5 Great Places For Biking In The American West

Visiting a new city or destination can be soothing for the soul. A great way to take in the local atmosphere is by biking. For this reason, biking vacations have become increasingly popular. The United States offers so many beautiful places to ride; it can be hard to choose where to start. Here is a list of some places on the west coast to bring your bike and get the most of your vacation.

Black Diamond Coal Mines, WA. Located on the edge of the historical town of Black Diamond, the trails here are an adventure as well. There is no shortage of trees to count and marvel, but the trails also wind through Lake Sawyer, Frog Lake and Ravensdale Creek. Few areas can rival the Pacific Northwest for natural beauty.

Hagg Lake, OR. This particular 15 mile trek consists of all the components of a Hollywood setting; a variety of twists and turns, smooth trails and creek crossing, blackberry picking and swimming holes. The ride is not so tough that you won't be able to take in the local sites afterwards, but I think twice about bringing young children.

Napa Valley, California. Known for its ability to produce some of the worlds greatest wines, Napa Valley California is also a phenomenal place to ride your bike. The rolling hills of some of the worlds best vineyards provide a relaxing backdrop for easy rides. The Mt St Helena North Peak is one of my favorite easy rides in the world, providing me with the zen feeling that comes with getting lost in some foothills. If you enjoy wine, this place is not to be missed, just make sure you bring your bike and do your drinking after your ride.

California, Monterey. Not far from the amazing valley of Napa are the seaside hamlets of Monterey County. California really does have an incredible amount to offer. The cliffs above the Pacific Ocean provide great views for resting while you bike 17 Mile Drive. This ride may test the will of true beginners because it goes from sea level up to 150 feet, but it can still be conquered by anyone in decent shape. I recommend starting in Pacific Grove, especially in the fall. That is when millions of monarch butterflies make their stop in Monterey during their migration to Mexico. Its an amazing way to begin a bike ride.

Kona, HI. Due to a lot of rainfall, this area of Hawaii is especially lush and green. There are so many natural wonders to see in Hawaii it is hard to narrow it down. The trails on this area will include such incredible sights as Hilo Bay, Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and Akaka Falls.

I hope this list has helped you to narrow your focus when choosing a great place for a biking vacation. All of these destinations are incredible and can be enjoyed by the entire family. I always love a family vacation where we plan to ride our bikes. It cleanses the soul and helps to put everything in prospective. Whenever I get super stressed, I know its time for a biking vacation. These are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them.