The Ultimate Guide to
Motorcycle Rides through Scenic California
From coastal highways to winding mountain roads and vast desert landscapes, there’s a route for every rider’s style throughout the great state of California. Here’s a friendly guide to some of the best motorcycle trips in California that will make you fall in love with the open road all over again.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
From San Francisco to San Diego
(or anywhere in between)
No list of California rides would be complete without PCH, or Pacific Coast Highway for those that are less familiar. With over 650 miles of open road, this iconic route offers breathtaking ocean views, cliffside curves, and charmingly picturesque seaside towns.
Highlights: Big Sur’s rugged coastline, the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, and stops in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara.
Tips: Be prepared for cooler temperatures and fog, especially in the morning. This route is popular, so consider weekday rides for less traffic.
2. Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2)
Starting Point: La Cañada Flintridge
Ending Point: Wrightwood
Just outside of Los Angeles, the Angeles Crest Highway is a must-see motorcycle ride for riders looking for twisty roads and stunning mountain vistas. This 66-mile route cuts through the San Gabriel Mountains and offers plenty of scenic pull-offs.
Highlights: Mount Wilson Observatory, Newcomb’s Ranch (a popular biker hangout), and panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin.
Tips: Watch out for sudden weather changes and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
3. Route 66 (California Segment)
Starting Point: Santa Monica
Ending Point: Needles (close to the Arizona border)
For a nostalgic ride through history, take on the California stretch of Route 66. This legendary highway is packed with Americana, quirky roadside attractions, and desert beauty.
Highlights: The Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Roy's Abandoned Motel, and the wide-open Mojave Desert.
Tips: Summer can be scorching, so plan for cooler months and pack plenty of water.
4. Joshua Tree Loop
Starting Point: Palm Springs
Ending Point: Twentynine Palms
If surreal desert landscapes are your thing, the Joshua Tree Loop offers a feast for your eyes! Ride through the Joshua Tree National Park, where massive boulders and iconic yucca trees create an otherworldly experience.
Highlights: Keys View for panoramic desert vistas, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and scenic desert roads.
Tips: Entrance fees are required for the park, and cell service is limited, so download maps beforehand.
5. Highway 36: The Biker’s Playground
Starting Point: Red Bluff
Ending Point: Fortuna (near the coast)
Dubbed "36 miles of twisties," this lesser-known route in Northern California is perfect for motorcycle riders who crave curves. Highway 36 offers a mix of tight turns, sweeping bends, and elevation changes.
Highlights: Remote and peaceful roads, dense forests, and a sense of adventure.
Tips: The road is narrow and challenging in places, so ride cautiously, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it.
6. Death Valley Adventure
Starting Point: Ridgecrest
Ending Point: Furnace Creek
Looking for a bit of a thrill? Death Valley was made for you and your motorcycle. The vast, arid desert and rugged mountains create an unforgettable backdrop.
Highlights: Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), Artist’s Drive, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Tips: Avoid the summer months; temperatures can exceed 120°F. Winter and early spring are ideal.
7. Lake Tahoe Loop
Starting Point: South Lake Tahoe
Ending Point: South Lake Tahoe (full loop)
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains make this ride a favorite for scenic beauty. The 72-mile loop around the lake offers a mix of winding roads and stunning vistas.
Highlights: Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor Beach, and views of the lake at every turn.
Tips: Summer brings tourists, so plan for early morning rides to beat the crowds.
8. Mulholland Highway (The Snake)
Starting Point: Calabasas
Ending Point: Malibu
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Highway is a dream for riders who love tight turns and the occasional celebrity sighting.
Highlights: The famous "Snake" section with its challenging curves, the Rock Store (a legendary biker hangout), and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Tips: This road is popular with car enthusiasts as well, so ride defensively and share the road.
9. Sequoia and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Starting Point: Three Rivers
Ending Point: Cedar Grove
Ride among giants on this stunning route through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Towering sequoias and rugged canyon landscapes create an awe-inspiring experience.
Highlights: The General Sherman Tree (the largest tree on Earth), Moro Rock, and Kings Canyon’s deep gorges.
Tips: Park fees apply, and some roads may be closed during winter.
10. Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country
Starting Point: Napa
Ending Point: Healdsburg
For the rider that wants to relax, one might consider a trip through Napa and Sonoma’s rolling hills and inviting vineyards. This ride is as scenic as it is an indulgence.
Highlights: Picturesque wineries, charming towns like St. Helena and Calistoga, and miles of golden countryside.
Tips: Skip the wine tasting until after the ride and enjoy the region’s cuisine instead.
California’s motorcycle routes are as diverse as its geography. Whether you’re chasing ocean breezes, desert heat, or mountain air, there’s a road here with your name on it. Remember to gear up for safety, check the weather, and always ride responsibly.
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