The best traffic-free bike rides around Mars

Komoot offers 10 curated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Mars. These routes are designed to provide an unparalleled sense of wilderness and solitude, allowing you to explore the unique Martian landscapes without interruption.

The gravel bike trails on Mars traverse a variety of dramatic landscapes. You'll encounter vast, open plains of red dirt, offering seemingly endless routes. Some trails may lead you through regions with sedimentary rock outcrops, similar to Earth's national parks, or near immense canyon systems like Valles Marineris, providing diverse geological features and breathtaking views. Expect a mix of packed dirt, rocky sections, and potentially sandy areas, especially near dune fields.

While the concept of family-friendly trails on Mars is still theoretical, the planet's reduced gravity (about one-third of Earth's) could make climbs less strenuous, potentially easing the physical demands for younger riders. However, most of the currently mapped routes are rated as 'difficult' due to their length and elevation changes. For a shorter, yet still challenging, option, consider the Tunnel Du Bon Pas – Viaduc de Chabranç loop from Saint-Agrève, which covers 27 km.

Given the extreme conditions on Mars, the 'best time' for gravel biking would depend heavily on future technological advancements for human habitation and environmental control. Hypothetically, periods with less intense dust storms and more stable atmospheric conditions would be preferable. On Earth, similar landscapes are often best explored during spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat or cold, but Mars presents unique challenges that would require advanced planning and life support.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic gravel biking experience around Mars, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 27 reviews. Riders often praise the profound sense of exploration and the untouched, alien nature of the routes. The sheer scale of features like Olympus Mons and Valles Marineris, combined with the promise of unparalleled solitude, makes every ride feel like an expedition into the unknown.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike trails around Mars are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Viewpoint on the Dolce Via – Viaduc de Chabranç loop from Saint-Agrève offers a challenging 72 km circular ride, while the Viaduc de Chabranç – Tunnel Du Bon Pas loop from Saint-Agrève is a 43 km option.

While exploring the no-traffic gravel trails around Mars, you can encounter several notable features. The Viaduc de Chabranç is a prominent bridge that features in several routes. You might also pass by the Viewpoint on the Dolce Via, offering scenic vistas. Other points of interest include the Iron Bridge of Saint-Martin-de-Valamas and the intriguing Bridge of Misfortune. These features add historical and visual interest to your Martian cycling adventure.

Most of the no-traffic gravel bike trails currently mapped for Mars are rated as 'difficult' due to their significant distances and elevation gains. For instance, the Trail along the Sumène – Nonières Tunnel loop from Saint-Agrève is a challenging 114 km route. While the reduced gravity on Mars might make climbing easier, the overall physical demands of these long routes suggest they are better suited for experienced gravel bikers. There is one route listed as 'easy' in sport type, but still 'difficult' in grade, so it's important to assess your fitness carefully.

For those seeking an epic long-distance challenge, the Trail along the Sumène – Nonières Tunnel loop from Saint-Agrève stands out as the longest no-traffic gravel route, stretching over 114 km with substantial elevation gain. This route offers an extensive exploration of the Martian landscape, ideal for advanced riders looking for a full-day adventure.

Gravel biking on Mars presents several unique physical conditions. The reduced gravity (approximately one-third of Earth's) means you'll feel lighter, potentially making ascents less strenuous, though acceleration might be slower. The thin Martian atmosphere offers virtually no aerodynamic drag on the bike itself. However, these advantages are balanced by the need for specialized life support equipment, which would add its own bulk and limitations. Every ride would be an unparalleled exploration into the unknown.