A gravel bike tour in Bentonville? You read that right. Over recent years, Bentonville has transformed from a sleepy Arkansas town to the center of the mountain bike universe, offering an array of culinary options, microbreweries, colorful boutiques, a world-class art museum, and many miles of single track. Beyond the singletrack, the area offers fantastic gravel riding through rolling farmland, framed by the imposing Ozark mountains. These gravel roads offer everything from smooth dirt roads to chunky gravel sections flowing around hidden corners to remote hollows and through endless tunnels of trees. When you're done pedaling, enjoy dinner at culinary hotspots like the Hive and Conifer. Retire to your splendid hotel each evening, just a few steps from the town square, where you’ll find yourself lingering to peruse the contemporary art collection worthy of museum galleries.
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Ride through miles and miles of dirt roads snaking across the rolling hilly Arkansas landscape, including the classic Sugar Creek Road
Stay steps from Bentonville’s quaint town square at the 21c Museum Hotel which integrates local art into all areas of the property
Step into The Meteor, a unique bike shop, bottle shop, and cafe, where you can enjoy delectable food and the perfect cycling ambiance
Experience the art scene with a guided tour of Crystal Bridges, and visit the Momentary's Tower Bar for a drink with a view
Soak up the bike-friendly atmosphere of Bentonville at Airship Coffee, a shop tucked into the trail network only accessible by bike or foot
Sculpture at Crystal Bridges
You can't help but fall in love with Bentonville
Bentonville is filled with surprises: a bike-friendly vibe, singing bridges, gourmet NWA-inspired dining, a coffee shop in the woods, and artwork all around. The gravel riding is really fun, too!
We really enjoyed this trip. The guides were excellent, the host hotel was nice and in a great location, food was great, the routes were excellent and the other folks on the trip were very nice. The tour of the Crystal Bridges museum as excellent.
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Bentonville is a bike community like no other. The trails, the people, and their love of bikes were beyond anything I could imagine.... I've been on tours with other companies where the guides are good guides; Being a good guide is different than being good at hospitality, and that separates this team from others. They enjoy service and seeing everyone having a good time.... This team did a great job, and I greatly appreciate all they did to make this an excellent vacation.
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WOW. Bentonville is a great little town with creative restaurants, interesting museums and a great vibe. The gravel riding was so fun. I loved that we had afternoons to explore the town, take advantage of Blake Street club and relax. I loved the experience.
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I didn't expect much from the area except nice trails. I was more than surprised. Bentonville is a bike community like no other. The trails, the people, and their love of bikes were beyond anything I could imagine. I have a hard time describing it to anyone because it's so unique.
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Bentonville is great! The Crystal Bridges Museum made for an extraordinary afternoon.
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Bentonville has emerged as a growing star in the gravel and mountain bike scene. It’s easy to see when you spend a week riding some of the best gravel the Ozarks has to offer. Pair that with three James Beard nominee restaurants in a charming walkable downtown, and you’re in for a trip of a lifetime.
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Great Ride
Ride our version of the iconic Big Sugar Gravel course and enjoy the scenic, secluded roads and the undulating terrain of the Ozark Mountains.
Book early for the best price
Guaranteed
Join Waitlist
Private
Limited Availability
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
Pick-up location:
21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville
Pick-up time:
9:30 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
Drop-off location:
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
Drop-off time:
11:30 AM
Additional Arrival Information
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you in the lobby of the 21c Museum Hotel (200 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712) at 9:30 AM on the first day of the trip. Your trip begins with a 35-minute shuttle to picnic lunch and a bike fitting session followed by your first ride. Please come dressed in riding clothes and have your riding gear in a separate, readily accessible bag. Your luggage will be stored at the hotel and placed in your room when it is ready.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your Bentonville Gravel bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA).
From the airport, you can arrange for a ride to the hotel via taxi, Uber or Lift. Please refer to the airport website, www.flyxna.com, for the most current options. It is approximately 13 miles from the airport to downtown, and the ride will take approximately 30 minutes.
