Thanks to its existing natural beauty, and a thoughtful rebrand, Bentonville is blossoming into a delightful haven for mountain biking adventurers.
Named one of Forbes’ Popular Adventure Travel Activities for 2022
If you didn’t know, this charming town is the birthplace of Walmart. Back in 1951, it’s where Sam Walton opened “Walton’s 5&10 Variety Store,” which grew to be the world’s largest retailer.
On this tour, the amenities are topnotch. You will have a luxurious Bentonville home all to yourself; equipped with an oasis pool, waterslide and hot tub, plus a half basketball court and outdoor pizza oven. Outside this home base, you’ll find the lush foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Explore over 140 miles of hard and soft trails, ranked a Silver-Level Ride Center by the Mountain Biking Association.
Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, Bentonville has something for everyone to enjoy. Off the bike seat, discover Bentonville’s unique scene of art, music, and food. Ever heard of an annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-off? Neither have we. Let’s go check it out!
After departing from Tulsa, Oklahoma a morning shuttle will deliver us to downtown Bentonville. A light lunch and bike check will have us on the trails in no time. Our first ride leaves right from downtown and takes us right into the Slaughter Pen! The formidably-named Slaughter Pen trail system is located right in the heart of Bentonville. Built over a former livestock management area, it now sits next to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the beautiful Razorback Regional Greenway. On this first day of riding you can expect something for everyone.
DAY 2 | Little Sugar Trail
Today’s ride takes us to the hollers and ravines of the new Little Sugar trail system. This network of trails takes riders under bluffs along Sugar Creek and to a waterfall on Tanyard Creek as it wraps its way around Windsor and Avalon Lakes.
Expect plenty of switchbacks and berms, as well as more advanced features like drops and jumps that have been generously sprinkled in throughout the system. You should also be prepared to stop and take in the lakes, creeks, waterfalls, caves, and other nooks and crannies found along the trail system that will make you forget you’re just an Uber call away from your hotel or SAG in the event of a flat tire. Be ready to use those climbing legs, too. The descents are a roller coaster, but you have to earn them.
This afternoon, we will head to downtown Bentonville to tour the first Walton 5&10. The museum is in the original 5&10 that Sam Walton opened in 1950 on Bentonville’s town square. There you can see memorabilia from the early days in the store.
DAY 3 | The Back 40
The Back 40 trail system weaves its way up and down the ridges and valleys that undulate across the east side of Bella Vista, so you’re in for grinding climbs that alternate with fast, swooping descents. The 21-mile Back 40 Loop encircles the whole network with additional miles of trails crisscrossing the interior.
Memorable sections will include “The Ledges,” a trail that gets its name from the karst ledges riders have to traverse along the route. Portions of Rago have also been rebuilt to include rock features and jumps. Despite being close to Bentonville, these miles will make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.
DAY 4 | Hobbs State Park and Crystal Bridges
Today’s ride will take us to Hobb’s State Park, Arkansas’s largest state park, spanning a 12,054-acre tract of Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Lake. This area of the Ozarks consists of plateaus, ridges, valleys, and streams featuring a forest of pine, oak and hickory. There are also disappearing streams, springs and seeps that have carved the many hollows in this fragile limestone landscape.
Trail-wise, there will be great diversity this morning, like most of Bentonville’s riding. Flowing ridge rides, short climbs, and rolling descents – this will be an awesome morning of riding with a delicious break for a picnic lunch!
This afternoon we will visit the Crystal Bridges Art Museum, a world-class collection of American art, stunning architecture, and 120 acres of Ozark forest (including five miles of trails!) Walking through the chronologically arranged galleries of the collection is like cramming an Intro to American Art class into one day.
DAY 5 | Coler Preserve
Our final day we will put all our new skills to test. Even though this trail system is small, an incredible amount of work has been put into it!
Although you might think you are in the backcountry of the Ozarks while riding Coler, the trails are located about two miles west of downtown Bentonville. These trails feature something for everyone. From multiple flowy jump lines, challenging technical rocky sections to several huge gap jumps.
We will visit the “Hub” near the top of the mountain, a 20-foot-tall steel-and-wood structure that guides riders to the start of three downhill runs. From there, you can choose which trail to take and the level of difficulty.
Don’t worry, we will do lots of loops since you will never get enough of these trails!
DAY 6 | Bentonville
Today, for the last hurrah, we finish up on some fun local trails. For those looking for a real urban biking experience, we can even try out some of the flow trails near downtown. A stop at Walmart malt shop for a good old-fashioned treat is a must. After that it’s a quick ride back to the house to pack up before the shuttle back to the airport.
Accommodations may vary depending on your departure date. Call us at 1.800.596.2953 for more details.
The price of this tour does not include your lodging. After booking, you will receive a link to review the room options. We will call you to set you up with the room in the vacation home. Room prices range from $400-$1100 per room.
