Top 5 Instagram-Worthy National Parks in the US for Nature-Loving Cyclists

Let's face it: there's nothing like riding the streets or trails just as the morning sun breaks over the horizon. Well, in that spirit, we've compiled a countdown of the top 5 National Parks that give cyclists a completely different change of scenery. Oh, and just so we're on the same page here, these are the most spoken-of parks in the US, so bring your best gear.

#5

First on this list of adventure-worthy destinations is none other than Rocky Mountain National Park found in Colorado. According to the National Park Service, for as little as $15, you can hop on your wheeled stallion and explore this beautiful landscape along established roads and routes.

Try to reach the Dream and Emerald Lakes, maybe the Forest Canyon Overlook, or just stop and enjoy a view of the local wildlife. Just don't try and feed the bears, okay; they're wild animals and clearly can't be to blame if it ends up taking a bite out of your bike.

#4

As we climb closer to the top park on this list, we have to make a stop at Glacier National Park. Now, this park situated in Montana has an elevation gradient that extends up to 10,000 ft (MSL or Mean Sea Level or true altitude), so dress accordingly.

But if you do, be sure to check out Grinnell Glacier, Logan Pass, and Going-to-the-Sun Road. These are clearly just points of interest that I found beautiful enough to remark, but there are clearly other hidden scenes that are sure to make your Instagram account blow up.

#3

As you'd expect, none other than Yellowstone National Park clearly made it onto this list. With one of the highest concentrations of mentions on Instagram, it's clear that there's something magical about this place, and your bicycle is one hell of a way to see what this national treasure has to offer.

You can't come to this park and not check out Old Faithful. I mean, people come from all corners of the world to see this natural wonder, and you even have it in your own backyard; it's a must-see, and maybe you can clean your chain with some of its mystical waters. You might end up winning the Tour de France afterward. What, you didn't know that this was actually Lance Armstrong's secret? Just kidding.

#2

Located in Southwest Utah, you and your group of bicycle lovers can explore none other than Zion National Park. It's here that you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking scenes this world has to offer from the Observation Point and even get a feel for what's so amazing about wind-carved sandstone cliffs.

Considering you can ride your bike or e-bike on any roadway the park offers, there's really no limit to what you can see, but be sure to check out the bicycle-worthy Pa'rus Trial. If you've got the skills and leg power, draft behind a bus hitting up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, but don't forget to stop and take some shots.

#1

Now, as you'd expect, the number one park that the world seems to be attracted to is none other than good old Yosemite National Park. Honestly, this is one of those parks that offers corner after corner of hidden, natural, and timeless beauty that makes you understand that we are just all a bunch of fleeting moments in the face of the planet.

It's here and only here that you'll be able to snap a shot of the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the one and only El Capitan. The latter is bound to be littered with other explorers like yourself, so you may want to be there long before the sunshine breaks over the horizon.

Trip Planning is Key

Now, before you go and say, "That's it," and you know what it is you'll be doing over summer vacation, there are a few things you need to consider. First and foremost is where you can ride a bicycle or e-bike. Generally, riders can use any roadway available to cars or other vehicles, but restrictions do exist. Some include not being able to ride through tunnels, on off-trail routes, and even group size. These are, however, park-dependent, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

This brings me to the final point: weather. Clearly, the elements are a huge factor in where we can explore, be it with a bicycle or by car. For example, Yosemite National Park's Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed for winter until late May or June, according to the National Park Service. Ride safe out there, and always abide by local laws and road regulations; it's for everyone's safety and enjoyment. Oh, and because there really are bears in this story, have the proper safety gear on you at all times.