If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call the 21c Museum Hotel (479-286-6500), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the hotel, or 11:30 AM at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). Please do not schedule a flight before 1:30 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays.
Get your first taste of Ozark gravel and enjoy dinner at The Hive
Overview
Meet your guides at the 21c Museum Hotel at 9:30 AM. After a 30-minute shuttle, you'll be treated to a signature Trek Travel picnic followed by a bike fitting session and your first ride. You’ll start today almost immediately on gravel as you make your way east to sample some of the peaceful rolling countryside through the Ozark hills. Once closer to town, you’ll catch glimpses of some of the sweet biking infrastructure this town is known for. Upon returning, get settled into your room. Take a stroll and get acquainted with the town square before we gather for social hour, where your guides will fill you in on the rest of the week's adventures. The day ends with dinner at The Hive, an award-winning restaurant serving creative High South cuisine highlighting ingredients like black walnuts, freshly milled corn meal, hickory smoked hams, peaches, melons, and sweet onions.
Hotel
21c Museum Hotel
Meals included
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Countryside gravel sample
Get your wheels dusty on your first taste of perfect Ozark gravel.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Sulphur Springs to Bentonville - Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1,674 ft | 510 m
Tackle a fun, flowy gravel loop and visit at a coffee shop in the woods
Overview
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Hive this morning before meeting at the bikes for your first full day of adventure. Today’s ride begins with a few miles of bike path and then the roller coaster begins. Pristine undulating pavement turns to gravel about six miles into the ride. The hills continue as you wind your way through forest and farmland west of town. The short option begins with a shuttle, while the others pedal from the hotel. Avid cyclists will complete an extended gravel loop, then rejoin the other routes. Regardless of what you choose, everyone will follow the same route back to town, and we'll regroup at a coffee shop in the woods before heading back to the hotel. After the ride, enjoy lunch at a cafe of your choice and some free time to check out the shops in town or perhaps visit the Walmart Museum. This evening, we'll gather for dinner at a local favorite cafe.
Hotel
21c Museum Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Get acquainted with Bentonville
Explore vibrant downtown Bentonville at your pace this afternoon.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Bentonville toward Gravette Loop - Approximately 31 mi | 50 km and 1,600 ft | 488 m
Ride Option2
SHORT OPTION:
Bentonville toward Gravette Loop with Shuttle - Approximately 19 mi | 31 km and 1,100 ft | 335 m
Ride Option3
AVID OPTION:
Bentonville toward Gravette Loop Extended - Approximately 40 mi | 64 km and 2,100 ft | 640 m
Relax with a rolling recovery day and tour Crystal Bridges
Overview
After breakfast, we’ll load up for a quick shuttle to another great ride, this time through the farmland west of town. Use today as a rolling recovery day or choose the avid option if you are here to build your endurance. Aside from a few miles of pavement to get back into town, today's ride is pure gravel bliss. Weave your way through an endless maze of dirt, trees, and farms to your heart's content. Your guides will keep you headed in the right direction and top off your bottles as you won’t find any services out here, just the isolated beauty of your surroundings, punctuated by trees and cattle. The ride ends with a lunch at the cyclist-focused Meteor Café. Late this afternoon, we'll take a private guided tour of the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum. The one-hour "Big Picture" tour focuses on the history of the museum and it's three basic pillars: art, nature, and architecture. If you enjoy art and would like time to browse all of the galleries, feel free to linger until closing as the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you please. We suggest starting your evening off at The Momentary's Tower Bar for a cocktail with a view, followed by dinner on your own at one of the many local eateries in town.
