Bikepacking Routes

Hebras de Ixtepeji is a short, testing, and very satisfying weekend loop into the mountains behind the city of Oaxaca. It packs in as many low-traffic dirt roads and backcountry singletrack trails as it can, almost all of which is rideable with a lightweight bikepacking setup. Designed with mountain bikers in mind, it also includes an introduction to some of the Sierra Norte's enduro and cross-country trails, an impressive network that draws riders from across Mexico...

Complementing the San José del Pacífico Grand Dirt Tour, this vueltita into the Sierra Norte offers a chance to explore the rugged mountains that provide a lush backdrop to the beautiful city of Oaxaca, famed for its fine cuisine and vibrant arts scene. Choose from a lean dirt road option, lace in cross-country singletrack as you go, or set up a base camp and spend a day hiking or riding the techy delights around La Cumbre. Whatever your preference, prep yourself for the climb ahead with a cup of Oaxacan coffee, devour a tlayuda en route, and enjoy a night or two camping out in the high country, where old-growth forest and a network of trails await...

The Santa Cruz Overnighter highlights an ecosystem that suffers a division by a political border in the shape of a metal fence, which at times will be just a few meters away as you ride. Passing the now closed border crossing of Lochiel and heading south to the farming town of Santa Cruz, it’s an easy route that's adequate for beginners or a relaxed overnighter with a touch of environmental and social interest...