Singletracks (June 27, 2026) by Travis Reil

The BOLT Coalition’s portfolio of long-distance trails is poised for massive growth, with 13 potential trail additions that would nearly triple the length of its current list. These proposed routes would add approximately 7,778 miles across 10 states to the existing 5,232 miles of currently recognized trails. From the ambitious 5,000-mile Orogenesis stretching along the West Coast to lesser-known and newer routes like the Tour de Poudre in Colorado and the Verde Valley Trail in Arizona, these additions represent a significant step forward in making long-distance mountain biking more accessible.

The BOLT Act

The BOLT Act (Biking on Long-Distance Trails) was introduced in Congress in November 2021 to create a federal legacy system of long-distance trails. The goal was to get these massive trails more attention, especially at a federal level, to secure the funding needed to complete them. Upon its inception, the BOLT Act sought to identify 10 existing long-distance bike trails and 10 areas with the potential to develop long-distance trails.

Long-distance trails, as defined by the BOLT Coalition, range from long, continuous trails to multiple trails linked together into a route, with singletrack, roads, and gravel all being fair game. In the few years following its introduction into U.S. Legislation, the BOLT Act passed through both the Senate and House of Representatives.

In 2023, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act was introduced, which absorbed the BOLT Act. EXPLORE passed with unanimous votes and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 4, 2025.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, the BOLT Coalition has been regularly gathering to support its implementation. Moving forward, a key goal of the coalition is to identify potential long-distance trails to bring into the inventory.

13 proposed trail additions, from Alaska to Vermont

The BOLT Coalition is proposing 13 potential long-distance trail additions, totaling another 7,778 miles across 10 states. Adding the trails to the BOLT portfolio catalog could bring significant recognition to the projects, potentially serving as a catalyst for their completion.

Highline National Recreation Trail, Arizona

Arizona’s Highline Trail, near Payson, continues to wow locals and visitors alike. The trail has technical and rocky sections you would expect from an Arizona trail, but with other surprises, like passing through the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pine trees. Currently, Highline is only 67 miles long, but a potential Pine-to-Payson connector could easily push the route to the 80-mile benchmark.

Existing trails with BOLT recognition

Twenty routes are already in the BOLT Colation catalog, and represent 5,232 miles of trails stretched across 12 states.

• Arizona National Scenic Trail – 834 miles, Arizona
• Black Canyon National Recreation Trail – 97 miles, Arizona
• C&O Canal Trail – 185 miles, Maryland
• Carson Continental Divide Epic – 92 miles, Colorado/New Mexico
• Centennial Trail – 111 miles, South Dakota
• Colorado Trail – 540 miles, Colorado
• Grandview Trail – 83 miles, Utah
• The Grand Loop – 365 miles, Colorado/Utah
• Great Western Trail (UT) – 673 miles, Utah
• Kenai Mountain Bike Trail – 234 miles, Alaska
• Kokopelli Trail – 142 miles, Colorado/Utah
• Maah Daah Hey – 158 miles, North Dakota
• Monumental Loop – 250 miles, New Mexico
• Oregon Timber Trail – 684 miles, Oregon
• Ouachita National Recreation Trail – 108 miles, Arkansas
• Paradox Trail – 120 miles, Colorado
• Pinhoti Trail (GA) – 128 miles, Georgia
• Tabeguache Trail – 142 miles, Colorado
• White Rim – 100 miles, Utah
• Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail – 80 miles, Wyoming

 

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