Hotel
21c Museum Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Touring Crystal Bridges Art Museum
View how modern art, architecture, and nature interact at Crystal Bridges.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Bentonville to Springtown Loop with Shuttle - Approximately 36 mi | 57 km and 1,753 ft | 534 m
Ride Option2
SHORT OPTION:
Bentonville to Springtown Loop with Shuttle - Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1,150 ft | 351 m
Ride Option3
AVID OPTION:
Bentonville to Springtown Loop Extended with Shuttle - Approximately 43 mi | 69 km and 2,069 ft | 630 m
Activities
Activity 1
TODAY'S ACTIVITY:
Private tour of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Ride our version of the Big Sugar course and delight in dinner at Conifer
Overview
Gear up for the week's final big ride today! The route is modeled after the Big Sugar pro gravel race. After a few miles of pavement, you’ll reach gravel on the north side of town and ride all the way to the Missouri state line, encircling the town of Pea Ridge. The short option will shuttle to the state line and then jump into the fun, while avid riders will complete an extended loop with a few additional hills. As you ride through the serene country roads surrounding this area, you may get lost in the seclusion and sanctity found in these lush green hills. We will have a casual picnic-style lunch en route today. Afterwards, everyone will pedal back to the hotel. It’s the perfect grand finale for an epic week of gravel exploration around this cycling mecca. This evening, we’ll celebrate in style with social hour and dinner at the newest farm-to-table fan favorite, Conifer.
Hotel
21c Museum Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Dinner at Conifer, chef owned and locally driven.
Arkansas native Chef Matthew Cooper is inspired by the human connection to nature and is focused on creating community through food. Expect unique cuisine influenced by both Northwest Arkansas and the Pacific Northwest, from fresh fish to creative vegetable dishes, sourced locally whenever possible.
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Bentonville to Pea Ridge Loop - Approximately 38 mi | 61 km and 1,700 ft | 518 m
Ride Option2
SHORT OPTION:
Bentonville to Pea Ridge Loop with Shuttle - Approximately 25 mi | 40 km and 1,050 ft | 320 m
Ride Option3
AVID OPTION:
Bentonville to Pea Ridge Loop Extended - Approximately 50 mi | 80 km and 2,525 ft | 770 m
Enjoy a leisurely spin on Sugar Creek
Overview
It's time to say goodbye to this charming Southern town. But before you go, enjoy a leisurely cruise back on the road that gave Big Sugar its name. Back at the hotel, you'll have a chance to freshen up before check-out. Your guides will offer a shuttle to the airport at 11:00 AM.
Meals included
Breakfast
Ride Options
Ride Option1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Sugar Creek and Return - Approximately 19 mi | 30 km and 1,000 ft | 304 m
There are a variety of non-riding options on this trip for riders who want to take the afternoon off or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Except as specified in the itinerary, expenses and transportation to these activities are not included in the trip price. Some non-riding options are:
Looking for a break from traffic and the usual routes? Our gravel rides are the perfect escape! While the amount of pavement varies from destination to destination, you can count on minimal traffic once you hit the dirt. And since you'll be off the beaten path, you may encounter fewer services - that's where our guides come in handy. They'll make sure you have everything you need, whether it's a flat tire fix or a local recommendation for the best post-ride treat. And with support from our team available on and off the bike, you'll have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable ride - even through some of the bumps on the trail.
Located on the northeast corner of Bentonville’s town square, 21c Museum Hotel is a boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, and cultural hub. Guests enjoy stylish rooms with curated artwork, high ceilings, and Malin + Goetz amenities, plus award-winning “High South” cuisine at The Hive, led by Chef Matthew McClure. The hotel has a warm, welcoming feel and gives guests the opportunity to discover thought-provoking art around every corner.
New in 2026! The Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is a carbon gravel bike built for epic rides. Its lightweight frame features Gravel Endurance geometry with IsoSpeed comfort tech, while 45 mm tires smooth out rough terrain. With a wireless SRAM Force XPLR AXS drivetrain featuring a wide 10–46T 13-speed 1X gearing, and powerful disc brakes—everything you need to go wherever the gravel leads.
