guided bike tour dives deep into the heart of Chile’s Lakes and Volcanoes region, tying together Villarrica National Park, the Seven Lakes Route, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, and the slopes of several active volcanoes.
Chile’s Lake District is one of the most dramatic cycling destinations in South America. Snow-covered volcanoes rise above deep-blue lakes, temperate rainforests, river valleys, and remote mountain roads that stretch across northern Patagonia and the Chilean Andes.
This guided Chile bike tour explores the heart of the country’s Lakes and Volcanoes region, linking together Villarrica National Park, the Seven Lakes Route, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, and the slopes of several active volcanoes. Along the way, riders experience Patagonian forests, alpine terrain, small mountain towns, and some of the most rewarding road cycling in Chile. Beyond cycling, this trip offers several opportunities to hike, recover, and immerse yourself in Chilean culture.
New Zealand South Island Trail: World-Class Rail Trails and Alpine Landscapes
If winters get you down, why not travel halfway across the world to one of the most remote cycling destinations on the planet? New Zealand’s South Island Trail takes cyclists through the rugged Kiwi backcountry on the nation’s renowned gravel trails, including the Alps 2 Ocean, Lake Dunstan Trail, Queenstown Trail, Roxburgh Gorge, and West Coast Wilderness Trail, while experiencing mountains, glacial rivers, rainforests, and rugged coastline throughout New Zealand’s South Island. Along the way, travel by jet boat through Roxburgh Gorge and finish the journey aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Train crossing Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch.
Arizona Sonora: Desert Riding at Its Finest
The Sonoran Desert offers unparalleled riding with mild winter temperatures. Surrounded by giant saguaro cacti, red rock mountains, and a surprising amount of wildlife, the Sonoran Desert offers some of the best winter cycling in the US. This guided bike tour explores the wilderness around Tucson, including Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Ride along park roads, quiet desert highways, and bike paths while exploring the region’s unique geology, wildlife, and rich cultural history.
Valley of Fire & Death Valley: Riding Through America’s Most Dramatic Desert Landscapes
Nevada and California are home to some of the most unique and vast desert landscapes in the world. This fully supported bike tour rides through Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Enjoy a mix of road cycling, hiking, desert geology, and remote southwestern terrain. This multisport cycling vacation explores some of the most visually striking landscapes in the American Southwest. Along the way, you’ll encounter colossal red sandstone formations, arid desert basins, mountain passes, ghost towns, sand dunes, and colorful badlands while visiting Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Death Valley National Park, Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and Badwater Basin.
Joshua Tree & Anza-Borrego: Where Desert Landscapes Meet National Parks
Pedal among towering granite, ancient desert oases, fields of wildflowers, and one of the most unique desert landscapes in the US. In Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego, you’ll cycle desert roads, hike through slot canyons, and experience the desert landscape in the midst of winter, when temperatures are pleasant and the adventure opportunities endless.
Methow Valley Cross-Country Ski Tour: Embrace Winter Instead
Not every winter adventure has to escape the snow. If you’d rather lean into the season than leave it behind, the Methow Valley Cross-Country Ski Tour offers a completely different kind of getaway. Located in Washington’s North Cascades, the Methow Valley is home to one of North America’s largest groomed cross-country ski trail systems, with more than 120 miles of impeccably maintained trails winding through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.
Whether you’re new to Nordic skiing or an experienced skier looking to explore a world-class trail network, the Methow Valley delivers exceptional conditions, cozy mountain lodging, and the relaxed pace that has made it one of the premier Nordic destinations in the United States.
Where Will Your Winter Take You?
Winter doesn’t have to mean months spent on the indoor trainer waiting for spring. Whether you’re climbing through Chile’s volcanic landscapes, exploring Taiwan’s dramatic coastline, riding beneath towering saguaros in Arizona, or pedaling through the deserts of California and Nevada, there’s no shortage of incredible places to ride when the temperatures drop at home.
At Bicycle Adventures, our guided winter tours are designed to help you stay active, explore remarkable destinations, and discover what we strive for on every trip: the simple joy of pedaling happy.