7 Best Motorcycle Rides in California 2026: Twisty & Scenic Routes
Looking for the best motorcycle rides in California in 2025–2026? From the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway and Angeles Crest to hidden gems like the Ortega Highway and Westgard Pass, California delivers amazing twisty roads, coastal views, and high Sierra passes — all in one state.
We’ve ridden and ranked the top 7 best California motorcycle rides below (complete with free Google Maps routes, GPX files for Patreon members, distances, riding times, and insider tips). Whether you’re planning an epic PCH motorcycle road trip, looking for the best curvy roads near Los Angeles, or exploring Northern California’s redwood-shaded twisties, these are the absolute must-ride routes every motorcyclist needs to have on their bucket list.
Jump to a California motorcycle route:
CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE RIDES BY REGION
TIPS FOR CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE RIDES
If you’re looking for places to ride a motorcycle in California, keep in mind it’s common to encounter high mountain elevations and hot deserts all in the same motorcycle ride! Bring breathable gear for the hotter regions and warm, waterproof clothing for colder parts of the state. Some CA roads are best suited for well experienced riders, so ride carefully and live to ride another day!
IS THERE A HELMET LAW IN california?
While you’re discovering great California motorcycle rides, be aware of the state’s law. According to
California State law
, all riders and passengers are required to wear a U.S. DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
Read more here:
dmv.ca.gov
See what it’s like to experience these great motorcycle rides in California! Join our 43K subscribers on YouTube today!
1. California Highway 1: California’s Ultimate Coastal Motorcycle Ride
- START/END: Orange County to Mendocino County
- ROUTE: HWY 1
- DISTANCE: 656 miles
- RIDE TIME: 8 hours
- BEST TIME: March-May
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
California Highway 1 (PCH) remains one of the best motorcycle rides in California in 2025–2026. This legendary 656-mile coastal road delivers dramatic cliffs, Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge, and endless Pacific Ocean views.
In fact, the section from Monterey to Morro Bay is the best section to ride if you’re planning to ride only a portion of it. Ride north-to-south for the ocean on your right and the for the easiest way to pull over for the amazing photo opportunities. We’ve been travelling this road for more than 10 years, and it never gets old. each time you ride the PCH, it feels like motorcycling therapy at its best.
As far as timing your ride here, we’ve found the best time to plan a motorcycle trip is between March–May or September–October because there’s a better chance to avoid summer fog and RVs clogging up the road. Also, mud slides and other weather-related factors may cause roadblocks and detours, so check the
road conditions
on California Highway 1 before planning a ride in 2026.
Whether you’re chasing the ultimate coastal adventure or ticking off a bucket-list ride, PCH belongs at the top of every California motorcyclist’s list. Consequently, nearly the entire road has varying degrees of stunning scenery along the glittering Pacific.
(photo: M. Moises)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
2. Redwood Highway: Best Shaded Forest Motorcycle Ride
- START/END: Leggett to OR border
- ROUTE: US-101
- DISTANCE: 192 miles
- RIDE TIME: 4 hours
- BEST TIME: May-Oct
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATERON MEMBERS): Download
How often do you get a chance to ride among the largest trees on earth by motorcycle? The Redwood Highway stands out as one of the best motorcycle rides in California for shaded, serene cruising among the world’s tallest trees. This 192-mile gem winds through Northern California and delivers cool forest air even on hot days, making it a great motorcycle ride in the warmer months of the year.
The Avenue of the Giants
begins in the south near Phillipsville and ends in the north near Pepperwood. This section of road runs parallel to Highway 101 in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so be sure to take the short detour onto this road
—it’s a true bucket-list motorcycle ride.
Additionally, the parallel old-growth detour off US-101 feels like riding through a cathedral of redwoods. In 2025, pavement remains excellent with minimal gravel. For the full experience, start in Leggett and head north—pair it with Oregon’s continuation for an unbeatable multi-state run.
Perfect for relaxed touring riders craving pristine nature without aggressive twisties. US-101 continues to be a
great motorcycle ride in Oregon
. If you’re looking for scenic roads to ride a motorcycle in California, don’t miss the Redwood Highway on US-101!
(photo: M. Moises)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
3. Westgard Pass: Best High-Desert Sierra Motorcycle Ride in California
- START/END: Big Pine to NV border
- ROUTE: CA-168
- DISTANCE: 38 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1 hour
- BEST TIME: Apr-June
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
Westgard Pass offers one of the best motorcycle rides in California for high-desert solitude and sweeping vistas. This underrated 38-mile eastern Sierra gem climbs to 7,313 ft through Inyo National Forest, connecting Owens Valley to Deep Springs.
Because it’s the only paved east-west crossing here, traffic stays light year-round. In fact, 2025 repaves have made the curves beautifully smooth for motorcycle riders. Moreover, spring brings wildflowers, while fall delivers golden aspens. Therefore, motorcyclists will want to avoid midday summer heat, which can often exceed 100°F.
Motorcyclists will be astounded at the incredible views of the White mountains and the Sierras while riding Westgard Pass, as the road offers continuous vistas for just about the entire route. Consequently, Westgard Pass is ideal for riders seeking a remote, hidden gem motorcycle route, with its grand landscapes far from the crowds.
(photo: Wikipedia)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
4. Ortega Highway: Southern California’s Twistiest Motorcycle Ride
- START/END: San Juan Capistrano to Lake Elsinore
- ROUTE: CA-74
- DISTANCE: 25 miles
- RIDE TIME: 30 mins
- BEST TIME: Year-round
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Ortega Highway on CA-74 delivers Southern California’s twistiest 25-mile road and ranks among the best motorcycle rides in California near Los Angeles or San Diego . Motorcyclists can expect tight switchbacks here, along with fun elevation changes. Not only that, but the road features stunning Lake Elsinore overlooks through the Santa Ana Mountains.
