Some of the most rewarding gravel cycling experiences aren't found on the routes everyone already knows. They're on remote backroads through wild landscapes, historic trails that reveal a region's past, and quiet country roads that take you somewhere unexpected.
But where do you find them?
From remote gravel backroads in Chilean Patagonia to historic mountain passes in New Zealand and a coast-to-coast adventure through central Italy, we've selected nine standout gravel rides across three different cycle tours. Each destination offers a different kind of discovery: remote and little-known roads in Chilean Patagonia, backcountry gravel riding across New Zealand's South Island, and a coast-to-coast journey through the diverse landscapes of central Italy.
From challenging mountain passes and hidden valleys to historic trails and spectacular coastal finishes, these are nine rides that offer a different perspective on each destination.
Experience a Gravel Tour off the Beaten Path.
Find new friends and quiet spots on a gravel cycling vacation1. Chile: Secret Gravel Routes in the Wilds of Patagonia
Chile’s Aysén region is one of the most spectacular and remote corners of Patagonia. Centred around the enormous turquoise waters of Lake General Carrera, also known as Chelenko Lake, this is a landscape of rugged mountains, glacial lakes, deep valleys and quiet gravel roads. The Chelenko Backroads tour explores some of the region’s most scenic and lesser-known cycling routes, taking riders far beyond the more familiar Patagonian highlights.
Three standout rides:
1. The Las Ardillas Backroad
The Route of Las Ardillas, or Squirrels Route, is a remote gravel road winding through lush forests and expansive valleys beneath the dramatic peaks of Cerro Castillo. The ride finishes at Puerto Ibáñez with a stop at the epic Rio Ibanez waterfall on the way. At the end of the ride, you'll board a ferry for a memorable crossing of Lake General Carrera to Chile Chico. It’s a wonderful combination of remote riding and spectacular lake scenery.
2. Jeinimeni Valley and National Reserve
Leaving Chile Chico, the ride heads deep into the Jeinimeni Valley, a remarkable landscape of towering cliffs, turquoise water and striking rock formations. After cycling into the reserve to the Emerald Lagoon, there's an opportunity to swap the bike for walking shoes and explore the solitude and beauty of Lago Verde. There's a real sense of wilderness, well away from the usual cycling routes.
3. The Hidden Roads to Puerto Sánchez
This is gravel riding at its most adventurous. From Bahía Murta, the route follows a little-known backroad towards Puerto Sánchez, climbing the demanding Cuesta La Candonga. The reward is sweeping views across Lake General Carrera and the satisfaction of reaching a remote corner of Patagonia that few visitors get to experience.
Why ride here?
For gravel cyclists looking for remote roads, dramatic scenery and a genuine sense of discovery, Aysén is hard to beat. The Chelenko Backroads tour combines challenging riding with unforgettable landscapes, including mountain passes, hidden valleys, waterfalls, glacial lakes and even a ferry crossing.
Gravel Cycle Tour Patagonia.
Head into the wilderness with a trusty gravel bike2. New Zealand: Backcountry Gravel Rides Across the South Island
New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for its mountains, lakes and spectacular cycling trails. But beyond the popular destinations lies a different kind of adventure: historic stock routes, remote mountain passes and long stretches of gravel through vast open country. The South Island Gravel Explorer travels from Christchurch to Queenstown, crossing the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago along a combination of quiet backcountry roads and established off-road trails.
Three standout rides:
1. Crossing Hakataramea Pass
At 965 metres above sea level, Hakataramea Pass is one of the tour's most memorable gravel stages. Starting near Lake Tekapo, the route climbs on gravel beneath expansive views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps before descending into the broad Hakataramea Valley. It's a ride through wide-open landscapes, rolling farmland and the rugged beauty of the Waitaki region.
2. The Alps 2 Ocean Trail
This section of the famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail takes riders from Kurow towards the coastal town of Oamaru. Following the Waitaki River, the route passes vineyards, Māori rock art sites and the remarkable limestone formations of Elephant Rocks. There are also historic railway features and quiet rural stretches before the ride reaches the Pacific coast.
3. The Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails
The landscapes become increasingly remote on this ride through Central Otago. Following the mighty Clutha River, the route travels through dramatic gorges, old gold-mining country and isolated valleys. One particularly memorable section includes a jet boat transfer upriver, linking two parts of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. It's a wonderful way to experience the region's history and rugged riverside scenery.
Why ride here?
This is a gravel adventure that showcases the remarkable variety of New Zealand's South Island. From high-country passes and turquoise alpine lakes to historic rail trails and remote river gorges, the journey combines challenging riding with some of the country's most distinctive landscapes.
Exceptional Gravel Biking.
Head to NZ for some glorious gravel3. Italy: A Coast-to-Coast Gravel Adventure Through the Heart of Italy
Tuscany may be Italy's best-known cycling destination, but there's so much more to discover beyond its famous cypress-lined roads and rolling vineyards.
This coast-to-coast gravel adventure starts on the Adriatic coast in Marche, crosses the green landscapes of Umbria and continues through Tuscany before reaching the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along the way, riders discover medieval hilltop villages, vineyard-covered valleys, the Apennine Mountains and the wilder landscapes of southern Tuscany.
Three standout rides:
1. The Rural Roads and Limestone Canyons of Marche
Leaving the Adriatic coastline, the ride heads inland through the rolling countryside of Marche, passing medieval villages, olive groves and vineyards. One of the highlights is the spectacular Gola di Frasassi, a limestone canyon surrounded by rugged cliffs and home to the famous Frasassi Caves. It's a beautiful introduction to the quieter, rural side of central Italy.
2. The White Roads of Umbria and Lake Trasimeno
Known as Italy's green heart, Umbria offers a wonderful mix of forested hills, farmland, vineyards and historic towns. The route crosses the Apennines before reaching Assisi, with its beautiful Basilica of Saint Francis, then continues through the countryside towards Lake Trasimeno. The lake's peaceful shoreline and surrounding medieval towns offer a more relaxed and less familiar side of central Italy.
3. The Wild Maremma and the Ride to the Coast
The final stages of the journey take riders through southern Tuscany, including the famous white gravel roads of Val d'Orcia and the more remote landscapes of the Maremma. After passing through historic villages and forested hills, the route descends towards the Tyrrhenian coast and the rugged Argentario promontory. It's a spectacular finish to a journey across the Italian peninsula.
Why ride here?
This tour offers a different perspective on Italian cycling. Rather than staying in one region, it links three distinct landscapes and cultures in a single coast-to-coast adventure. Expect gravel roads, medieval villages, local wines, traditional food and a wonderful mix of mountain and coastal scenery.
Ride across Italy's regions by Gravel Bike.
Explore the hills and magic of ItalyThree Countries, Three Very Different Gravel Adventures
Whether you're drawn to the remote wilderness of Patagonia, the historic backcountry routes of New Zealand or the rural landscapes of central Italy, these journeys show just how varied gravel cycling can be.
Each tour offers something different:
- Chile: Remote, adventurous gravel riding through one of Patagonia's most spectacular regions.
- New Zealand: Historic backcountry roads, mountain passes and iconic off-road trails across the South Island.
- Italy: A coast-to-coast journey through three regions, combining rural gravel roads, mountain scenery, culture and cuisine.
The best gravel adventures aren't always about riding the most famous routes. Sometimes they're about discovering a quieter road, exploring a new landscape and seeing a destination from a completely different perspective.