The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in California

When it comes to motorbike rides, nothing can beat the golden state of California. From foggy mountains to barren deserts, from never-ending coastlines to dense cities, it has everything to offer.

Whether you are a pro motorcyclist who wants to take your brand new Harley Davidson on a long ride, or you want to rent a motorcycle in San Francisco and travel around this beautiful state, such trips are worth it.

California has a variety of roads that offer a liberating experience for bike enthusiasts. Simply put, it has something for all. Today, we have compiled some of the best Californian routes to consider when you want to hop on to your bike and sip in every inch of this mighty state.

Angeles Crest Highway

This world-famous road is loved by the visitors for its misty trails of Angeles National Forest and beautiful outskirts of LA metropolitan.

With fantastic views of Saint Gabriel mountains and Mojave desert, this highway is a treat for the bikers. If you are an adventure junky, then this road has some more to offer like horseback riding, watersports, hiking, etc. This 60-mile road is your perfect gateway to enjoy your day off in the lap of nature.

Joshua Tree National Park

This highway slices through the scenic and the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. If you live in Los Angeles, it is just 2 hours away and ideal for your road trip full of freeways and rural highways.

The ride approximately covers 70 miles and takes around 90 minutes to loop through dense woods and calm stark desert. Make sure you plan this trip in winters because summers can be harsh in this region. If you plan it in summer, try to hit the peak before 10-11 AM or after 5 PM as the temperature in the afternoon may rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it’s imperative to stay hydrated and equipped with proper materials.

Pacific Coast Highway One

This coastal highway runs along virtually all the western coast of California, and it’s the most prominent state route in the country. With some of the most popular territories, Pacific Coast Highway displays the country’s notable areas such as the Golden Gate, Big Sur, Ventura, etc.

Whether you are exploring the full PCH or just a portion of it, this road serves up countless views of stunning ocean views and large mountainous terrain. Riding the PCH is such a liberating experience that is free from the city noise and traffic.

California Route 74

This highway connects the orange county to the riverside county. Relatively lesser-known as compared to other Californian motorbike rides, this highway offers excellent scenery of some national forests, pacific coasts and Coachella valley. It’s a perfect road trip to get some adrenaline rush as it is full of twists & turns and thrilling weather conditions.

Also Read: Places to Visit in California

Sierra Heritage Highway

Looping through the granite peaks of Sierra National Park and stunning alpine lakes, this highway is a perfect weekend trip to experience fishing, rafting, camping and hiking.

The 72-mile ride begins from Fresno; and SR 41, SR 180, Huntington lake are some significant junctions on the route.

California Route 33

This 83.7 miles road starts from Ventura at Ojai freeway and travels up north slicing through Maricopa highway. With some of the most notable and fantastic terrains, route 33 is excellent for solo trips. The endless relaxing roads offer comfortable driving while catching every bit of beautiful wildlife of the Los Padres National Forest.

Redwood Highway (California 101)

You can reach the Redwood highways if you head south from the US 199 in Crescent City. The route goes through fantastic Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. This 175-mile route offers a truly organic experience with towering redwood trees and dense forests.

This highway is not just about some of the most massive existing trees in the USA. It displays the best scenery of the beach and oceans along the road blended with eye-catching landscapes.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Redwood City

Feather River Scenic Byway

With enough sweeping and tight turns, this ride is capable of pleasing anyone. It intercepts along the Feather river canyon that displays some of the gorgeous views of the river on the way.

Riders can enjoy everything from natural spectacles to man-made wonders in this byway such as waterfalls, sierra Nevada Backdrops, 7 massive hydraulic dams, and some stunning rail bridges.

Emigrant Trail

This road will make you forget the California you have seen till now. With stunning forest views, volcanic lava flows, clean lakes, snow-capped mountains and thick meadows, Emigrant Trail Scenic Byway is one of a kind in the entire USA.

When you begin your ride on route 299, head east to take a small halt at Cedarville or keep on riding through the dense Modoc Forest – both of these ways will take you to Tulelake. Here onwards, you get several options to enjoy some beautiful Californian routes.

Conzelman Road From San Francisco

How about riding the city stress in San Francisco this summer? Hop on your bike or rent a one in San Francisco to move to the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. This route offers a perfect destination away from the city crowd for a relaxing experience.

From here, you can take Conzelman road and ride towards the west coastline. Let the ocean breeze pass through your air while you enjoy the road. You can end the ride at the lighthouse named Point Bonita located near the cove.

Final Thoughts

California is truly incredible, and we won’t be exaggerating if we call it the god’s own country when it comes to scenery and beauty. From Sierra Nevadas in the east to jaw-dropping deserts in the south bay areas, California offers more than any other state.

We hope that we have managed to encourage you to explore the beauty of the Golden State on a motorcycle. We wish you enjoy the most while keeping yourself equipped with all the safety materials. Till then, see you along the ride!