Charting New Paths: A Vision for Expanded Mountain Biking Horizons
Expanding the Trail Network: A Vision for the Future
The BOLT Coalition is set to significantly augment its collection of long-distance trails, with 13 potential new additions that would nearly triple the current length. These proposed routes will introduce approximately 7,778 miles of trails across 10 states, building upon the existing 5,232 miles of recognized pathways. From the ambitious 5,000-mile Orogenesis trail spanning the West Coast to newer, more localized routes such as Colorado's Tour de Poudre and Arizona's Verde Valley Trail, these expansions mark a pivotal advancement in making long-distance mountain biking more widely available.
The Legislative Backbone: Evolution of the BOLT Act
Initially introduced in Congress in November 2021, the Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act sought to establish a federal framework for long-distance trails. Its primary objective was to elevate the prominence of these extensive trails, particularly at the federal level, to secure the necessary funding for their completion. Upon its inception, the BOLT Act aimed to identify 10 existing long-distance bike trails and 10 potential development areas. The Act defines long-distance trails inclusively, encompassing continuous paths, linked segments, singletrack, roads, and gravel routes. Within a few years of its introduction, the BOLT Act successfully navigated both the Senate and House of Representatives.
From BOLT to EXPLORE: A New Chapter in Trail Legislation
In 2023, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act was put forth, incorporating the provisions of the BOLT Act. The EXPLORE Act received unanimous approval and was officially signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 4, 2025. Throughout 2025 and 2026, the BOLT Coalition has been actively working to facilitate its implementation. A key ongoing objective for the coalition is to identify and integrate potential long-distance trails into its inventory.
Thirteen New Pathways: From Alaska's Wilds to Vermont's Green Mountains
The BOLT Coalition has put forward a proposal for 13 new long-distance trails, collectively adding 7,778 miles across 10 states. Including these trails in the BOLT portfolio could significantly boost their visibility and serve as a catalyst for their successful completion.
Alpine #7, Montana: A Backcountry Gem Seeking Recognition
Nestled near the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park, Montana's Alpine #7 trail offers a truly immersive backcountry experience within the state's high alpine terrain. Certain segments of this trail currently receive minimal usage or maintenance, and advocates hope that BOLT recognition will address this issue. The Alpine #7 trail currently spans 75 miles and would require an additional five miles to meet the criteria for a long-distance trail. While no immediate expansion plans are in place, proponents believe BOLT's endorsement could provide the necessary momentum.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Utah: Connecting the Wasatch and Oquirrh Ranges
As reported by Singletracks in 2025, there are ambitious plans for Utah's Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This trail, already extending 100 miles, is slated to connect the western slopes of the Wasatch Range with the eastern slopes of the Oquirrh Range. Once completed, the proposed trail will traverse six counties and span a total of 280 miles.
Chugach Mountain Bike Trail, Alaska: Forging Connections Across the Kenai Peninsula
The vast Chugach trail aims to link key areas such as Anchorage, Hope, and Seward, encompassing 325 miles of trails across Alaska. Nearly two-thirds of this extensive project is already completed, with the existing Kenai Mountain Bike Trail contributing approximately 200 miles to the Chugach trail. Upon full completion, the future segments will establish connections between Anchorage and communities throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
East Side Sierra Towns to Trails, California: A Southern Sierra Nevada Link
While extensive connection projects have been reported for the Tahoe area and the northern Sierra, BOLT is proposing another significant link, located considerably south of Tahoe. This proposal outlines a 355-mile route connecting South Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine, situated directly east of Fresno and spanning the Sierra Nevada mountains. The route will traverse diverse landscapes, including alpine zones, some of the Sierra's highest peaks, as well as pine forests and sagebrush deserts.
