Top motorcycling destinations and scenic routes
Top motorcycling destinations and scenic routes
Challenging motorway routes for motorcycle trips
A great motorcycle route asks for more than scenery: it needs road surface, corner sequencing and enough remoteness to make the ride itself the point rather than simply transport between stops. The destinations that have built reputations among riders tend to deliver on all of those at once.
The routes here range from legendary mountain passes with decades of motorcycling history to long desert and coastal highways where the appeal is distance and solitude rather than tight technical corners. Some suit a weekend. Others need a proper multi-day itinerary.
Weather windows and altitude affect almost every route on this list and many of the best passes are only fully open for a few months of the year. Local mechanics along the busiest routes are generally well used to helping touring riders.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Cape Soya, at the northern tip of Japan, marks the end of many rides. Straight roads cross wide farmland and open marsh with very few cars. Biei's Patchwork Road rolls past fields in lavender and green in July. Ferries carry motorcycles across the strait from Honshu each summer.
Region in India
Ladakh
Himalayan Cold Desert of Contrasts
The Manali to Leh Highway runs about 480 kilometres over Himalayan passes. It crosses Tanglang La at 5,328 metres and other very high passes. The road opens in summer after snow crews clear it. Riders rest in tent camps and see Pangong Lake's blue water.
Valley in Austria
Ötztal
Majestic alpine valley with crystal lakes
The Otztal Glacier Road climbs to about 2,829 metres at the Tiefenbach Glacier tunnel. Riders pass alpine meadows, then bare rock and old ice on the same road. James Bond scenes for Spectre were filmed near Solden in 2015. Higher up the valley the Timmelsjoch road crosses the border into Italy.
Region in Austria
Tyrol
Alpine paradise in all seasons
The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road reaches 2,509 metres on the Austria and Italy border. A motorcycle museum at the pass shows many historic bikes. Riders enjoy long sweeping bends above green valleys and glaciers. Tyrolean guesthouses serve cheese dumplings and apple strudel after the ride.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Chapman's Peak Drive is a 9 kilometre road with 114 curves cut into sea cliffs. A toll gate collects a small fee at the start of the drive. Views stretch over Hout Bay and the wide Atlantic. Penguins waddle on the beach at Boulders farther along the peninsula.
Region in China
Yunnan
Vibrant landscapes and ancient cultural crossroads
The road from Lijiang to Shangri-La runs about 200 kilometres towards Tibet. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rises to 5,596 metres above the plateau. Riders pass Tiger Leaping Gorge, a deep cut in the Yangtze. Yak herds graze on high meadows beside Tibetan villages and prayer flags.
City in United States
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
Utah Highway 128 follows the Colorado River for 44 miles through red cliffs. Fisher Towers rise on the way with tall sandstone spires. Riders can continue on the La Sal Mountain Loop above the desert. Rafters float on the river beside the road in warm months.
Country
Montenegro
Adriatic gem with diverse climates
The Kotor Serpentine climbs from sea level with 25 tight hairpins. At the top the road reaches Njegusi village and its smoked ham. Mount Lovcen has a mausoleum for a poet prince reached by 461 steps. Further north the Sedlo Pass road offers views of jagged peaks.
State/Prefecture in United States
Utah
Nature's dramatic red rock playground
Highway 12 runs 124 miles through Escalante, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef country. The Hogback is a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides. Riders pass red rock, aspen groves and small ranch towns. Boulder Mountain has a high pass with views over the desert.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Scooters and small motorbikes are the main way to get around this island. Riders take the road from Ubud to Kintamani and look over Mount Batur. Traffic keeps to the left and rice terraces line the quiet back lanes. Temples with carved gates appear at almost every village crossroads.
City in Australia
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
The Captain Cook Highway hugs the coast for about 70 kilometres to Port Douglas. Sea views open on one side and rainforest hills on the other. Riders can cross the Daintree River by cable ferry to reach Cape Tribulation. Road signs warn of cassowaries, large flightless birds, crossing the road.
