- Adventure cyclist Sarah Swallow is embarking on a new 3,700-mile bike route from Oregon to Missouri.
- The Adventure Cycling Association is launching the Golden Gravel Trail as part of its 50th anniversary.
- The route is designed to better accommodate the needs of bikepackers and adventure cyclists.
An adventure cyclist who has logged tens of thousands of miles across six continents and over 21 countries will embark on a new trail this week that cuts through eight U.S. states over nearly 3,700 miles.
Sarah Swallow, 37, will be the first person to ride the Adventure Cycling Association’s newest, in-development route called the Golden Gravel Trail starting Wednesday. The mixed-surface trail — mostly dirt roads — runs from the Pacific Ocean in Oregon to the Mississippi River in Missouri.
“This is a daunting endeavor, but I’m undertaking it to tune in, meet myself where I am, find my rhythm and learn through the bicycle and America’s Western landscapes,” said Swallow, a non-competitive cyclist based in Durango, Colorado, and Tucson, Arizona.
“On a professional level, my goal is to document the journey, connect with people along the way, and share knowledge that encourages others to experience the route — whether for a single section or the whole crossing. As the first to ride the Golden Gravel Trail, my mission is to be a thoughtful steward and to showcase what this trail, its communities and its riders have to offer."
The route traverses Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, climbing 234,500 feet through some of the country’s most diverse terrain, including rolling Ozark hills, the Great Plains, stark deserts and alpine passes. The highest point reaches 12,034 feet at Cumberland Pass in Colorado.
It enters Utah heading south from Idaho at Bear Lake before veering into Wyoming and then back into the Beehive State. It skirts Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir and Strawberry Reservoir and heads southwest near Castle Dale, Green River and Moab before continuing into Colorado.
The Adventure Cycling Association is launching the Golden Gravel Trail as part of its 50th anniversary in 2026.
“The route is designed to redefine long-distance bikepacking in the United States by combining technical off-road challenges with the soul-stirring diversity of America’s most iconic terrain,” according to the nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle.
Exploring new routes
Despite her nearly 20 years of experience in cycling, Swallow isn’t without worries as she sets off on her the uncharted course.
“One of my concerns is safety, particularly when riding a route solo that isn’t yet established. That means I won’t encounter other cyclists very frequently, and some of the communities I pass through may not be accustomed to seeing cyclists,” she posted on her blog.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that traveling solo as a woman adds an extra layer of concern. To address this, I’m making myself as visible as possible on the road, inviting friends and family to join me for sections whenever they can, and planning to camp out of sight.”
In 2015, Swallow and a partner were the first cyclists to complete the Trans-America Trail, a 5,000-mile route across the United States designed for motorcycles.
She called the 87-day ride a “transformative” experience that reshaped her approach to cycling, inspiring her to embrace fun, improvisation and sustainability.
“For me, the bicycle is far more than a mode of transportation — it’s a tool for well-being, community connection, and deepening my relationship with the natural landscapes I travel through,” she wrote on her website.
“Every journey offers new perspectives on life, reveals the depths of my physical and mental capabilities, and fills me with gratitude and humility.”
Tracking progress
Amy Wally, Adventure Cycling cartographer and route creator, said Swallow’s experience on the Trans-America Trail makes her uniquely qualified to validate the new route.
“Her insights from that transformative journey directly informed the development of the Golden Gravel Trail, which was designed specifically to better accommodate the needs of bikepackers and adventure cyclists,” Wally said.
Swallow plans to complete as much of the route as possible over 40 to 50 days, starting with an average of 60 miles a day.
Fellow ultra-endurance bike rider and racer Lael Wilcox will join Swallow for a week along the route starting Sept. 4.
“I’m thrilled to join Sarah for a week of her ride and really looking forward to riding the full trail next September,” Wilcox said.
Swallow’s progress can be tracked starting Aug. 27 at Adventurecycling.org/follow-the-swallow/ and through her social media channels @sarahjswallow.
