REVIEW · UBUD
The Volcano Trail – Epic Volcano Cycling Adventure
Book on Viator →Operated by INFINITY MOUNTAIN BIKING · Bookable on Viator
A volcano trail day that feels like real MTB. What makes the Infinity Mountainbiking Volcano Trail stand out is the combination of a high-elevation start (about 1,600m) and a route built for fast, flowing single and double-track rather than stunt riding. You get an early transfer into Bali’s volcanic core, then a mostly downhill opener before the ride turns more cross-country through rice paddies and villages.
I also love how practical the setup is: you’re riding a quality full-suspension mountain bike with a dropper post, plus helmet, gloves, and knee protection. One thing to consider: if you label yourself intermediate, the first segment being mostly downhill can feel a little on the easy side for stronger riders.
This is a full-day outing in time and energy (about 7 to 8 hours total), with around 45 km covered and roughly 1,300m+ of descent, so you’ll want to treat it like a proper training day, not just a casual cruise.
In This Review
- Key points you’ll care about
- Getting to the Kintamani volcanic start: why the transfer matters
- The first stage downhill: fast flow, real control, and loose surface moments
- Cross-country through rice paddies and villages: where the ride turns scenic
- The bike and safety setup: included gear that actually helps
- Lunch with local snacks: the recovery you’ll thank yourself for
- How challenging is the Volcano Trail, really?
- Price and value: $80 isn’t just a bargain, it’s a setup
- Practical tips to ride smarter (and feel better at the end)
- Should you book the Volcano Trail from Ubud?
- FAQ
- What time does the Volcano Trail tour start in Ubud?
- How long is the tour?
- How far and how much elevation does the ride include?
- Is pickup and drop-off included, and where does it operate?
- What bike and safety gear are provided?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need my own admission ticket?
- What rider level is this designed for?
- Is a vegetarian meal available?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key points you’ll care about

- 1,600m volcanic start with a downhill-first route that makes the climb worth it later
- Full-suspension bikes + dropper post for more control on rocky, technical-feeling terrain
- Trail design without mandatory jumps or huge drops—more speed and flow than stunts
- Rice-paddy cross-country that cools your legs and rewards you with village scenery
- Vehicle support during the ride and a senior guide keeping things moving safely
- Lunch and isotonic drinks included, so you’re not scrambling to fuel halfway through
Getting to the Kintamani volcanic start: why the transfer matters

The day starts early (start time 7:00am), with air-conditioned pickup and drop-off offered in a bunch of Bali areas, including Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Canggu, Sanur, and Legian. That matters because the ride depends on getting up into the volcanic core first—around 1,600m above sea level—so the trail can deliver that satisfying downhill flow.
Once you’re transferred into the higher regions, you’re not just “going for a ride.” You’re arriving at the start of the best part of the story: the landscape. This area is all about volcanic geology and big views, and the timing (early start) helps you beat heat and crowds.
The route is also paced as a day tour, not a short spin. You’re looking at about 45 km total distance, with 4–5 hours actually spent riding, plus breaks and support.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
The first stage downhill: fast flow, real control, and loose surface moments

The first leg is the big ticket: a predominantly downhill section that starts around 1,600m and finishes at lower grounds. If you like MTB days where the trail carries you, you’ll probably grin early here.
What you can expect is speed with some real-world trail texture. One rider noted that the early downhill includes slippery volcanic sand. That doesn’t mean it’s scary—it just means you ride smart. On loose ground, keep your weight centered over the bike, stay relaxed through your arms and legs, and avoid sudden braking that locks the front wheel.
This is also where the bike choice helps a lot. You’re on a quality full-suspension mountain bike with a dropper post, which is ideal when the terrain alternates between flowing lines and punchy, uneven bits. Dropper posts are one of those “why didn’t I buy one sooner” upgrades when you’re riding steeper descents.
You also get the key safety package: helmet, gloves, and knee protection, plus the guide leads the group so you’re not negotiating everything alone.
Cross-country through rice paddies and villages: where the ride turns scenic
After the downhill opener, the day shifts gears. The second stage is more cross-country (XC), weaving through rice paddy fields and local villages. This is the part that often becomes your reset: you’re still riding, but it feels less like you’re just surviving the descent and more like you’re experiencing Bali on two wheels.
For many riders, this segment also balances the physical effort. The overall profile calls for about 300m of climbing total, but the ride’s true work is the descents—more than 1,300m of descending. So the XC portion gives your legs a chance to steady out while still keeping you moving.
What I like about this design is the rhythm. You get the adrenaline first, then the scenery and calmer terrain later. It’s a nice contrast to rides that are either all tech and no view, or all view with no fun.
Also, this kind of village-and-fields riding tends to feel more authentic because you’re not only bouncing through scenic overlooks. You’re passing through lived-in areas where you can see how the landscape supports daily life.
The bike and safety setup: included gear that actually helps