Town in Ireland
Killarney
Ireland’s Adventure Gateway Town
The Ring of Kerry loops about 179 kilometres around the Iveragh Peninsula. Tour buses run anticlockwise and riders often follow the same direction. The narrow Gap of Dunloe road passes lakes and steep rock walls. Ladies' View has a wide look over the lakes of the national park.
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry carries riders across Bass Strait from Melbourne. The Great Eastern Drive runs about 176 kilometres along the east coast. Riders pass Freycinet Peninsula, the Bay of Fires and quiet white beaches. Traffic is light and the bends are smooth and open.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Alto de Las Palmas road climbs above the city with views of red roofs. The ride to Guatape and El Penon rock takes about two hours. Motorbikes are everywhere in Colombia and riders share the road with locals. Coffee farms and green hills fill the countryside beyond the city.
State/Prefecture in United States
Arkansas
Natural Beauty and Historic Charm
Highway 23, called the Pig Trail, twists through the Ozark National Forest. The road is a favourite of riders for its tight curves and rolling hills. Autumn colour peaks in mid October along the hillsides. Buffalo National River nearby has limestone bluffs and quiet campsites.
Mountain Range in Italy
Dolomites
Majestic peaks echoing alpine serenity
The Sella Ronda loop links four passes around the pale Sella massif in one day. Passo Pordoi, at 2,239 metres, is one of the highest on the loop. Pale rock towers glow pink at sunset above green meadows. Mountain huts serve polenta and strudel at every stop.
Region in Morocco
Atlas Mountains
Majestic peaks echo ancient desert horizons
The Tizi n'Tichka pass road climbs to 2,260 metres between Marrakech and Ouarzazate in the High Atlas. Hairpin bends wind through red hills and small Berber villages. Riders can stop at Ait Benhaddou, a mud brick fortress village. Film crews shot movies such as Gladiator at the fortress.
Region in New Zealand
North Island
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
The Forgotten World Highway runs 150 kilometres through empty hills and old sheep farms. It crosses four mountain saddles and the narrow Moki Tunnel. The village of Whangamomona declared itself a republic in 1989. Riders can get a funny passport stamp at the village hotel.
Island in France
Corsica
Island of Beauty and Contrast
The Col de Bavella, at 1,218 metres, has jagged granite needles above pine forest. Free roaming pigs and cows often wander onto the road. The D81 winds beside the red rock cliffs of the Calanche de Piana. UNESCO lists these red cliffs and the coastline around them.
State/Prefecture in United States
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
The Million Dollar Highway runs 25 miles between the old mining towns of Ouray and Silverton. Cliffs drop away with few guardrails on the outer edge. Red Mountain Pass on the route reaches 11,018 feet above sea level. Old mining towns offer pie and coffee at the end of the ride.
Lake in Italy
Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake of wonders
A cliff road with many tunnels runs along the western shore of Lake Garda. The lake winds between mountains and olive groves. Passo Tremalzo above the lake climbs to 1,665 metres with narrow bends. Riders can end the day with gelato in Riva del Garda.
Mountain in Tajikistan
Pamir Mountains
The Remote Roof of the World
The Pamir Highway climbs over the Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655 metres above sea level. It runs about 1,200 kilometres from Dushanbe to Osh near the Afghan border. Riders can see Afghan villages across the narrow Panj River. Nights in Murghab are very cold and stars shine brightly.
Region in Switzerland
Graubünden
Alpine wonderland with pristine lakes and trails
Albula Pass and Fluela Pass climb above 2,300 metres in this Swiss canton. Riders follow a chain of hairpins between stone villages and glaciers. The Landwasser Viaduct, a curved railway bridge from 1902, spans a deep gorge near Filisur. Alpine cafes serve barley soup and nut cake.
Region in Germany
Black Forest
Enchanted woodlands echo with timeless folklore
The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse runs about 60 kilometres along a ridge between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. Curves and forest views make it a classic German biker route. Riders can stop at Mummelsee, a small lake with a legend of water spirits. Cafes in the villages serve Black Forest cake and strong coffee.
