Mountain Bike Tours and Trips

An 9-day mountain biking safari and nature adventure from South Africa’s Zululand to the wild beaches of Mozambique. On mountain bikes, we explore KwaZulu-Natal, biodiversity hotspot and homeland of the Zulu people. The Valley of a Thousand Hills cradles us as we pedal past primeval granitic domes, and along farms, acacia forests, and meandering rivers. We visit ancient subtropical “sand forest,” the iSimangaliso wetlands, and Lake St. Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For two exhilarating days in a private reserve, we seek the Big 5—lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant on a classic safari. Village gatherings and a traditional South African braai (barbeque) connect us to the region’s vibrant culture. Finally, we behold the unspoiled beaches of Mozambique on an epic ride down the coast. We snorkel with bottlenose dolphins and relax at a paradisiacal seaside retreat—think infinity pool and Indian Ocean sunset—bringing our journey to a beautiful end.

Travel from the islands to the Andes in this unforgettable 15-day adventure through two of South America’s most renowned locations. When it comes to adventure, it’s impossible to go wrong with the Galapagos Islands. Crystal clear waters teeming with schools of fish and a living showcase of unusual animal and plant life are just the tip of the iceberg. Tack on Machu Picchu—among the greatest artistic and architectural achievements in the world—and our trip goes from unimaginable to unforgettable. We begin our journey island-hopping through the Galapagos. At our first stop, San Cristobal Island, we spend two days hiking, swimming and snorkeling. From there, we walk the otherworldly landscape of Isabela Island, then seek out the largest tortoises in the Galapagos on Santa Cruz Island before we depart for the incomparable Machu Picchu. Our trip continues in the mountains of colonial Cusco, South America's oldest continually-inhabited city and a cultural and architectural treasure. We press on to the Urubamba Valley to visit bustling local markets and well-preserved ruins. The trip culminates in the only way imaginable: hiking amidst Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ruins complex on the continent. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.

Take a turn off the tourist track on a 13-day adventure through Tanzania’s unforgettable landscapes. Northern Tanzania is a destination comprised of spellbinding contrasts. Lush mountain highlands fade into dry plains, and deeply rooted tribal communities live among herds of roaming wildlife. The effect is a collage of quintessentially African elements. Our adventure explores this great diversity, diving deeper into the people and places that make Tanzania such a unique destination for safari adventure. Search the Serengeti for wildlife grazing along vast grasslands, cycle the verdant slopes of Kilimanjaro, and embark on an epic trek through remote highland Maasai communities deep in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stroll through the Machare Estate tea and coffee farm, tasting Kilimanjaro coffees grown in a spring-like climate. Enjoy life in a tented safari camp, sharing good conversation with fellow adventurers after the day’s explorations. This trip offers a true breadth of experience that will leave you with a profound respect for Tanzanian land and life alike. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Tanzania Family Adventure.

Spend nine exciting days exploring Tanzania’s vibrant culture and captivating wildlife reserves. Tanzania is quintessential safari land. Thousands of animals stream across the vast stretches of savannah. Giraffes gallop past baby elephants still clinging to their mothers and lions move gracefully toward their prey. The whole scene blends seamlessly into a multi-hued sky, where the sun floods the land with life-giving light. This trip provides a chance for the whole family to experience the thrill of safari in the most classic sense. Our safari mixes fun activities with visits to Tanzania’s premier wildlife parks, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Visit a traditional Maasai village and hike with warriors to the top of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Cycle past farmlands and play games with local children at a highlands orphanage. Have cameras ready during a visit to the Serengeti National Park, one of the largest and last remaining wildlife sanctuaries in the world. With kid-friendly, comfortable lodging along the way, the whole family can enjoy a safari dream come true. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Tanzania Classic Safari trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.