You’re not expected to show up with your own mountain bike. The tour provides a quality full-suspension MTB with a dropper post and either flat or SPD pedals (you’ll get the option offered by the operator’s setup). That’s a big deal for comfort and confidence, because full suspension smooths out rough patches and the dropper helps you ride more safely when the terrain suddenly demands a lower center of gravity.
Safety gear is also included: helmet, gloves, and knee protection. It’s not glamorous, but it’s smart, especially for a day that combines fast descending with sections that can get loose.
The guide is a senior mountain bike guide, described as charming and knowledgeable. The guide is more than a human GPS. They manage the line choices, pace the group, and keep the flow going without turning the day into a stop-and-talk lecture.
A couple of names show up in positive rider feedback. Guides like Gita have been praised for friendly, enjoyable guidance, and Ruddy has also earned solid remarks for being knowledgeable and keeping organization tight. Even if your guide is different, the consistent pattern is clear: someone’s paying attention to your safety while still letting you ride.
Lunch with local snacks: the recovery you’ll thank yourself for

After a ride with that much descent, food isn’t optional. You’re included for lunch, plus local snacks, fruit, drinking water, and isotonic drinks.
That matters because long descents and sustained pedaling drain you in two different ways. Even if you don’t feel “beaten up” by climbs, you’re using your core and arms constantly to stay stable. A proper meal prevents the classic Bali travel crash: you feel fine during the ride, then you feel awful 30 minutes after you get dropped off.
Also, isotonic drinks help you keep fluids and salts moving, which is a practical touch for Bali’s humidity and the fact that the tour day starts early and runs long.
How challenging is the Volcano Trail, really?

The tour is aimed at intermediate to advanced riders with strong fitness and excellent bike-handling skills. The good news is it’s not presented as a stunt course. You won’t be asked to do mandatory jumps, huge drops, or extreme downhill features.
But don’t confuse that with “easy.” The ride still includes fast downhill riding and large elevation change, meaning good control matters. The stated elevation profile—about 300m climbing and 1,300m+ descending—is a lot of gravity work for your braking and technique.
One review noted that the intermediate ride option can be a bit easy for strong riders because a lot of the route is mostly downhill. That suggests the difficulty is mostly trail flow plus descending control, rather than technical obstacle-chasing.
If you’re the kind of rider who stays calm on loose surfaces and can handle a bike at speed—this ride will probably feel like your kind of fun. If you’re still building basic confidence on steep terrain, you might prefer a more gradual route instead.
Price and value: $80 isn’t just a bargain, it’s a setup

The tour price is $80 per person, and to judge value you have to look at what’s included, not what’s excluded.
You get:
- a quality full-suspension MTB with dropper
- safety gear (helmet, gloves, knee protection)
- a guided day with vehicle support
- air-conditioned pickup and drop-off
- lunch plus snacks, fruit, water, and isotonic drinks
- a group limit of max 15 travelers
On paper, $80 can sound simple. In reality, you’re paying for a complete system: transport to high elevation, bikes that match the terrain, staff who keep you safe, and food/water handled. In Bali, that kind of all-in structure saves time and stress, which is worth money when you only have a few days on the island.
Also, the tour is booked about 8 days in advance on average. That’s often a sign it’s popular with people who want active days but don’t want to spend their vacation micromanaging logistics.
Practical tips to ride smarter (and feel better at the end)

Here are the choices that help most riders get a smoother day:
Bring sporty-casual clothing
The dress code is sporty casual. Wear clothes that handle sweat and dust and won’t restrict your movement.
Plan for a long ride day
Total time is about 7–8 hours, even though the actual riding is 4–5 hours. You’ll want to treat it like a full commitment.
Focus on braking and line choice early
With steep downhill and possible loose volcanic sand, your best skill is calm control. Don’t sprint everywhere; stay efficient and let the trail flow.
Tell them your dietary needs up front
Vegetarian lunch is available if you request it at booking, and they ask you to advise specific dietary requirements when you book.
Know your group pace
With a maximum of 15 people, you won’t feel lost in a crowd, but you also won’t be solo. Listen to the guide, keep your distance where needed, and ride as a team.
Should you book the Volcano Trail from Ubud?
Book it if you want a day that mixes real MTB riding with volcanic scenery—without forcing you into stunt-heavy features. This is a ride built around speed, flow, and viewpoint payoff, and the included bike and safety gear help you spend your energy on riding instead of figuring out equipment.
Skip it (or consider a simpler option) if steep descending scares you, or if you’re not yet confident controlling traction on loose, volcanic surfaces. Also, if you’re expecting a purely cross-country day, the route clearly starts with a strong downhill emphasis.
If you’re an intermediate rider who enjoys downhill technique and wants Bali scenery that feels more “local landscape” than tourist stop, this is a smart bet for your Ubud trip.
FAQ
What time does the Volcano Trail tour start in Ubud?
The start time is 7:00am.
How long is the tour?
Plan for 7 to 8 hours total.
How far and how much elevation does the ride include?
It covers around 45 km over about 4–5 hours, with approximately 300m of climbing and over 1,300m in descent.
Is pickup and drop-off included, and where does it operate?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned vehicle for areas including Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Canggu, Sanur, Legian, and Ubud.
What bike and safety gear are provided?
You’ll ride a quality full suspension mountain bike with a dropper post, plus a helmet, gloves, and knee protection. Flat or SPD pedals are provided.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch, local snacks, fruit, drinking water, and isotonic drinks are included.
Do I need my own admission ticket?
No. The admission ticket is free.
What rider level is this designed for?
It’s suited for intermediate to advanced riders with strong fitness and excellent bike-handling skills.
Is a vegetarian meal available?
Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.