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New in 2026! Trek’s Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS is a lightweight e-assist bike built for miles of fun. The TQ HPR60 electric-assist motor adds a quiet boost up to 15 or 28 mph (region specific), making climbs and long days easier. Carbon wheels and frame, plus IsoSpeed technology, keep it quick and responsive. Gravel riders will use 45 mm tubeless, knobby tires, while Classic riders will be on 38mm road tires—showcasing the bikes versatility. With SRAM’s 12-speed AXS wireless shifting and disc brakes, every move is in your control.
Upgrade to the Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See specific trip dates for available bike options.
Trek Travel Guides
From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.
Certified Guides
Know Before You Go!
We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.
Your Trip Need to Knows:
Fayetteville, Arkansas
You can linger in Bentonville and check out all the world class mountain bike trails, or take a short jaunt to Fayetteville, which is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. This vibrant city is the home to the University of Arkansas and its passionate Razorbacks fans, and has always been a hot spot for fun. Discover its historic charm and modern appeal, from the famed Dickson Street—lined with diverse restaurants, lively bars, and the iconic George’s Majestic Lounge, Arkansas’s oldest music venue—to the heart of the arts at the Walton Arts Center and Theatre Squared. Enjoy world-class performances, annual festivals, and the city's beautiful surroundings, making Fayetteville a top place to visit. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre- and post-trip hotel:
Where to Stay
Graduate Fayetteville
This contemporary boutique hotel in Fayetteville city center features indoor and outdoor swimming pools and rooms with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. A limited, pop-up bar menu is available at Poindexter Coffee Bistro & Lounge, the on-site restaurant and bar. The Walton Arts Center is just a five-minute drive away. www.graduatehotels.com
Inn at the Mill, Ascend Hotel Collection
This hotel is a combination of elegance and history in the small town of Springdale, just seven miles north of Fayetteville. Originally a 19th century water powered grain mill, it was transformed into a hotel and restaurant. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities as well as many shops, restaurants, clubs, and galleries in the Dickson Street Entertainment District. www.innatthemill.com
Dickson Street Inn
The Dickson Street Inn is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Fayetteville. It was built in 1894 as a single family home and remodeled to be an inn, it now features 10 modernized rooms complete with an ensuite bathroom, a king bed, coffee maker, mini fridge, television and wifi among other amenities. Features like the crown molding, crystal chandeliers, and original pine floors have been preserved and add to the Inn's charm, as does the wrap-around front porch where you can enjoy your coffee or a cocktail and watch passers-by. www.dicksonstreetinn.com
Daily high temperatures in Bentonville range from 77F (25C) in May to 85F (30C) in June. Evenings are predictably a bit cooler with average lows of 57F (14C) in May and 66F (19C) in June. Our trips will run in the late Spring and early Summer, so bring light layers, and of course, always bring your raincoat. For all gravel trips, we recommend wearing cycling shoes with recessed cleats on the off chance you have to hike-a-bike. View our Packing List
To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.
*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.
**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.
Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip.
Click here to view our full guaranteed policy.
Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.
Read our Cancellation Policy
Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.
Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us.
Learn more about our Travel Protection
We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services
Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments
Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Gravel trip, we recommend between $200-$250 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.
Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:
Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.
Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.
You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See Gravel FAQs
Want to learn more about our trips? Watch our recorded Guide-Led Virtual Events—just visit our Trek Travel Youtube Channel and search for your trip.
Log in to see upcoming trips, preferences, and much more.
Sign up to personalize your experience and trips.
Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.
Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.
This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.
If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.
Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Explore beautiful destinations with a curated blend of guided activities, local cuisine, handpicked accommodations, and itineraries to suit every traveler, from laid-back adventures to luxurious escapes.
Venture off the beaten path to unforgettable places, with fully-supported routes that combine gravel and paved roads in classic Trek Travel style.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Step into adventure with carefully designed routes, unparalleled hospitality, and deep-routed local connections.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
