Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaWinter brings the perfect climate to explore one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. During the summer, Death Valley sees extreme temperatures that make outdoor activities dangerous. From December to February, daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant seventy degrees Fahrenheit. The Artists Drive scenic loop offers nine miles of paved road winding through surreal, multi-colored volcanic hills. Cyclists can also challenge themselves on the climb up to Dantes View for a panoramic vista of the salt flats. The lack of shade is no longer an issue, making the stark desert landscapes a joy to navigate.
Mallorca, SpainWhile northern Europe shivers, the Mediterranean island of Mallorca remains a premier destination for winter training. Professional cycling teams and enthusiasts flock to the island during the colder months for its smooth asphalt and respectful drivers. The Tramuntana mountain range spans the northwest coast, offering legendary climbs like Sa Calobra and the Cap de Formentor. The winter air is crisp, the tourist crowds are gone, and the almond blossoms begin to bloom in late January. Cycling here in January or February provides empty roads and mild temperatures ideal for building base mileage.
The Old Ghost Road, New ZealandFor those looking to escape winter entirely, heading to the Southern Hemisphere brings peak summer conditions. Located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Old Ghost Road is an alpine mountain biking masterpiece. This eighty-five-kilometer trail traverses remote valleys, native rainforests, and rugged mountain ridges. The route follows an old gold miners’ pathway, completely isolated from motorized traffic. Purpose-built huts along the trail allow riders to break the journey into a multi-day bike-packing adventure. It is a challenging wilderness ride that showcases the raw beauty of New Zealand at its best.
The Shimanami Kaido, JapanThis world-famous island-hopping route connects Japan’s main island of Honshu to Shikoku. The sixty-kilometer path crosses six smaller islands via spectacular suspension bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. Winter in this region is relatively mild and sees significantly less rainfall than other seasons. The entire route features dedicated bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic, making it exceptionally safe and accessible. Cyclists can enjoy crisp sea breezes, views of traditional fishing villages, and local citrus orchards heavily laden with winter fruit. Frequent roadside stations offer hot local ramen to warm up along the way.
The Garden Route, South AfricaSouth Africa offers glorious sunshine during the northern hemisphere’s darkest months. The Garden Route stretches along the southeastern coast, featuring a mix of dramatic coastline, ancient forests, and rugged mountains. Cyclists can choose between paved coastal highways or the network of gravel roads through the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. The region is famous for its biodiversity, allowing riders to spot unique bird species and coastal marine life. Mild coastal winds and reliable summer sunshine make this an excellent choice for a long-distance winter cycling holiday.
The Arizona Trail, United StatesThe southern portions of the Arizona Trail provide spectacular singletrack riding throughout the winter months. Running from the Mexican border all the way to Utah, the trail showcases the diverse beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The passages near Tucson and the Santa Catalina Mountains are particularly popular with mountain bikers in January. Riders travel through dense forests of giant Saguaro cacti under bright blue skies. Winter temperatures are ideal for the physical exertion required by the technical terrain, avoiding the scorching heat of the desert summer.
Andalusia, SpainSouthern Spain offers some of the highest sunshine hour counts in Europe during the winter. The region of Andalusia is famous for its dramatic white villages, olive groves, and quiet mountain passes. Cyclists can base themselves in historic cities like Girona or Malaga to access a vast network of empty roads. The climbs through the Sierra de Grazalema provide challenging gradients without the risk of ice or snow found further north. Tasting local tapas and exploring Moorish architecture after a long day in the saddle adds a rich cultural element to this winter cycling getaway.
Winter does not have to mean putting the bicycle into storage or spending hours on an indoor trainer. By choosing destinations with favorable geography, cyclists can enjoy exceptional riding opportunities all year round. Whether chasing the summer sun in the southern hemisphere or enjoying mild desert winters, these routes offer unforgettable landscapes and ideal riding conditions. Preparing the proper gear and choosing the right destination ensures that the winter months become a highlight of the annual cycling calendar.
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