Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport not for the weak at heart. Mountain biking can be done almost anywhere, but is especially popular in the western United States.

There are several mountain biking touring companies that cater to small group tours for beginner and intermediate riders. Here is a brief summary of the small group tours available in the US.

Solfun Mountain Bike Tours
The tours available from Solfun are based in the Moab Desert of southern Utah. They offer small group tours for half-day and full-day. The cost does include the rental of mountain bikes.

Solfun prides itself on having a flexible itinerary that can accommodate their customer’s needs from a beginner level to the more advanced. Along with the bikes, the touring company supplies helmets and water bottles.

San Juan Hut Systems
This is the only hut system in the United States. There are two different trails, one originating in Telluride, Colorado and the other more difficult trail starting in Durango, Colorado. Both 215 mile long trails end in Moab, Utah.

The manmade wooden huts sleep up to eight people comfortable. The huts contain padded bunks, sleeping bags, propane cook stoves and there is also composting toilets available.

There are two mountain biking packages to choose from in a 7 day package or a 5 day package.

Cog Wild Bicycle Tours
This touring company is based in central Oregon with trails that start in Bend and Sunriver going through the Cascade Mountains and ending up in the high desert.

Cog Wild has trips available for single people, but there is a 2-4 person minimum so riders are paired up with others at the same experience level.

There are dozens of vacation packages available from Cog Wild. A 50% deposit is due at the time of reservation with the balance due 60 days before the first day of the tour.

Escape Adventures
This is a large bike touring company with multiple trails in 14 different states. Escape Adventures prides itself on being eco-friendly and being the first carbon neutral outfitter in the world. The company offers guided and self-guided tours. Within the guided tours there are three subcategories: Mountain Bike Trips, Road Cycling and Ultra-Cross Tours.

The self-guided tours are a cheaper alternative to the guided tours. The riders are given a detailed trail map and directions, but have the freedom to go at their own pace. The riders must be able to fix their own bikes while on the trail. Escape does provide extra gear, cooking supplies, tools and a first-aid kit at the riders designated campsites.

Utah Mountain Bike Tours
This bike touring company offers group tours from 2 to 6 people. The trails cover the St. George area of Utah and expand to northern Arizona.

Utah Mountain Bike Tours prides itself on providing a unique experience for couples, friends and coworkers. They guarantee customers will not be paired with strangers.