At a rough estimation, there are thought to be around 160,000 mountain biking trails in the United States. Though there are epic mountain biking trails all over the world, this is basically music to the ears of any off-road mountain biking enthusiast.

Many of these trails range in scope from novice day trails to heart-pounding thrill rides that wind down the spine of a mountain. And no matter your skill level, there are mountain biking trails for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age.

Finding these trails, however, requires you to get out of your own environment and into an environment perfect for rugged trail riding. So, basically the best way to do this is to take a road trip to some choice mountain biking destinations.

If you’re ready to hit the trails in all the right places, it’s time to get your car loaded up and head out west, because that is where some of the best trails are found.

Car Prep

Before you get too excited about loading up your bike, you’re going to want to ensure that your car is road-worthy. In doing so, it’s also a good idea to check your insurance policy to see if you have roadside assistance added.

If not, you’ll want to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes, because you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere in the event of a breakdown.

After you get your insurance squared away, you’ll need to check your car to ensure everything is in good working order. And you can begin with the following list:

• Tire pressure and tread
• Inflate spare tire
• Tire patching kit
• Oil and filter
• Check all fluid levels
• Check all lights and turn signals
• Check wiper blades

In addition to the above checklist, if you feel that your car needs a tune-up, take it to a certified mechanic to ensure that everything is functional.

Utah

When you’re finally ready to hit the road, it’s time to map your route to Utah. And as one of the outdoor Mecca’s of the continental United States, you’re sure to see more than a few cars with full bike racks heading in this direction.

Utah is home to numerous national parks and miles of public land sanctioned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). And, Utah has something for everyone, whether you’re a Jeep enthusiast or a rock climbing adrenaline junky, Utah has it all in every corner.

While in Utah, you’ll want to check out Moab. This is every outdoor enthusiast’s place to be, and it’s home to one of the most famous mountain biking trails in the United States.

The slickrock trail winds around petrified sand dunes, and can be fairly hair-raising in some areas, so use caution if this is your first time and consult a local guide.

Colorado

Home to the peaks that inspired Katharine Lee Bates who coined the phrase “purple mountain majesty” in her poem America the Beautiful, Colorado is another outdoor paradise suited perfectly for mountain bikers.

If you’re up for a challenge, and you have a lot of spare time, you might be inclined to test your tread on the Colorado Trail. This is a 500-mile long stretch that winds across the state through some of the most rugged alpine areas in the United States, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

If you’re up for a ride that requires a little less endurance, you might consider the Silverton to Durango trail, which is one of the more scenic mountain biking trails in the state.

Mountain biking and road trips pretty much go hand-in-hand, and even if you’re not ready to tackle some of the expert trails, you’re sure to find plenty of open space out west that you can ride around on for miles.

No matter where you go, ensure that your bike is in tip-top shape, so you don’t end up walking home.