Luxury Vacation Home | Bentonville, AR 72712
AMAZING home in North Bentonville with Tristan’s Trail mountain bike trail in the backyard and access to all north Bentonville’s premiere biking trails!! Perfect location for mountain biking trails and museums. Brand new remodeled kitchen, updates throughout and 4 decks that create a private and gorgeous wooded retreat with space to relax outside after a day of riding. All in the heart of the city! This inviting 3 level home has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
Master King Suite | Tour price + $1100
Master suite with king bed and sofa bed – private bathroom.
Downstairs King | Tour Price + $600
Downstairs orange room – king bed – shared bathroom
Downstairs King | Tour Price + $600
Downstairs green room – king bed – shared bathroom
Upstairs Queen 1 | Tour Price + $400
Upstairs Queen 1 – shared bathroom
Upstairs Queen 2 | Tour Price + $400
Upstairs Queen 2 – shared bathroom
Office Bedroom | Tour price + $500
Upstairs office bedroom with queen murphy bed – shared bathroom with upstairs queen rooms
Upstairs Movie Suite | Tour Price + $800
Upstairs Movie Suite – two queen beds plus floor mattresses – private bathroom
This Trip is Rated Fitness Levels 3-5 and Technical Levels 3-5
While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
Weather predictions in this area are predictable but given the distance you will cover, be prepared for all types.Itis best to be prepared for cold evenings and inclement weather.Please use the following locations when checking the weatheronline: Bentonville, Arkansas.
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Renting Bicycles
Not only do we run an international bike tour business, but we also own and operate two premiere bicycle stores – www.LasVegasCyclery.com and www.MoabCyclery.com. We have learned over the years that every cyclist is different and prefers different types of bikes for different types of terrain. That is why we offer the best bicycles for rent in the business. If for some reason you are not happy with the quality of your rental, we will refund the cost of your entire bike rental. If you are bringing your bike with you, check with your airline’s baggage policy in advance and be sure to pack your bike accordingly. If you are shipping your bike to your destination, confirm the address with our office and allow enough time for your bike to arrive. We’re happy to help you ship your bike. Whatever you need to get the most out of your tour, we are here to make it happen.
Free With Every Tour
When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have electric mountain bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.
Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($85/day)
Carbon frame w/160mm (6in) Front and 150mm Rear Travel
29″ front 27.5″ rear Wheel Size and plush VPP suspension
SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain & Code Disc Brakes
FOX 36 Float Performance fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
and Reverb dropper post
Mountain Bike Rentals
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have electric mountain bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. Looking to upgrade? We have carbon mountain bike rentals available as well – call our office for details. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.
Specialized Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($70/day)
This new Specialized Full Suspension bike is the best bang for your buck! This bike features 140 mm of front and rear travel, which is plenty of cushion to soak up any bump in the trail. Visit the Specialized site for more information. Individual components on rental bikes may vary slightly. Call for more information.
Mountain Bike Rentals
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.
Specialized Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($70/day)
This new Specialized Full Suspension bike is the best bang for your buck! This bike features 140 mm of front and rear travel, which is plenty of cushion to soak up any bump in the trail. Visit the Specialized site for more information. Individual components on rental bikes may vary slightly. Call for more information.
Specialized Carbon Stumpjumper Full Suspension ($85/day)
With the Specialized Carbon Stumpjumper, we’ve bottled up that “new bike day” feeling and put it into a radical new trail bike so agile, so lively, so in-tune with the trail, that it feels like an extension of your body. Levitate up the climbs. Decimate the descents. The Stumpjumper is going to make you rethink how a trail bike should ride.
Electric Mountain Bike Rentals
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Full Suspension E-Bike ($120/day)
The Turbo Levo FSR Comp 6Fattie 650b has the perfect blend of trail performance, proper handling, technology, and durability, delivering you the power to ride more trails, longer, more comfortably.
Electric Mountain Bike Rentals
Specialized Turbo Levo Full Suspension E-Bike ($130/day)
The Turbo Levo Comp 6Fattie 650b has the perfect blend of trail performance, proper handling, technology, and durability, delivering you the power to ride more trails, longer, more comfortably.
Electric Mountain Bike Rentals
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Full Suspension E-Bike ($125/day)
The Turbo Levo FSR Comp 6Fattie 650b has the perfect blend of trail performance, proper handling, technology, and durability, delivering you the power to ride more trails, longer, more comfortably.
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our Commitment to the Environment
Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
The Best Support Vehicles
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain trucks are specifically designed for The White Rim and The Maze, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our guides is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced guides make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, and plenty of drinking water to a remote location.
The Best Bicycles and Gear
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have eMountainbikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
The Best Food
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food is a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. Most dinners and breakfasts are served at local restaurants on our inn tours. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you are out riding. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
Clubs and co-workers
Family reunions
Corporate retreats
Friends
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
Rates on Private and Custom Departures:
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
10+ GUESTS Price as advertised*
8-9 GUESTS +$400 per person to trip price*
6-7 GUESTS +$900 per person to trip price*
4-5 GUESTS +$1,900 per person to trip price*
2-3 GUESTS +$2,500 per person to trip price*
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
