Ah, the open road – the ultimate canvas for adventure-seeking motorcyclists! While the world is full of incredible riding destinations, we often forget that some of the most epic motorcycle adventures can be found right here in North America. From the rugged canyons of the Southwest to the winding coastal roads of California, there’s a wealth of hidden gems and bucket-list routes waiting to be discovered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through seven of the most exhilarating motorcycle travel destinations that the continent has to offer. Whether you’re craving sweeping vistas, technical off-road challenges, or a little bit of both, we’ve got you covered. So rev up your engines, strap on your helmet, and get ready to explore the best-kept secrets and must-ride routes that will have your adrenaline pumping and your wanderlust soaring.
Southwest Canyon Country
The American Southwest is a motorcyclist’s paradise, boasting some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Imagine weaving through towering red rock formations, navigating winding canyons, and stopping to take in the awe-inspiring views of iconic National Parks. This region is a true feast for the senses and the perfect starting point for your next two-wheeled adventure.
Moab, Utah: An Off-Road Mecca
Nestled in the heart of Utah, Moab is a mecca for off-road enthusiasts, offering a vast network of challenging trails and technical terrain that will put your riding skills to the test. From the rugged Slickrock trails to the thrilling Poison Spider Mesa, this desert oasis is a must-visit for any adventure rider. Be sure to fuel up on some of the local cuisine before tackling the next epic section of your journey.
Zion and Arches National Parks: Bucket List Destinations
No trip to the Southwest would be complete without a visit to Zion and Arches National Parks. These natural wonders are the stuff of bucket lists, with towering sandstone cliffs, otherworldly rock formations, and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe. Carve your way through the twisty roads leading to these iconic destinations, and be prepared to stop and snap countless photos along the way.
The Grand Canyon: A Timeless Marvel
Of course, no discussion of the Southwest would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon – one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world. Ride along the South Rim, taking in the sheer scale and grandeur of this geological masterpiece, and be sure to stop at the various viewpoints to fully appreciate the canyon’s timeless beauty.
California Coast: From Redwoods to Joshua Trees
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Joshua Tree National Park: A Desert Oasis
Further south, the landscape transforms into a surreal desert wonderland, with the iconic Joshua trees dotting the vast, sandy expanses. Carve your way through the winding mountain passes and sandy double-tracks of Joshua Tree National Park, stopping to take in the breathtaking vistas and perhaps even spot some of the park’s diverse wildlife.
The Pacific Coast Highway: An Iconic Ride
Of course, no trip along the California coast would be complete without a ride along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. This winding, coastal road offers some of the most picturesque and thrilling riding in the country, with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and countless photo opportunities around every bend.
New England: Backroads and Fall Foliage
While the wide-open spaces of the American West often steal the spotlight, the eastern seaboard has its own unique charms for motorcycle enthusiasts.
From the shady forests of Maine to the winding backroads of New York, New England is a veritable treasure trove of adventure riding.
Fall Foliage and Winding Backroads
There’s no better time to explore the backroads of New England than during the fall, when the landscape explodes in a kaleidoscope of color. Carve your way through the winding two-lane highways, stopping to admire the stunning fall foliage and perhaps indulge in some local cuisine and hospitality along the way.
Baja California: The Quintessential Mexico Adventure
For many motorcyclists, a journey through Baja California is the ultimate bucket-list adventure. This rugged, independent region of Mexico offers a unique blend of dramatic desert landscapes, sweeping coastal roads, and a vibrant, laid-back culture that will leave you craving more.
Endless Dirt Roads and Dramatic Vistas
Baja California is a dirt rider’s paradise, with countless miles of remote, dusty roads winding through the dramatic desert terrain. Prepare to be awestruck by the region’s towering mountains, sweeping canyons, and turquoise coastal vistas as you navigate this epic landscape on two wheels.
Oregon: From the Cascades to the Coast
As the home base for RIDE Adventures, we may be a little biased, but Oregon is truly a motorcyclist’s dream destination. From the towering Cascade Mountains to the rugged Pacific coastline, this Pacific Northwest gem offers a diverse and unforgettable riding experience.
The Cascade Mountains: A Dirt Rider’s Playground
Weave your way through the lush, tree-lined tunnels of the Cascade Mountains, where remote dirt roads and stunning vistas await around every turn. Test your skills on challenging technical terrain, or simply cruise along the fast-flowing dirt tracks, taking in the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you.
Colorado Rocky Mountain Pass
If you’re craving towering mountain vistas and remote, high-altitude riding, then Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Pass is the perfect destination for your next two-wheeled adventure.
Connecting the Dots: 12,000-Foot Passes
Weave your way through the heart of the Rockies, connecting the dots between 12,000-foot mountain passes and taking in the awe-inspiring scenery at every turn. From pavement to dirt to sand, this route offers a diverse and challenging riding experience that will push your skills to the limit.
Alaska: The Prudhoe Bay Pilgrimage
Finally, no discussion of epic North American motorcycle destinations would be complete without a mention of the Last Frontier – Alaska.
This vast, untamed wilderness is a true motorcyclist’s paradise, offering remote, pristine landscapes and a sense of adventure that is unparalleled.
The Prudhoe Bay Pilgrimage
Embark on the ultimate Alaskan adventure by taking on the Prudhoe Bay Pilgrimage – a journey that will take you across the Canadian border and deep into the heart of this wild, untamed land. Prepare to be awed by the sheer scale and beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, from towering snow-capped peaks to vast, rolling tundra.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Secrets of North America
As motorcyclists, we’re often drawn to the allure of distant, exotic destinations, but the truth is that some of the most epic and unforgettable adventures can be found right here in our own backyard. From the rugged canyons of the Southwest to the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest, North America is a treasure trove of hidden gems and bucket-list routes waiting to be discovered.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next two-wheeled adventure, and get ready to explore the best-kept secrets and must-ride destinations that this vast and diverse continent has to offer. The open road is calling, and the journey of a lifetime awaits.