Island in Norway
Lofoten
Dramatic Peaks and Northern Lights
The E10 road runs across bridges and along fjords through the Lofoten islands. Sharp peaks rise straight from the sea beside red fishing cabins. In summer the midnight sun keeps the sky bright all night. Riders can stop at Hamnoy to photograph a fishing village.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
The Monchique mountains rise behind the Algarve coast with curving roads through cork oak forests. Foia, the highest peak at 902 metres, has views to the sea. Riders can finish at Cabo Sao Vicente, the southwestern tip of mainland Europe. A lighthouse stands on the cliffs above the Atlantic.
Forest
Amazon Rainforest
Lush canopy teeming with untamed wildlife wonders
The North Yungas road, nicknamed Death Road, drops about 3,600 metres towards the Amazon. It runs 61 kilometres from La Cumbre pass to Coroico. Mist and waterfalls cover the cliffs along the narrow lane. Warm rainforest air replaces cold mountain wind as riders lose altitude.
Landmark in Sibiu
Transfăgărășan Highway
Scenic mountain route through Romania's heart
The Transfagarasan Highway climbs about 90 kilometres over the Fagaras Mountains of Romania. It reaches Balea Lake at 2,034 metres through switchbacks and a tunnel. Top Gear praised the road in a 2009 episode and made it famous. Snow closes it from late October until early summer.
Country
Isle of Man
Temperate island with varied landscapes
The Tourist Trophy race, known as the TT, has run on the island's public roads since 1907. Riders can follow the 37.7 mile Mountain Course outside race weeks. Some open country stretches have no speed limit outside the towns. Fans gather at Ballaugh Bridge to watch bikes jump into the air.
Island in New Zealand
South Island
Majestic fjords and alpine peaks
The Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka reaches 1,076 metres. It is the highest paved main road in New Zealand with tight bends. Riders can stop for a drink at the Cardrona Hotel, built in 1863. Snow tussock grass and jagged peaks appear beyond the hairpins.
City in Vietnam
Da Nang
Beaches, Mountains and City Vibes
The Hai Van Pass climbs about 500 metres on the coast between Da Nang and Hue. Top Gear filmed a Vietnam special on this road in 2008. Riders pass rice fields, beaches and old bunkers with sea views. Cafes at the top serve sweet Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk.
Valley in Peru
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
Maras salt pans, above the Sacred Valley, hold thousands of small pools cut into a hillside. Families have harvested salt there since Inca times. Nearby Moray has round stepped terraces that Incas used to test crops. Riders follow the Urubamba River past Inca stone villages.
Landmark in Australia
Great Ocean Road
Coastal cliffs and turquoise waves
Returned soldiers built the Great Ocean Road as a war memorial between 1919 and 1932. It runs about 243 kilometres along the rugged Victorian coast. Riders pass the Twelve Apostles, giant limestone stacks in the sea. Koalas and kangaroos live in the forest of the Otway Ranges nearby.
Mountain
Pyrenees
Where France meets Spain majestically
Port de la Bonaigua rises to 2,072 metres between the Val d'Aran and Pallars. The road curves through pine forest and open mountain meadows. Aiguestortes National Park lies close by with lakes and granite peaks. Small stone villages serve grilled lamb and mountain cheese after the ride.
Village in Morocco
Merzouga
Sahara Dunes, Starry Nights
Erg Chebbi's tall orange dunes are the goal of many Moroccan desert rides. Gravel tracks lead across the flat plain from the town. The Merzouga Rally, an off road race, takes place in October. Riders stay in camps and watch the sun set over the dunes.
State/Prefecture in United States
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
Highway 1 through Big Sur runs along cliffs high above the Pacific. Bixby Creek Bridge, built in 1932, arches across a deep canyon. Riders can stop to see elephant seals lounging on the beach near San Simeon. Fog often drifts in the morning and clears by noon.
Historic Site in Ethiopia
Lalibela
Stone churches echoing centuries of faith
Eleven rock hewn churches were carved into the ground here in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Church of Saint George is shaped like a cross. Highland roads to the town cross farmland and steep valleys at about 2,500 metres. Riders can see pilgrims in white robes at dawn.