Join a unique 11-day opportunity to help conserve this amazing world treasure. The Galapagos Islands are home to a distinct mix of tropical and temperate environments as well as an unparalleled plant and animal ecology. The lack of natural predators has left many of the inhabitants fearless and friendly—meaning we can expect up-close encounters with giant tortoises, penguins and marine iguanas. This trip offers the chance to combine a love of travel and a passion for conservation. In partnership with Conservation Volunteers International Program, we give our time to assist with the preservation and protection of the animals who call this island home. Our adventure begins on the island of San Cristóbal and ends on the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Explore vertical cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and coral reefs in the company of like-minded adventurers. With supervision from our extraordinary guides, our work provides assistance in the conservation and preservation of sea turtles and the Galapagos giant tortoise. This REI volunteer vacation is offered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers International Program. Discover additional details about the trip on the ConservationVIP website.

Set out on a 9-day adventure in vibrant, vivid, vibing Belize. Belize is as beautiful as they come, full of distinct ecosystems and beaches that beckon us to explore. Clear, blue waters teeming with tropical fish, hundreds of bird species, and more than 10 different cultures contribute to a spectacular melting pot. On this adventure, we experience it all. Belize is home to the Barrier Reef, the longest unbroken reef in the western hemisphere. Within the reef are seven protected areas, two of which can be found at our first stop: Lighthouse Reef. The waters of the remote Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear, offering some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. From here, we have access to the Blue Hole Natural Monument, one of the top ten scuba diving and snorkeling sites in the world. After four glorious, adventure-filled days on the reef, we head inland to Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge. Leave the Caribbean Sea behind for mountainous terrain filled with rocky plateaus and impressive Mayan archaeological sites. We spend our final days in Belize hiking and biking some of the 90 miles of wilderness trails, full of creeks, waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.

Ten days of family fun with something for everyone: kayaking, hiking, biking, rafting and a little relaxation in between it all. Journey from the steamy jungles of the Upper Amazon Basin to the primeval islands of the Galapagos archipelago. We begin in Quito, heading east from there across a high Andean Pass in the Eastern Cordillera. Learn ancient Amazonian traditions from the people of a Shiripuno Kichwa village near our jungle lodge. Paddle thrilling rapids on the remote Rio Jatunyacu and soak in the famed Papallacta Hot Springs high in the Andes. Then it's off to the spectacular Galapagos Islands. Experience truly up-close encounters with the wildlife that call the island home while kayaking and snorkeling in warm, turquoise waters. It’s not uncommon for sea lions or marine iguanas to swim right up to your mask. Our guides are trained naturalists and wonderful teachers; their expertise paints a rich picture of the area’s wildlife. Enjoy beautiful white sand beaches, hike to the rim of an active volcano and bike the coast to the historic Wall of Tears. We leave having experienced the best of these two otherworldly locations. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Galapagos Islands & Otavalo Highlands Multisport trip.

Spend ten days hiking, biking, kayaking and ziplining from bustling Bangkok to the northern adventure hub of Chiang Mai. Thailand’s treasures deliver fun for the whole family: a healthy dose of adventure with plenty of time to relax. Ancient ruins, cascading waterfalls, limestone cliffs and sandy beaches provide a stunning backdrop to our exhilarating journey. Our excursion is the perfect way to see this beautiful country full of vibrant culture from a variety of perspectives. Early on, enjoy a bike ride through the spectacular Kanchanaburi countryside. Kayak down the River Kwai, pedal among Sukhotthais ancient temples, and spend two nights in the jungle at a luxury tented camp. A zipline trip takes us soaring through the rainforest alongside acrobatic gibbons. Take a break from adventuring to explore the cultural side of the coin: enjoy a Thai cooking class, bathe and feed Asian elephants, and spend one night in a local village home stay. We depart with picturesque Thailand still on our minds and rooted in our hearts. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Thailand Multisport trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.

