Best motorcycle destinations in North America
Best motorcycle destinations in North America
Long distance continental highway stretches and mountain ridge roads in North America
North America is made for long road trips, and on a motorcycle the huge distances and open highways feel even bigger.
Route 66 is the famous classic, with old diners, neon signs and small desert towns between Chicago and Santa Monica. The Pacific Coast Highway in California has cliffs, beaches and the curves of Big Sur, while the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina is slow, green and especially beautiful when the leaves change color in autumn. The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee packs 318 curves into just 11 miles and draws riders from all over the country. In Canada, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia and the Icefields Parkway in the Rockies have some of the best views you can get from a motorcycle seat.
Distances are long, so plan your fuel stops in remote areas and check the weather in the mountains, which can change quickly even in summer.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in United States
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
High mountain passes are usually clear of snow from June to September. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park reaches 12,183 feet. The Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton has tight curves and few guardrails. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer so riders start early.
State/Prefecture in United States
Utah
Nature's dramatic red rock playground
Scenic Byway 12 runs about 120 miles from Panguitch to Torrey past Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. The Hogback, a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides, is a highlight near Boulder. Utah has five national parks linked by quiet roads and wide desert views.
State/Prefecture in United States
Arkansas
Natural Beauty and Historic Charm
The Talimena Scenic Drive opened in 1969 and runs 54 miles from Mena along ridges into Oklahoma. Rich Mountain on the route reaches 2,681 feet and is the second tallest peak in Arkansas. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway on Highway 23 has steep hills. Hairpin turns wind through the Ozark National Forest.
State/Prefecture in United States
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
Highway 1 hugs cliffs above the Pacific between Carmel and San Simeon through Big Sur. Bixby Creek Bridge, a concrete arch finished in 1932, is a favourite photo stop. Angeles Crest Highway climbs through the San Gabriel Mountains above Los Angeles. Tioga Pass in Yosemite reaches nearly 10,000 feet and opens after snowmelt.
City in United States
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
The Fisher Towers rise as much as 900 feet, taller than the Washington Monument. Highway 128 follows the Colorado River for about 44 miles through a narrow sandstone gorge. Castle Valley has been a film set for many westerns. The road starts just north of Moab and ends at Interstate 70 near Cisco.
National Park in United States
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
Going-to-the-Sun Road took eleven years to build and was dedicated in 1933. It crosses the park for about 50 miles and tops out at Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. The road is generally open from early June to mid October. Narrow lanes, low stone walls and big drop-offs call for slow speeds.
National Park in United States
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
Riders here start at dawn and carry extra water because summer heat can top 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, is 282 feet below sea level. Artists Drive is a one way loop past hills coloured by minerals. Dante's View overlooks the basin from about 5,500 feet.
Road in Flagstaff
Route 66
Dusty highways echo with vintage Americana
Around Flagstaff the old highway climbs into pine forest at nearly 7,000 feet. West of Seligman a stretch of more than 150 miles runs unbroken to the Colorado River. Oatman Road climbs Sitgreaves Pass with tight curves and wild burros. Neon signs and diners line the route in Williams and Seligman.
Park in United States
Blue Ridge Parkway
Majestic mountain vistas and serene waterfalls
Cool air smells of pine and wet leaves as the road curves past mountain overlooks. The parkway runs 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina with a 45 mph speed limit. It bans trucks and has no traffic lights. The Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain curves along the slope on concrete piers.
State/Prefecture in United States
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
The Dalton Highway runs 414 miles north to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean. Long stretches are gravel and heavy trucks share the road. A sign marks the Arctic Circle at mile 115. Fuel stops at Yukon River, Coldfoot and Deadhorse are far apart. Summer days are very long this far north.
Landmark in United States
Tail of the Dragon
Spiraling asphalt adventure through rugged hills
Engines whine through 318 curves packed into 11 miles of US 129. The road crosses the North Carolina and Tennessee border near Deals Gap. Riders hang broken bike parts on the Tree of Shame at Deals Gap. Photographers shoot passing riders from the roadside and post the pictures online.
Region in Canada
Cabot Trail
Coastal cliffs and serene ocean vistas
September and October bring autumn colour and lighter traffic to this coastal loop. The Celtic Colours festival fills Cape Breton with concerts every October. The loop is about 185 miles long and passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Climbs over French Mountain and North Mountain bring wide ocean views.
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