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Best Motorcycle Rides Near Los Angeles
Looking for the best motorcycle rides near Los Angeles? These great motorcycle roads around Los Angeles offer a perfect blend of coastal curves, canyon sweepers, and high-elevation twisties. Thanks to the region’s mild climate and diverse geography, riders can enjoy year-round motorcycle adventures just minutes from the city.
Each CA motorcycle route includes:
• Detailed ride description & highlights
• Free interactive Los Angeles motorcycle route maps (with Google Maps links)
• Downloadable GPX files (exclusive for our Patreon supporters)
• Best time of year to ride, mileage, and updates for 2025-2026
Below are three of the best motorcycle routes in Los Angeles, each offering its own unique scenery and riding experience.
1. Angeles Crest Highway (60 miles)
2. Ortega Highway (25 miles)
3. State Route 33 (70 miles)
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1. Angeles Crest Highway
- START/END: I-210 to Wrightwood
- ROUTES: CA-2
- DISTANCE: 60 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
- BEST TIME: Year-round
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (Patreon members): Download
Angeles Crest Highway is consistently ranked among the best motorcycle rides in Los Angeles, thanks to its long sweepers, dramatic elevation changes, and incredible mountain scenery. As you leave the city, the road quickly climbs into the San Gabriel Mountains, offering a refreshing break from LA’s urban traffic.
Moreover, the smooth pavement and wide curves make it ideal for motorcycle riders who want a fun mix of technical turns and hairpins. Since fuel and services are limited once you enter the forest, riders should prepare and fuel up before setting out for a trip. Nevertheless, the payoff is huge—cooler temperatures, panoramic viewpoints, and technical curves that feel far removed from downtown LA. For anyone searching “best motorcycle rides near me”, the Angeles Crest Highway is one of Southern California’s most iconic routes for 2025-2026.
Click here for Google maps motorcycle route .
2. Ortega Highway
- 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 is one of Southern California’s most twistiest motorcycle routes for those who are looking for a great ride near Los Angeles. Beginning near San Juan Capistrano, this curvy highway climbs into the Santa Ana Mountains before dropping toward Lake Elsinore.
As riders progress through the canyon, they’ll encounter sweeping views, tight corners, and long stretches of smooth pavement. Additionally, the elevation changes create cooler temperatures and excellent visibility on clear days.
Although traffic can build on weekends, weekday mornings offer a more relaxed and enjoyable ride. Because Ortega Highway blends technical riding with dramatic scenery, many consider it one of the best motorcycle rides in Los Angeles for riders willing to travel just outside the city limits.
Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route .
3. State Highway 33
- START/END: Ventura to Maricopa
- ROUTE: CA-33
- DISTANCE: 70 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
- BEST TIME: Oct-May
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (Patreon members): Download
State Route 33 (also called the Maricopa Highway) is a fantastic hidden gem motorcycle ride near Los Angeles. Starting near Ojai, this stunning canyon road winds deep into the Los Padres National Forest, offering riders endless twisties, rugged mountain scenery, and smooth, well-maintained pavement.
Furthermore, the lack of traffic compared to other Los Angeles motorcycle roads makes Highway 33 perfect for riders who want a more remote and rugged experience. As the road climbs, each turn unveils new vistas and sweeping views that make the ride feel far removed from the city.
Ultimately, riders looking for the best motorcycle rides in Los Angeles will find California 33 well worth the short drive north. In fact, this is one of our all-time favorite lesser-known roads to ride a motorcycle in California!
Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route .
Looking for more California motorcycle routes? Visit our California page for the full list of the Top 7 Best Motorcycle Routes in California!
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Frequently asked questions
Thanks to its mild coastal climate, Los Angeles offers great riding conditions almost all year. However, the best time to ride is typically late spring through early fall, when the mountain passes are clear and coastal fog is minimal. Winter can still be excellent, but higher-elevation routes like Angeles Crest may close due to snow. On the other hand, beaches and canyon roads stay rideable most days. If you’re planning a long ride, checking fire conditions, road closures, and weather advisories will ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience.
Yes, many Los Angeles motorcycle roads are beginner-friendly, but some routes require more experience. New riders usually enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway because of its gentle curves and wide lanes. However, advanced routes like Angeles Crest Highway, State Route 33, and Ortega Highway are better suited for riders with more experience due to rapid elevation changes, and sharper curves. Always choose a route based on your comfort level and riding skill.
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.
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