Enjoy ten days of relaxed adventure from the mountains of Chiang Mai to vibrant Bangkok. With forested temples, lush jungles and stunningly blue waters, Thailand is a getaway filled with natural beauty and endless adventure. Here, there is something for everyone: zip-line through jungle canopies, cycle past ancient ruins and dine on authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine. This trip takes us there in style. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the expert leadership of our outstanding local guides. From North to Central Thailand, our days perfectly blend exploration and activity. From hiking though the homelands of Hmong hill tribes to bathing rescued elephants and going on a street food tour of Chiang Mai’s famous night market, we become connected with the mountainous north. Cycling to Khmer temples and paddling the waterways of the River Kwai, we tap into the deep history of the central lowlands. Our adventure ends in Bangkok, where we walk through vibrant Chinatown and pedal the tranquil pathways of Bang Kra Jao, soaking in the beauty and bounty of this remarkable country. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Thailand Family Adventure.

Lush nature, rugged mountains and plenty of thrills; Thailand is our gateway to nine days of action-packed adventure. From invigorating jungle hikes to bustling markets, our journey takes us off the typical tourist path. Go on remote hikes free from other tourists, bike through quaint villages and enjoy unique stays in eco-lodge accommodations. We begin in Chiang Mai, the hub of the north. A group zip-lining trip gives us a heart-pounding view of the jungle canopy. The evening brings the option to wander through Chiang Mai’s famous night markets, sifting through displays of handcrafted silk, paper, textiles and culinary treats. Next we turn toward the mountains for a 3-day trek. Hike past beautiful waterfalls and challenging jungle forests. Along the way, we are welcomed into the homes of the hill-tribe people to dine, rest and experience a rare glimpse into the daily life of villagers. We change gears from there, exploring by kayak and mountain bike. Bike to the Chiang Dao caves to explore five interconnected caverns extending some seven miles into the mountains. Our journey ends where it began, celebrating with new friends and new memories in Chiang Mai. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Thailand Family Adventure.

One part adventure and one part relaxation, this 10-day exploration of Myanmar will impress even the most seasoned traveler. Stepping into Myanmar feels like entering another world. This active yet easy-going adventure is a true immersion in the powerful history and impressive landscapes that make Myanmar such a magical destination. In Yangon, take a sunset visit to the sacred Buddhist temple, Shwedagon Pagoda. Cycle through the countryside, learning about ancient temples and pagodas along the way. Hike from Kalaw, a trekker’s paradise, through hill tribe villages and monasteries to Inle Lake. Take to the water in kayaks, gliding past picturesque floating gardens and villages. Cap each evening off with a delicious meal bursting with fresh, local flavors. Myanmar is more than just ethereal landscapes. Its endearing people and culture are equally fascinating and beautiful. Venture off the beaten path to quiet villages and rural countryside for a more intimate vantage point of everyday life. Visit with local craftspeople and learn to make rice crackers, a much-beloved savory local snack—all in the company of your fellow travelers and new friends.

Six days of epic mountain biking around Grand Canyon National Park on the iconic Rainbow Rim and Arizona trails. Explore one of the most magnificent, awe-inspiring and remote wonders of our National Park System, the “grandest” of parks, Grand Canyon National Park. The less-traveled, north rim is a mountain biker’s paradise. The journey unfolds from Jacob Lake where we will ride the legendary Arizona Trail toward the canyon, camping in the remoteness and taking in the star-filled skies. From there, we head to the North Rim, where we ride the Rainbow Rim Trail—a ribbon of smooth singletrack with views of the canyon’s splendor. Replenish all the calories burned on trail with three fresh, hearty meals and bathe the day’s grime away in solar showers before laying your head down peering up at constellation-covered skies on the rim of the Grand Canyon. On the final day of our journey, we ride and watch for wildlife in the Kaibab National Forest before returning to civilization with an awesome experience under our belts.

