There will always be riders eager to push their sport beyond its usual limits in a world driven by progress. As a result, mountain bikers worldwide have gone to great lengths to seek out some of the steepest and sketchiest descents. Here are the world’s scariest mountain bike trails to add to your bucket list.

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Yungas Road

Where: La Paz, Bolivia

Yungas Road, or ‘the death road,’ as it’s more commonly known, isn’t strictly a bike trail, but it makes it onto the bucket lists of many mountain bikers and backpackers. This road boasts 64km of downhill dirt track, with only one brief uphill interruption. However, you’ll soon discover why it’s been dubbed the world’s most dangerous road with its sheer drops, treacherous hairpins, and sketchy surface.

The Cliffs of Moher

Where: West coast of Ireland

Rather than a trail, the Cliffs of Moher sit 700m above the wild Atlantic Ocean on a sheer cliff face. There are only a few feet between you and the ocean on this narrow, windy trail. Back in 2006, Hans Rey and Steve Peat came up with the insane idea to take this ledge on – and thankfully, no one has followed them.

Higher Maritime Alps

Where: South west Alps, France

Mountain bike trails are renowned in the south west Alps, with steep terrain that can satisfy even the most extreme riders. Mountain biker James McKnight proved this claim when he ventured onto this trail in the Maritime Alps that seems to transcend the extreme.

Porcupine Rim

Where: Utah, USA

Porcupine Rim appears at first glance to be a typical advanced technical trail. However, as soon as you descend the sharp rock drops, you’ll find yourself faced with three miles of hair-raising singletrack, alarmingly accompanied by sheer cliffs that drop into the Colorado River. Be prepared for some on-the-fly bike hacks if you try this trail, aside from the undeniable risks to your body.

Radwanderung

Where: Gamitzenklamm Gorge, Austria

Radwanderung runs along the Gamitzenklamm Gorge in Austria, a steep, narrow trail many would be reluctant to walk, much less tackle on two wheels. It takes serious concentration to navigate this trail, as some parts are barely wider than a foot.

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The White Line

Where: Arizona, USA

Pro mountain biker Michal Kollbek described riding the White Line as one of the scariest things he has ever done. There is no room for even the slightest wobble on the sandstone track etched into a cliff.

The Ridge

Where: Isle of Skye, Scotland

In Danny MacAskill’s film ‘The Ridge,’ the Cuillin Ridgeline was so dangerous as a bike trail that even the notorious trial rider was pushed beyond his limits. Danny is the only one to have conquered this epic ridgeline so far due to huge cliff drops and unforgiving terrain.

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