Because the Ortega Highway is such a fantastic road to ride by motorcycle, timing your ride here is important. For open roadway with minimal traffic, plan for weekday mornings. Additionally, stop at Lookout Roadhouse for a legendary burger and cold drink halfway.
Lastly, discretion and focus are needed on this road, as this stretch has had more than its share of motorcycle tragedies over the years. But if ridden with skill and precision, the Ortega Highway is perfect for intermediate-to-advanced riders who are looking for technical curves just an hour from Los Angeles.
(photo: R. Shapley)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
EXPLORE MORE >>
5. Klamath River Highway: Northern California’s Best Riverside Sweepers
- START/END: Happy Camp to I-5
- ROUTE: CA-96
- DISTANCE: 62 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
- BEST TIME: June-Sept
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Klamath River Highway on CA-96 is a
great motorcycle road in northern California that can be started from Happy Camp, and it’s a winding delight. The Klamath River Highway travels along the second longest river in California, the Klamath River. Overall, the pavement quality is very good, making it a great road for any type of motorcycle. Additionally, there’s not much tourist traffic on
CA-96 and it’s not a major trucking route, so motorcycle riders can open the throttle and enjoy the curves.
In particular, the section near Happy Camp serves up mile after mile of flowing curves framed by rugged canyons. Summer offers perfect weather to plan a road trip here, while spring makes the nearby waterfalls spectacular.
The curves on the
Klamath River Highway stretch for miles and will offer beautiful scenery for motorcyclists. If you’re looking for curvy roads in Northern California
, be sure to check out the Klamath River Hwy on CA-96!
(photo: flickr.com)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
6. CA Route 33: Best Hidden Gem Motorcycle Road in California
- START/END: Ventura to Maricopa
- ROUTE: CA-33
- DISTANCE: 70 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
- BEST TIME: Oct-May (cooler temps)
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
CA Route 33 hides in plain sight as one of the best motorcycle rides in California—a challenging 70-mile twister from Ventura through Los Padres National Forest that most lists overlook. Riders can start in Ojai and eventually the road climb through chaparral to Pine Mountain Saddle at 6,000 ft.
Consequently, motorcyclists will enjoy non-stop twists among constant rugged and rural mountains— with minimal traffic on a typical weekday. Recent 2025 repairs smoothed the descent into Cuyama Valley, making this road that much better for motorcyclists looking for a great road to ride. Moreover, fall colors and spring wildflowers are unreal here.
State Route 33 rarely makes any “curated list” for the best motorcycle rides. But we’d argue this hidden gem road won’t disappoint. So, if you want technical mountain riding just 90 minutes from LA without the crowds, put CA-33 on your short list for the
best motorcycle roads in Southern California!
(photo: Logan Hall)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
7. Angeles Crest Highway: LA’s Ultimate Canyon Motorcycle Road
- START/END: I-210 to Wrightwood
- ROUTE: CA-2
- DISTANCE: 60 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
- BEST TIME: Year-round
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Angeles Crest Highway is a world-famous California motorcycle road that’s loved by bikers for its misty trails of Angeles National Forest and beautiful outskirts of LA. Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) consistently ranks among the best motorcycle rides in California for Los Angeles-area riders in 2025–2026. This 60-mile mountain masterpiece climbs through Angeles National Forest with sweeping turns, pine-scented air, and Mojave Desert views.
The Angeles Crest is such a great road for motorcycle riders because of the sheer amount of twisting mountain roadway, sweeping curves and fun switchbacks climbing up to 7,000 feet.
In conclusion, the Angeles Crest Highway is a fantastic SoCal day ride for sweepers, elevation changes, and that classic California canyon-carving feel.
(photo: M. Smithgall)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
LOOKING FOR MORE CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE RIDES?
Join us on Patreon to unlock these bonus features and more:
ROUTE PLANNING
Maps showing where routes are located within each US state.
GPX FILES
GPX files are available for download with each US motorcycle route.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS
Exclusive video content on the best motorcycle rides
MORE ROUTES
Bonus California motorcycle rides as well as more for US & Canada
Any bloggers or website articles that would like to use these routes, please refer to our
TERMS OF USE.
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. To use this website, you agree to our TERMS OF USE .
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local CA Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in California!
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in America, California draws a lot of motorcyclists from outside the state. Not only does California have great roads to discover, but there are also well-established motorcycle rental companies throughout the state. This enables out-of-state motorcyclists to fly in and rent a motorcycle instead of having to ride in.
– Redwood Highway
– Shoreline Highway
– Matthole Road (The Lost Coast)
– Klamath River Highway
– Pacific Coast Highway
– Ortega Highway (35 minutes from Orange County)
– Joshua Tree National Park (2 hours from Orange County)
To motorcycle the entire coastal CA Highway 1 would take 12-14 hours without stops. Of course, on a motorcycle, you will take many stops. Not only to refuel, but to take in the beautiful sights. Plan on a minimum of 3-5 days if getting a lot of miles in each day heading one way.
About the Author
Seth Profenna
Native to Northeastern United States, Seth Profenna has been following his passion for discovering the best roads to ride motorcycles for over 10 years.
Why this website?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com has been created for like-minded riders who are looking for an easy-to-navigate source for the best motorcycle rides in America and around the world.
WHERE CAN I FIND SCENIC MOTORCYCLE ROUTES NEAR ME AROUND CALIFORNIA?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near California and the Southwest United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Southwest with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!
