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Best motorcycle destinations in North America

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California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
  • 🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
  • 🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
9.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike the Slickrock Trail through rugged desert terrain
  • 🗿 Explore Arches National Park's iconic rock formations
  • 🏜️ Climb Delicate Arch at sunrise for breathtaking views
Utah
Nature's dramatic red rock playground
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive
  • 🧡 Explore the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
  • 🧗‍♂️ Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park
Arkansas
Natural Beauty and Historic Charm
6.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville
  • ⛰️ Hike through the scenic Ozark Mountains trails
  • ♨️ Soak in the thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
  • 🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
  • 🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌲 Explore Avalanche Lake’s serene hiking trails
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road for views
  • 🥾 Hike to Grinnell Glacier and stunning turquoise lakes
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
6.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Explore colorful rock formations at Artists Palette
  • 🦶 Walk across the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from panoramic Zabriskie Point
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
  • 🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
  • 🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Explore the Appalachian Trail segment in Pisgah National Forest
  • 🥾 Hike a Blue Ridge trail, catch sunrise vistas
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic stretch, stopping at overlooks
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Capture sunrise over Cape Breton Highlands
  • 🦞 Savor fresh lobster at a seaside shack
  • 🏞️ Hike the Cabot Trail's panoramic coastal loop
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch sunset from the highest hilltop overlook
  • 🦌 Spot native Iowa wildlife along scenic roadside trails
  • 🚗 Drive the legendary Tail of the Dragon's serpentine curves
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Tour Roosevelt Dam and enjoy panoramic reservoir views
  • 🌌 Stargaze at Lowell Observatory, discover celestial wonders
  • 🚗 Drive the iconic Route 66 segment through Flagstaff
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