Landmark in United States
Tail of the Dragon
Spiraling asphalt adventure through rugged hills
An 11 mile stretch of US 129 has 318 curves at Deals Gap. The road links North Carolina and Tennessee through the Smoky Mountains. Riders hang broken parts on the Tree of Shame near the start. Photographers along the road sell pictures of riders in the bends.
City in Egypt
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
The Nile road from Luxor south to Aswan is about 220 kilometres long. It passes Edfu, where a huge temple of Horus stands with a tall stone gate. Sugar cane fields and palm groves line the river. Riders cross to the West Bank to see the Colossi of Memnon.
City in Australia
Darwin
Tropical gateway to ancient wetlands and reefs
The Stuart Highway begins in Darwin and runs south for about 3,000 kilometres. Road trains, trucks with several long trailers, roll along it at highway speed. Riders reach Litchfield National Park in about two hours for waterfalls and swimming. Termite mounds taller than a person line the roadside.
Town in Namibia
Swakopmund
Coastal charm meets desert horizons
The Salt Road follows the cold coast north from Swakopmund on a hard packed surface. Wrecked ships and seal colonies lie along the shore. The gravel plains of the Namib stretch inland from the road. Riders can stop for a fresh oyster lunch back in town.
Town in Austria
Zell am See
Lakes, Mountains and Alpine Charm
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road climbs 48 kilometres with 36 hairpin bends. It reaches Edelweiss Peak, a viewpoint at 2,571 metres above sea level. The road opened in 1935 and passes glaciers and marmots. Riders pay a toll and stop at viewpoints above the long Pasterze Glacier.
Region in Italy
Amalfi Coast
Italy's Coastal Gem
The SS163 road follows the coast for about 50 kilometres between Vietri sul Mare and Positano. It is cut into cliffs with tight hairpins and short tunnels. Riders share it with Vespas, buses and drivers who use horns at blind curves. Lemon terraces and colourful villages fill the view below the road.
Region in Vietnam
Ha Giang
Vibrant terraced rice fields and misty mountains
The Ha Giang Loop covers about 350 kilometres of mountain roads in northern Vietnam. Ma Pi Leng Pass has drops of 1,500 metres above the Nho Que River. Dong Van Karst Plateau is a UNESCO geopark of grey stone hills. Buckwheat flowers bloom pink and white in autumn.
Region in Canada
Cabot Trail
Coastal cliffs and serene ocean vistas
The Cabot Trail loops about 300 kilometres around Cape Breton Island. It crosses Cape Breton Highlands National Park with ocean views on both sides. Pilot whales often pass close to the rocky shore in summer. Autumn colours peak in early October during the Celtic Colours festival.
Road in United Kingdom
North Coast 500
Scenic cliffs and rugged coastlines
The North Coast 500 loops about 830 kilometres around northern Scotland. Bealach na Ba, a pass of 626 metres, has hairpins and a steep drop. Many roads are single track with passing places for oncoming traffic. Riders can explore Smoo Cave and quiet white beaches near Durness.
Park in United States
Blue Ridge Parkway
Majestic mountain vistas and serene waterfalls
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. The speed limit stays low at 45 miles per hour and trucks are not allowed. Riders pass tunnels, overlooks and the Linn Cove Viaduct on Grandfather Mountain. Autumn leaves turn the ridges red and gold in October.
Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
Route 27 climbs from San Pedro de Atacama towards the Paso Jama border at 4,200 metres. Lagoons such as Miscanti glow deep blue beside snowy volcanoes. Flamingos wade in the shallow salt water at dawn. Wind and thin air make the high altitude ride very cold.
Fjord in New Zealand
Milford Sound
Breathtaking fiord of towering peaks
The Milford Road runs 119 kilometres from Te Anau through valleys and passes. It ends with the Homer Tunnel, a dark 1.2 kilometre passage cut through rock. Waterfalls drop beside the road after rain and feed the Cleddau River. Snow and avalanche risk can close the road in winter.