Great Basin Loop Trail, Nevada: A Creative Figure-Eight Through the High Desert
Among the more innovative proposals is the Great Basin Loop, which crosses eastern Nevada's Great Basin and extends into the Mojave Desert further south. This 657-mile trail is designed as a figure-eight, allowing riders the flexibility to complete the entire route or opt for a shorter loop. Traversing Nevada's high-desert landscapes, the Great Basin Loop will also connect with smaller communities such as Ely, which boasts a more established mountain biking scene.
Highline National Recreation Trail, Arizona: Ponderosa Pines and Rugged Terrain
Arizona's Highline Trail, located near Payson, continues to captivate both residents and visitors. The trail features challenging and rocky sections typical of Arizona terrain, along with unique highlights such as passages through the world's largest stand of ponderosa pine trees. Currently, the Highline trail is 67 miles long, but a potential Pine-to-Payson connector could easily extend the route to the 80-mile benchmark.
Orogenesis, Washington/Oregon/California: A Transcontinental Cycling Dream
A truly monumental endeavor is being proposed for the West Coast, akin to the Pacific Crest Trail but extending beyond national borders. Orogenesis is a projected 5,000-mile trail designed to stretch from La Paz in Baja, Mexico, all the way to British Columbia. For consideration as a BOLT route, a 3,500-mile segment of this route, traversing California, Oregon, and Washington, will be prioritized.
Ring the Peak, Colorado: Circumnavigating Pikes Peak
First formally proposed in 1999, Colorado's Ring the Peak is envisioned as a multi-use trail that would weave through El Paso and Teller Counties, effectively circumnavigating Pikes Peak. Currently, 24 miles of the trail remain to be constructed. Once completed, the Ring the Peak route will span a total of 87 miles.
Santa Ana Mountains Traverse, California: Connecting the Cleveland National Forest
The Santa Ana Mountains Traverse links existing trails and fire roads throughout the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California. This route covers 85 miles, with a notable feature being a ridgeline fire road that cuts north to south through the Santa Anas for many miles. The fire road eventually transitions into National Forest singletrack, traversing diverse environments from oak forests to grasslands.
Southern Trek Iditarod Trail, Alaska: Preserving a Historic Pathway
The Southern Trek Iditarod Trail is planned to extend 107 miles across southcentral Alaska, winding through the Kenai Mountains and connecting various communities. A significant portion of this trail, 84 miles, is already established, and some areas only require a dozen miles or so to achieve community connections. The Forest Service has designated this route as a maintenance priority, and BOLT recognition would further aid in bringing the project to fruition.
Tour de Poudre, Colorado: Enhancing Connectivity Near Fort Collins
Just outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, lies the Tour de Poudre. This route ascends the Poudre Canyon, integrating a mix of forest roads and singletrack. While connections exist along much of the route, there are several gaps that proponents hope to address. The Tour de Poudre also serves as a crucial link to other popular trails near Fort Collins and could benefit from similar attention given to those established routes.
Velomont Trail, Vermont: A Statewide Cycling Network
The Velomont Trail, a highly ambitious undertaking, aims to span the entire state of Vermont. Singletracks has provided extensive coverage of this project. Currently, 165 miles of trail are either existing or have received approval for construction, but an additional 320 miles will be needed to fully traverse the state from south to north.
Verde Valley Circle Trail, Arizona: A Loop Through Sedona's Landscape
The Verde Valley Circle Trail has been under development for several years, currently spanning approximately 70 miles. This loop will connect several Arizona communities, including Sedona, and is projected to exceed 150 miles in length upon completion.
Recognized Pathways: Current BOLT-Designated Trails
Twenty routes are already featured in the BOLT Coalition catalog, collectively representing 5,232 miles of trails across 12 states, including the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, C&O Canal Trail, Carson Continental Divide Epic, Centennial Trail, Colorado Trail, Grandview Trail, The Grand Loop, Great Western Trail (UT), Kenai Mountain Bike Trail, Kokopelli Trail, Maah Daah Hey, Monumental Loop, Oregon Timber Trail, Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Paradox Trail, Pinhoti Trail (GA), Tabeguache Trail, White Rim, and Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail.