1. Pacific Coast Highway One
Riding down Pacific Coast Highway One offers a tour of California's stunning coastline, with the road hugging most of its length from point to point, revealing ocean views and terrains that switch from sandy shores to cliff-top vistas. This famous stretch includes sites such as the Bixby Bridge near Big Sur and offers a glimpse of the historic Golden Gate Bridge.
Travelers encounter a range of landscapes, from beaches and forests to urban interfaces in cities like Santa Monica and San Francisco. The fresh, salty breezes connect you directly with the vast Pacific Ocean. This route promises both freedom on the open road and a scenic journey that keeps the ride interesting at every turn.
2. Angeles Crest Highway
Winding through the San Gabriel Mountains just outside Los Angeles, the Angeles Crest Highway is a revered route among the biking community. Known for its elevations touching nearly 8,000 feet, this highway provides a thrilling ride across 66 miles of cliffside curves and challenging twists. As it cuts across rugged landscapes, riders are treated to glimpses of Southern California's diverse topography—from evergreen forests to the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert below.
Emerging from La Canada Flintridge, the road ascends rapidly, offering exhilarating switchbacks and vista points where riders can pause and enjoy panoramic views. Riders are advised to keep their cameras handy, particularly during the golden hours at dusk or dawn, when the desert radiates under a fiery sky and the mountain crests are silhouetted sharply.
While taking this ride close to urban life, it's urged to fully enjoy the tranquility and connectivity with nature that the settings provide. Keep an eye out for the California condors or cyclists conquering the climb. Each turn and climb on the Angeles Crest Highway is a test of motorcycle handling and an invitation to appreciate the mountain region juxtaposed against the city life just a short distance away.
For those venturing this route, it's not merely about handling the curves; it's a journey with interesting eateries and local hangouts, like Newcomb's Ranch, where bikers converge to share stories. Whether it's a call for an adrenaline rush through nature's powerful terrain or a leisurely escape above fast-paced city life, Angeles Crest Highway offers something for every biker looking to hit the road and ride into beautiful scenery.
Photo by argylecali on Unsplash
3. Joshua Tree National Park Route
Within the arid heart of Southern California, the Joshua Tree National Park Route unfolds as a motorcyclist's dream amidst nature's unique landscapes and a roadway filled with expansive views. This route rides through the challenging yet charismatic landscape that defines this celebrated national park.
Embark from the west at Highway 62, rolling into the quietude that crowns this park, marked by remarkable geological features and the iconic twisted Joshua trees that give the area its name. The contemplative quality of riding through Joshua Tree is punctuated by sightings of boulders piled upon one another, and the silence ruling this desert realm, only broken by the soft pulse of your motorcycle's engine.
This route invites travelers not only to maneuver through thrilling roads but also to step off their bikes and experience hiking trails that allow a closer encounter with the park's environment. Navigate onwards to the southern part, touching the lush fan-palm oases near Cottonwood Springs, contrasting with the north's rugged terrain and stark desert expanses.
Ideal for a winter ride, owing to the softness of desert winter climate, riders find cozy warmth under the sun delightfully juxtaposed with crisp evening air—conditions that blend well to make long rides soothing yet intoxicating. Options are available to pause and relish the calm:
- Basking under a sky brilliant with stars in an overnight camp setup
- Halting briefly to watch the sunset paint the horizon
Longer days can be spent making stops to watch rock climbers tackling faces like Echo Tee or Hidden Valley, providing a live montage of tiny figures against vast cocoons of rough stone. To ride through Joshua Tree on a motorcycle is to weave through scenes that blur the line between rugged realism and fantasy, crafting passage back into nature's raw embrace, edged with vastness and beckoning peace.
Each ride challenges seasoned bikers but also installs chapters of nature's narrative, making Joshua Tree National Park Route a territory suited for anyone aiming to intertwine their rides with memories engraved against nature's wild tapestry. So fuel up, gear up, and set your compass towards this enigmatic desert – where every mile proposes poetry and each turn reads like uncharted chronicles.
4. Sierra Heritage Highway
Ride along the Sierra Heritage Highway and prepare yourself for a display of Mother Nature's artwork, deep within the heart of California's Sierra National Park. As you throttle your bike down this scenic route, its road spirals through vistas of granite peaks and alpine lakes, whose surfaces reflect the vast skies above. Sometimes, it feels more like gliding through a high-altitude paradise than merely driving on asphalt.
Starting from the intersections near Fresno, this highway promises a transition from urban rush to serene wilderness, trailing along intersecting paths like the historic SR 41 and SR 1801. Picture the first splashes of sunlight or the evening's amber hue bringing the entire landscape to an awakening or a rest – these are scenes poised for hearty clicks on your camera, or even better, stored in the mind's eye.
For those with an adventurous streak, opportunities to push the kickstand down and wander off the beaten path are plenty. At designated spots, you can trust your motorbike to the pines guarding the asphalt, as you embark on a hike—perhaps following a trail leading to a lake, teasing with its promise of good fish. Many encircling trails also offer pockets of shadowed woods and openings laden with blooming wildflowers, scenes begging for admiration and a breather from engine rumbles.
Beyond the pull of hikes and photographic escapades, each bend of this high-mountain loop stands as an invitation to connect – with nature, with oneself, or with the fellow bikers motoring up for a share of serenity. Meet season travelers anchored on logs sharing trails of their journey over sips of coffee or local brews exchanged over stories at remote outposts found along the route. The sense of camaraderie on this route is as palpable as the touch of crisp mountain air.
At local spots like Huntington Lake, take time to incline back under age-old canopies and muse upon the beauty or dive deeper into the history echoing from the Minerets watching over green thresholds and rocky realms alike. These echoes seem to murmur secrets from a time when these roads were tread not by tires but by native souls and ambitious settlers.
As you breeze through this celebrated artery threading through highland country, it's a constant carousel of sensations—a medley that tests your acumen as a motorcyclist and humbles your spirit as an explorer. Each mile along the Sierra Heritage Highway means riding over an unseen frontier, on a road crafted for story-weaving and soul-searching, leaving you attuned with what it means to be on-the rode and free-in-the-wind. So cue your playlist, grip your handlebars, and ready yourself for a ride that's more than a journey—it's a pivot back to nature's grand amphitheater.
5. Death Valley Route
Death Valley Route invites you on a journey to the otherworldly landscapes of the lowest, driest, and hottest national park in America. As your tires crunch over the sun-baked earth, you traverse through a sprawling canvas that colors outside the lines of typical nature escapes—no lush green forests here, but rather a sweeping expanse of salt flats, rugged mountains, and sweeping dunes.
Starting your ride at Furnace Creek, a destination well-named for its often blistering heat, it's best to embark during the cooler early morning hours or later into the evening. Here, the roads stretch out like black ribbons laid across a vast gallery of nature's stark and mesmerizing artwork.
Venture into this less traveled path, taking State Route 190 east through a scenic area known as Hells Gate, then winding south to marvel at the dramatic dips and peaks of Zabriskie Point—often looked upon as the view of a sunbaked moon, with its terrain formations offering myriad shades of gold. For the adventurer, the surface of Desolation Canyon provides a pause; here, the echoes of silence provide a soundtrack to each rider's contemplative escape.
Sweeps carry you by the beauty of the Badwater Basin2—this watershed marks the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. Here, laws of nature often seem reversed; mirages waver in the heat, and veins of salt stretch to the horizon, promising infinity you might feel brave enough to chase.
While embracing the solitude of more desolate roads, the journey's lure could extend to reducing your engine's roar to hear the rustle of wind through abandoned mines and old ghost towns like Rhyolite—an echo of life's brevity in contrast to geological eternality.
For those who believe night rides unearth a new level of mystery—Death Valley under a blanket of stars bundles the contrast; as temperatures drop, witnesses of a bright celestial spectacle redefine infinity above just as grandly as the valley stretches beneath.
A ride through Death Valley is far more than a mere passage from point A to B; it attempts both exploration and introspection. It beckons a test of one's limits and endurance facing the majesty of our planet while stirring reflection deep within—a confluence of riding across time-hewn landscapes of endurance while mixing silence with the symphony that is motorcycle touring. As wheels spin on, it becomes evident—Death Valley isn't a journey's endpoint but a gateway, one that funnels meaning into the narrow alley of our lived moment. As every mile unwinds, laden with character, depth, and degrees, it extols the scenic anecdote of remembrance where it's not about taking a ride but letting the ride surely take you.
6. Redwood Highway (California 101)
The Redwood Highway, also known as California 101, offers a unique contrast to the sun-drenched and arid landscapes found elsewhere in the state. This stretch of road winds around the coast and into sheltered groves, transporting riders back in time to California's ancient forests.
Heading north from the town of Leggett, motorcyclists are immersed in a world of Coast Redwoods. These towering trees form dense canopies, providing a cool and tranquil ride through the forest. The bark sculptures and sprawling branches create a natural masterpiece above and around the road.
The highway occasionally reveals stunning vistas of rugged coastlines folding into soft mists, tempting riders to pull over and capture the beauty. The combination of ocean breezes and the scent of redwoods creates an unforgettable sensory experience.
Along the way, rustic taverns and diners offer a chance to refuel and mingle with locals, swapping stories and soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
Although the turns often slow the pace, riding along the Redwood Highway is a noble experience, with the ancient trees standing tall against crisp blue skies. The Avenue of Giants, a particularly impressive section of the route, emphasizes that this journey is less about the distance covered and more about immersing oneself in nature's timeless tales.
7. Route 33 in Ventura
Route 33 in Ventura offers a scenic escape from the city, winding through the Los Padres National Forest. This challenging road features twists and curves that lead riders through stunning mountain vistas and tranquil forests of towering pines and ancient oaks.
As motorcyclists navigate the changing altitudes, they are treated to diverse landscapes and breathtaking views. Notable sections like Deer Creek and Sulphur Springs showcase the route's natural beauty.
Riding through this high-altitude haven provides a balance of adrenaline-pumping excitement and opportunities for contemplative pauses near roadside cascades and wildflower-filled meadows. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to explore hiking trails and witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Rest stops like Ojai offer a chance to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere over a steaming cup of coffee, while swapping stories with fellow adventurers.
Route 33 in Ventura is more than just a road; it's an intimate conversation with nature, inviting riders to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape.
8. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a hidden gem that showcases the untamed beauty of one of California's grandest national parks. This route reveals the region's geological history, with towering cliffs and deep canyons carved by ancient forces.
Starting at the foothills and ascending into Kings Canyon National Park, the byway offers a visual feast of natural wonders. Riders are treated to thrilling curves, elevation changes, and stunning views of raging rivers, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows.
The byway provides serene pullouts and picnic spots, perfect for taking in the panoramic views and spotting wildlife like bears and deer. These moments of stillness allow riders to connect with the enduring majesty of the surrounding landscape.
Riding through Kings Canyon is an experience that goes beyond the visceral thrill of the road. It's a journey that invites introspection and a deeper appreciation for the raw beauty of nature.
As riders navigate the twisting lanes and breathe in the crisp mountain air, they become part of the park's timeless story, witnessing the ever-changing interplay of light and shadow across the rugged terrain.
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is more than just a road; it's a gateway to adventure and a chance to reconnect with the awe-inspiring power of the natural world.
9. Ortega Highway – CA-74
The Ortega Highway, officially known as CA-74, is a picturesque route that connects Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano, offering riders a diverse array of scenic delights.
From the bustling shores of Lake Elsinore, the highway winds through the heart of the Santa Ana Mountains, presenting a series of tight curves and swift elevations that are sure to excite motorcycle enthusiasts.
As the journey progresses, riders are treated to stunning vistas of valleys and villages, with the road winding through a natural dreamscape of eucalyptus groves and wildflower-dotted hillsides.
Dew-drenched mornings along the highway offer a magical experience, with gleaming sunlight filtering through the trees and illuminating the landscape in a soft, ethereal glow.
Stopping at off-path locales like the look-out near Sitton Peak allows riders to take in the breathtaking scenery, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys stretching out before them.
The Ortega Highway is more than just a route; it's a sensory experience that immerses riders in the beauty of California's natural landscape, offering a chance to escape the everyday and connect with the world around them.
As riders wind their way along the twisting lanes, they become part of the highway's story, a tale of adventure, freedom, and the enduring allure of the open road.
California's scenic routes offer a diverse array of experiences for motorcycle enthusiasts, from the towering redwoods of the north to the rugged coastlines and mountain vistas of the south. Each journey presents an opportunity to witness the state's natural beauty firsthand, making every ride a memorable adventure that goes beyond mere transportation.
These roads are a testament to the enduring allure of the open road and the transformative power of exploring new horizons on two wheels. They beckon riders to:
- Immerse themselves in the cool tranquility of ancient forests
- Navigate challenging twists and turns through stunning mountain landscapes
- Pause for contemplation amidst the raw beauty of nature
- Connect with fellow adventurers and swap stories at rustic rest stops
The sensory experiences along these routes, from the scent of redwoods to the gleaming sunlight filtering through eucalyptus groves, create unforgettable memories that linger long after the journey's end.
Riding California's scenic byways is an intimate conversation with the natural world, inviting motorcyclists to become part of the landscape's timeless story. These routes are more than just roads; they are gateways to adventure, freedom, and the enduring allure of the open road.