Spend four days charging hard on Whistler’s world-class singletrack amidst the mountain ranges, glacial lakes and sleeping volcanoes. Tailored for intermediate to advanced riders, this epic long weekend begins at our lodgings in Whistler Village, where our high-performance full-suspension bikes await. Each day, we fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then set out on quad-torching rides through the jaw dropping landscapes of British Columbia. Our trail choices will likely include the Valley Trail, Lost Lake Trails, Zappa Trails and more. Think stratovolcanoes, mountain ranges and lakes colored turquoise by the ultrafine “rock flour” carried in glacial meltwater. Each evening, we enjoy a different restaurant in Whistler Village, just a short walk from our lodgings, and soothe aching muscles in an outdoor hot tub. On the third day, we ride along the Cheakamus River on rollicking singletrack trails in the valley. Our final dinner takes place at a Whistler brewpub—flights of local beers included. On day four, we close with a final “guide’s choice” ride and lunch at a local café.

From Bryce Canyon to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, this mountain biking journey features the most iconic landscapes of the American Southwest. Perfect for intermediate and advanced riders, this trip packs multiple must-see, must-do items into a single long weekend – while still giving you time to breathe. We embark from Las Vegas to Utah’s Red Canyon to ride the rolling Thunder Mountain Trail through the Mars-like hoodoo landscape of Dixie National Forest. From there, we hike Bryce Canyon National Park, with its sandstone spires, and then make our way to the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon for two days of scenery and solitude. On the North Rim, we ride the Rainbow Rim Trail – a ribbon of smooth singletrack with views of the canyon’s splendor – eat three hearty meals a day, stay fresh with solar showers, and sleep under dark, starry skies on the rim of the Grand Canyon. On the final day of our journey, we ride and watch for wildlife in the Kaibab National Forest and explore the Grand Canyon’s scenic Transept Trail on foot. We bid farewell to newfound friends over lunch at the historic North Rim Lodge.

Spend four days on a mountain biking journey through the most iconic landscapes of the American Southwest. Perfect for experienced riders who need a vacation but don’t have a lot of time, this long-weekend trip feels like a real getaway. We embark from Las Vegas to Utah’s Red Canyon to ride the rolling Thunder Mountain Trail through the Mars-like hoodoo landscape of Dixie National Forest. From there, we hike Bryce Canyon National Park, with its strange sandstone hoodoos, and then make our way to the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon for scenery and solitude. Along the way, our expert female guides share tips to elevate our mountain biking skills. On the North Rim, we ride the Rainbow Rim Trail—a ribbon of smooth singletrack with views of the canyon’s splendor—while taking in never-ending Grand Canyon vistas. We learn about women-specific mountain biking gear and how to prepare fantastic backcountry meals and cap it off sleeping under starry skies. Finally, we ride and watch for wildlife in the Kaibab National Forest and explore the Grand Canyon’s Transept Trail. We say goodbye over lunch at the historic North Rim Lodge, feeling infinitely refreshed.

Spend four days mountain biking the Arizona Sonoran Desert on outstanding singletrack mountain bike trails built for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. The Sonoran Desert has long lured mountain bikers with its iconic trails, warm climate, and sense of peaceful solitude. This trip combines active days in the saddle with amazing views of gorgeous desert landscapes and quiet nights spent under a sea of stars. With more than 150 miles of expertly crafted trails departing from right outside our tents, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is perfectly positioned for exhilarating adventure. Our guides tailor your experience based on your skill and desires, suggesting a personalized labyrinth of local loops that will amaze every level of rider. Each ride reveals another vantage point of Arizona’s epic mountain ranges and unique desert vegetation. Our expert local guides are intimately familiar with the area and will share their knowledgeable interpretation of the flora, fauna, geology, and the history of this unique area. Each day ends with a stay in a private desert camp, surrounded by towering green Saguaro cacti and Palo Verde trees. Whether you’re here to soak up the off-season sunshine, try your weekend warrior legs on the dirt, or hone your skills, this trip is a must-do for all types of riders!