Town in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
The Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905, spans the Zambezi gorge at the border. Riders can look down about 128 metres at the churning river. Motorcycle tours head to Hwange National Park through elephant country. Sunset on the Zambezi turns the wide water gold and pink.
Mountain in Bolzano
Passo dello Stelvio
Majestic alpine vistas and historic passes
The Stelvio Pass rises to 2,758 metres with 48 numbered hairpin bends. The northern side has a famous stack of hairpins above the village of Prato. Riders can stop at the top for sausages and beer. The pass is open only from about June to October.
National Park in United States
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
Going to the Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide at 2,026 metres. The 50 mile road opens fully in late June after crews clear snow. Riders wind past waterfalls and stone walls with long drops below. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often stand near Logan Pass.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
The Dalton Highway runs 414 miles from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic coast. Much of it is gravel and it crosses the Arctic Circle. Fuel stops are few, with Coldfoot about 240 miles from the road's end. Riders often see caribou, musk ox and long summer light past midnight.
National Park in United States
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
Artists Drive is a one way loop of 9 miles through colourful hills. Rocks glow pink, green and purple from mineral stains. Dante's View overlooks Badwater Basin from a height of 1,669 metres. Winter is the ideal time to ride since summer heat can pass 50 degrees Celsius.
Town in Argentina
Ushuaia
End of the World Adventures
Route 3 ends at Bahia Lapataia in Tierra del Fuego National Park near Ushuaia. A sign there marks 3,079 kilometres from Buenos Aires. Riders celebrate the end of long trips beside the Beagle Channel. Snow peaks and southern beech forest surround the town all year.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
Ruta 40 runs for 5,194 kilometres along the Andes from north to south. The Patagonian section has long gravel stretches called ripio. Strong wind pushes riders across the road on the open steppe. Riders reach El Chalten and hike to trailheads under Mount Fitz Roy.
Region in Chile
Carretera Austral
Endless Patagonian horizons under starlit skies
Route 7, the Carretera Austral, runs about 1,240 kilometres through southern Chile. Workers built it between 1976 and 1996 through rainforest and glacier valleys. Much of it is gravel and riders use ferries to cross fjords. Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake glow blue in the light.
Road in Flagstaff
Route 66
Dusty highways echo with vintage Americana
The Arizona stretch of old Route 66 runs 159 miles unbroken from Seligman to Topock. Wild burros roam the streets of the mining town of Oatman. Riders climb Sitgreaves Pass with tight bends and steep drops on the edge. Old diners along the route serve thick malts and burgers.
Nature Reserve in South Africa
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Barrier of spears touching sky
The Sani Pass road climbs steeply from the Drakensberg escarpment to Lesotho at 2,876 metres. Loose gravel switchbacks make it a real challenge for skilled riders. A pub at the top serves hot drinks and beer. Basotho herders on horseback wear blankets and wool hats.
Road in South Africa
Garden Route
Scenic vineyards and coastal cliffs
The N2 highway follows the Garden Route for about 300 kilometres along the coast. Riders can stop at Bloukrans Bridge, a high arch 216 metres above the gorge. Knysna has a lagoon and forest roads to quiet beaches. Tsitsikamma National Park has forest trails and rocky shores.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Chele La Pass, at 3,988 metres, is one of Bhutan's highest roads. Prayer flags cover the pass and mountain views open towards the Himalayas. Foreign riders must join a guided tour with an approved operator. Dochula Pass on the road to Punakha has 108 white stupas.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
The Mae Hong Son Loop has about 1,864 curves across northern Thailand. Riders climb towards Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand at 2,565 metres. Small hill towns such as Pai serve noodles and coffee to travellers. Cool mist fills the green valleys early in the morning.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
Abra Malaga pass, at 4,316 metres, is a highlight of the road to Quillabamba. The road climbs through cold puna grass and drops into cloud forest. Riders can see snow peaks above stone farms on the way. Ollantaytambo's Inca terraces and narrow lanes make a good overnight stop.
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