BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN CALIFORNIA

ROUTE: HWY 1
DISTANCE: 656 miles
TIME: 8 hours

Looking to travel on one of the best California motorcycle rides? CA Hwy 1 is an epic route that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of California, and is about 656 miles. With that much length, there’s a tremendous amount to see. There’s access to beaches, State and National Parks, including Redwoods National Park, and the amazing Big Sur area. This CA motorcycle ride even includes the famous Golden Gate Bridge. From south to north, the famous scenic portions are between Orange County and Mendocino County area. But nearly the entire route has varying degrees of stunning scenery along the glittering Pacific.
(photo: M. Moises)


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ROUTE: US-101
DISTANCE: 192 miles
TIME: 4 hours

The Redwood Hwy is one of the most fantastic California motorcycle rides that will take you among the tallest trees in the world through Avenue of the Giants. For much of this section, the roads are smooth and you’ll be riding in the shade, which motorcyclists will appreciate on a hot summer day. Along this route, take in the immense scenery of these massive trees, with ocean views, beaches, and some of the most pristine landscapes of California. 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)


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ROUTE: CA-168
DISTANCE: 138 miles
TIME: 1 hour

Westgard Pass is a great California motorcycle road, which is a narrow gap between the White Mountains and Inyo Mountains ranges in eastern CA. At an elevation of 7,313 ft, this great California motorcycle rides travels entirely within the Inyo National Forest, in northern Inyo County, California. State Route 168 crosses the pass, connecting the Owens Valley to Deep Springs Valley. Route 168 is the only (paved) east-west route across the Inyo-White Mountains. Motorcycling through this region will offer pristine scenery and grand vistas. Westgard Pass is a perfect motorcycle route for those looking for curvy roads in California!
(photo: Wikipedia)


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ROUTE: CA-74
DISTANCE: 25 miles
TIME: 30 mins

This is one of the most famed California motorcycle rides located south of Los Angeles through the Santa Ana Mountains. It’s got great curves, a couple really nice switchbacks, and there are some spectacular views along the way, especially of Lake Elsinore. Discretion, attention and moderation are needed on this road, as this stretch has had more than its share of motorcycle tragedies over the years. Many riders comment on the excessive traffic, so choose your riding time wisely! If you’re looking to find motorcycle rides near me in Los Angeles, don’t miss the scenic Ortega Highway!
(photo: R. Shapley)


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ROUTE: CA-96
DISTANCE: 62 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours

The Klamath River Hwy 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. There’s not much tourist traffic and it’s not a major trucking route. The curves on the Klamath River Highway stretch for miles, and will offer beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for curvy roads near me in Northern California, be sure to check out the Klamath River Hwy on CA-96!
(photo: flickr.com)


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ROUTE: CA-33
DISTANCE: 70 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours

CA-33 is one of the best California motorcycle rides that hardly gets featured on other motorcycle travel websites. From Ventura, hop on CA-33 North (Maricopa Highway) and cruise through Ojai towards the mountains. The first 70 miles or so are a looping, challenging delight, winding through the chaparral and pines of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Los Padres National Forest. It’s wild, beautiful country with amazing, twisty roads, and inspiring views most of the way. This great motorcycle ride in California will take you over Pine Mountain Saddle at about 6,000 feet, and drop down into the Cuyama badlands. California 33 is a great ride for those looking for curvy roads near me in Los Angeles!
(photo: Logan Hall)


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ROUTE: CA-2
DISTANCE: 60 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours

This world-famous California motorcycle road is loved by bikers for its misty trails of Angeles National Forest and beautiful outskirts of LA. With fantastic views of Saint Gabriel mountains and Mojave desert, this highway is a fantastic route for those who are looking for motorcycle rides near me in Los Angeles. The curvy mountain road winds through the jagged landscape and around mountain peaks and the scent of fresh pine fills the air, leaving nothing to be desired. If you’re looking for great California motorcycle rides, be sure to consider the Angeles Crest Hwy!
(photo: M. Smithgall)


Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link

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!