The Big One For many cyclists, bikepacking the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) created by the Adventure Cycling Association is the ultimate adventure; a (normally) north-to-south journey from Canada to Mexico through snow-covered passes, vast deserts, and everything in between. I’m following the traditional GDMBR trail from Banff, Alberta, through British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and finishing in New Mexico – covering over 2,700 miles (4,340 km) and more than 150,000 feet (46,600 m) of climbing, crossing the Continental Divide numerous times along the way.
GDMBR Route – 2,700 Miles
Bears (Grizzly and Black), Moose, Cougars, Mosquitos, Snow, Peanut-butter mud, The Flathead Valley, The Grand Teton National Park, Boreas Pass, The Great Divide Basin, and the New Mexico Desert. Every June, racers tackle the near-identical Tour Divide route. The official record, set in 2024 by Justas Leveika, stands at an incredible 13 days, 2 hours and 16 minutes. For comprehensive maps, resources, and support, visit the Adventure Cycling Association website.Some Potential Highlights