Adventure Cycling’s 50th Anniversary Epic Route
The Future of Epic Bikepacking Has Arrived
3,600 Miles
75% Unpaved
8 States
Celebrate five decades of Adventure Cycling with an epic journey from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
This groundbreaking route cuts across eight states — Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon — offering an unparalleled cross-country odyssey. Experience the full spectrum of American landscapes as you traverse rolling Ozark hills, endless Great Plains, stark deserts, and challenging alpine passes to reach the dramatic Pacific coastline.
Designed to redefine long-distance bikepacking in the United States, this mixed-surface adventure combines the technical challenge of primarily off-road riding with the soul-stirring diversity of America’s most iconic terrain. Built through meticulous research and local partnerships, the 50th Anniversary Epic Route launches in 2026 as the ultimate celebration of adventure, endurance, and the transformative power of bicycle travel.
Follow My Challenge
Sarah Swallow is a professional adventure cyclist, route developer, writer, and community organizer. Based in both Durango, Colorado, and Tucson, Arizona, she has spent nearly two decades riding, covering tens of thousands of miles across six continents and over 21 countries.
In 2015, Sarah and her partner became the first cyclists to traverse the Trans-America Trail (TAT)—a rugged 5,000-mile dirt road route designed for dual sport motorcycles, stretching from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Port Orford, Oregon. Remarkably, this was only Sarah’s fifth bike tour, and the experience proved to be transformative.
Now, Sarah will return to a new, bicycle-focused version of the TAT, Adventure Cycling’s 50th Anniversary Epic Route. She’ll scout, validate, and promote the route ahead of its official 2026 launch. Her approach this time is rooted in reflection — on her life since 2015, on the people she meets, and the landscapes she rides through. She aims to challenge herself in a sustainable, mindful way and plans to complete the route in 40–50 days.
Follow the Swallow right here when she starts on August 27, 2025.
Get In on the Ride
Accessibility
Launching in early 2026, the 50th Anniversary route will be the next iconic bikepacking trip in the U.S. To help everyone ride it, we’re giving it away for free. Everything from the route line to the services to the up-to-date details you come to expect from an Adventure Cycling Route.
Help us get this free route in the hands of riders everywhere. Just $18 builds one mile of route.
The 50th Anniversary route represents the future of Adventure Cycling iconic routes, and we want you to ride it! In 2026, we’re promoting drop-in rides along the route. Drop-in means you can ride any section at any time, or the entire route. Sign up for free and tell us what you plan to ride, and we’ll give you the digital route, show you how to form a group, and help you plan your ride.
More coming soon!
Speed riding the route in September 2026, ultra-endurance racer, Lael Wilcox, plans to set a blazing FKT for the 50th Route. You can spot watch her progress and follow along with her story right here.
More coming soon!
Follow all riders and tag your trip!
#AdventureCycling50
Get a taste of the route from our Route Researchers.
Photos by John Hormell, Denny Koontz
