Mountain Biking Statistics in the U.S.

Around 9 million people participate in mountain biking in the U.S. each year.

• Approximately 8 million Americans participated in mountain biking in 2014.
• Participation increased to 8.3 million in 2015 and 8.6 million by 2017.
• The number of mountain bikers peaked at approximately 9 million in 2019, before the pandemic.
• After a slight decline to 8.5 million in 2021 (post-COVID adjustment), numbers recovered to 9.2 million in 2023.
• Approximately 9.3 million Americans participated in mountain biking in 2024.

How does mountain biking compare to dirt biking in popularity and participation?

Mountain biking (human-powered off-road cycling) attracts a similar number of participants as dirt biking (motorized off-road motorcycling), and both activities have shown growth over the past decade.

• In 2024, around 9.3 million individuals participated in mountain biking across the United States, while dirt biking recorded approximately 9.5 million participants, representing a 2% higher engagement rate compared to mountain biking.
• Both activities saw pandemic-related participation boosts in 2020, with dirt biking sales jumping 50% in early 2020.
• Mountain biking participation increased by about 15% from 2014-2023, while dirt biking grew by approximately 35% during the same period.
• Participation in both mountain biking and dirt biking is projected to continue growing in 2025 and beyond.

Avid mountain biking participants can spend over $5,000 annually on bicycles and related gear.

• A new mountain bike costs between $750-$2,500 on average, with mid-range bikes in the $1,000-$1,200 range. High-end models easily exceed $5,000.
• Initial setup costs beyond the bike itself often reach several hundred dollars, including:
  • Helmet: $50-$150
  • Protective gear: $50-$200
  • Shoes: $100+
  • Apparel, tools, and hydration packs: $200+
• Annual maintenance costs typically run hundreds of dollars for serious riders due to replacement parts (tires at $50-$100 each, brake pads, drivetrain components) and regular service.
• Event participation and access fees add further expenses:
  • Race entry fees: $50-$150
  • Bike park season passes: $300-$400
  • Day tickets: $40-$60

How much do professional mountain bikers make in the U.S.?

Over half of professional mountain bikers earn less than $20,000 per year from the sport.

• Only a small percentage of pros make six-figure incomes.
• The highest-paid U.S. mountain biking athletes (mostly domestic downhill or enduro stars) earn around $500,000 annually in salary and endorsements, far less than top road cyclists or mainstream sports athletes.
• Professional mountain biking salaries remain relatively modest even as the sport grows in popularity and economic impact.

Age Distribution (2024):

Young Adults aged 18-34 account for approximately 35% of mountain biking participants, representing the core MTB demographic

• Adults ages 35-54 represent approximately 25% of participants, many with disposable income for expensive bikes and travel.
• Youth (6-17) represent approximately 20% of participants.
• Older Adults (55-64) and Seniors (65+) both account for approximately 10% of participants.

Gender Distribution (2024):

Men comprise approximately 70% of mountain bikers.

• Women make up approximately 30% of participants, with female participation rising.

The United States offers world-class mountain biking destinations across diverse landscapes from desert to mountains to forests.

The following trails consistently rank among the most acclaimed in the country:

1. Western Rim Trail (Fruita, Colorado): A flowing singletrack along high desert rims with stunning views of the Colorado River, attracting approximately 25,000+ riders annually.
2. Bomb Dog (Anniston, Alabama): A standout downhill run in Coldwater Mountain (an IMBA Silver-level Ride Center) with over 10,000 riders visiting annually.
3. Lower Whoops (Bend, Oregon): A machine-built flow trail of endless berms and jumps in Deschutes National Forest, part of a network logging over 300,000 trail visits annually.
4. Spencer Branch/Trace Ridge (Asheville, North Carolina): A quintessential Blue Ridge Mountain trail with a mix of climbs, fast flow, and technical features, seeing an estimated 5,000-10,000 riders per year.
5. “Rodeo” Trail (Moab, Utah): Part of the Horsethief Trails near Moab, drawing from the hundreds of thousands of mountain bikers who visit Moab annually.

What are the top-rated mountain biking destinations for winter riding in the U.S.?

• Sedona, Arizona: Arguably the #1 winter riding destination in the U.S., offering sublime red rock trails in cooler months with sunny days around 50°F, perfect for rides like Hiline or Hangover trails.
• Grand Junction & Fruita, Colorado: These high desert towns typically have rideable conditions all winter with only occasional snow, featuring legendary trails like 18 Road and Lunch Loops.
• Bootleg Canyon, Nevada: Located just outside Las Vegas, this area is a winter magnet for gravity riders, featuring rocky, technical trails and hosting winter downhill races.
• Laguna Beach (Orange County), California: Southern California’s coastal trails are prime in winter with mild temperatures and tacky dirt after occasional rains.
• Moab & St. George, Utah: While Moab can get cold in deep winter, southwestern Utah (St. George/Hurricane area, including Gooseberry Mesa and Virgin) is usually dry and cool – an increasingly popular winter riding area.

Mountain biking participation is projected to exceed 10 million Americans. The e-MTB (electric mountain bike) segment is expected to drive significant growth by attracting older riders and those who might not otherwise attempt mountain biking, broadening the sport’s demographic appeal.

• Trail development is at an all-time high, with 619 communities across the country involved in trail projects as of 2023, according to IMBA’s annual report.
• Economic impact is expanding, with regions increasingly recognizing mountain biking as a driver for tourism and local economies. The Northwest Arkansas cycling impact grew from $137 million in 2017 to $159 million in 2022.
• Professional events continue to elevate the sport’s profile, with the U.S. hosting major competitions like the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships (West Virginia, 2024) and the Life Time Grand Prix series.
• Diversity efforts aim to make the sport more inclusive, with programs targeting urban youth and initiatives to increase participation among women and underrepresented groups.
• Technology advancements in bikes, safety gear, and trail access tools are expected to make riding safer and more accessible to new participants.