GREAT COLORADO MOTORCYCLE RIDES
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The Top 9 Best Motorcycle Rides In Colorado?
- Loveland to Rocky Mountains (90 miles)
- San Juan Mountain Skyway (129 miles)
- Colorado 92 (73 miles)
- Independence Pass (80 miles)
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway (28 miles)
- Colorado 141 (95 miles)
- Peak to Peak Highway (61 miles)
- Colorado 14 (200 miles)
- Colorado 65 (65 miles)
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In Colorado
Below is our in-depth list of the best Colorado motorcycle rides in the state! Colorado has some of the most astounding stretches of motorcycle roads in America, connecting mountain resorts to artists’ colonies to pioneer towns. Colorado is not only a coveted motorcyclist destination but it has an abundance of breathtaking natural spots as well as an array of amenities for riders. So pack your saddlebags and enjoy these fantastic Colorado motorcycle routes. Click on the Colorado motorcycle map links for the direct Google Maps link.
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Tips For Colorado Motorcycle Rides
Looking for scenic motorcycle rides near me in Colorado? Colorado's weather changes rapidly, especially in the mountainous regions of the state. It's always a good idea to pack rain gear and wear layers for warmth, as snow has been reported in July in some of these routes in higher altitudes!
Do I Need A Motorcycle Helmet In Colorado?
While you're discovering these scenic motorcycle rides in Colorado, keep in mind the state's law. Riders aged 18 and over are not required to wear helmets in Colorado. Protective riding gear is always a good idea. Due to the abundance of snow plowing in this state, the roads leave a lot of loose gravel and sand, so riders will want to stay vigilant for these obstacles. Read more at codot.gov
LOVELAND TO ROCKY MTN NATIONAL PARK
Route 34
DISTANCE: 90 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
Naturally, many of the greatest motorcycle roads are in National Parks, and the Rockies are no exception. First on our list of the best motorcycle rides in Colorado is this epic route from Loveland to Rocky Mountain National Park. High elevations, vast open roads, and majestic mountains all fill this motorcycle ride in Colorado through the northern and western portion of the park. Be sure to start in Loveland through an epic canyon ride and continue through the fantastic town of Estes Park, and over past Lake Granby.
(Photo: Motolaxin)
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SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN SKYWAY
Route 550
DISTANCE: 129 miles
TIME: 3 hours
This gorgeous CO motorcycle road traverses multiple mountain passes that each rise more than 11,000 feet above sea level. The 25 mile portion from Ouray to Silverton is dubbed the “Million Dollar Highway”. The grandeur of these tremendous mountains can be seen from these roadside vistas. There's countless number of hairpin turns and switchbacks (with and without guardrails), and the descents and climbs are almost endless. Not only is the road itself tremendous, the towns that you'll pass through on this route are renowned for their history and beauty. As amazing as this motorcycle ride is, it's not as popular or crowded as some of the other great motorcycle roads in America.
(Photo: durango.org)
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COLORADO ROUTE 92
C0-92
DISTANCE: 73 miles
TIME: 1 hour 40 min
This winding and lightly traveled road passes around the Gunnison Gorge area and southeast traversing the interior flank of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There's some spectacular views of alpine aspen groves, dense forests and mountain overlooks as the route meanders along the Gunnison River, making this one of the best motorcycle rides in CO.
(Photos: J. Prichard / neilpeart.net)
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INDEPENDENCE PASS
CO-82
DISTANCE: 84 miles
TIME: 2 hour 20 min
Independence Pass crests at 12,095ft, so you'll know you'll be taking in great views of the Rockies! At the lower elevations, there will be endless switchbacks along the winding tree-lined road. As you climb this epic Colorado motorcycle road, there are steep and sharp switchbacks with breathtaking views of the Continental Divide.
Glenwood Springs is found on the northern entrance to this route and is world-famous for its claim to the largest improved hot springs in the world. Between Glenwood Springs and the tiny town of Basalt, look to the south for a view of the scene-stealing grandeur of Mount Sopris. Due to the high altitude and winter road conditions, this route is closed from October-May, so be sure to ride this one when you can!
(Photos: R. Zink / americansouthwest.net)
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MOUNT EVANS SCENIC BYWAY
CO-5, CO-103
DISTANCE: 28 miles
TIME: 1 hour
One of the most exciting motorcycle rides in Colorado is also the highest paved road in North America at 14,130 feet elevation. Mount Evans Scenic Byway is just west of Denver and can be accessed from Hwy 7o. Groves of pine trees will gradually give way to magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. This road is so high, you'll actually be looking down at most of Colorado's mountain peaks! Riders will want to be cautious with the lack of guardrails as you traverse the switchbacks to the top. As you ride along the exposed mountainside, you'll get magnificent views of the seemingly endless glacier-cut valleys and horizons. Motorcyclists should stay vigilant, as there will sure to be Bighorn sheep near the road. So bring your 'A Game' and enjoy this thrilling Colorado motorcycle ride!
(Photos: Motolaxin / C. Havrda)
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COLORADO 141
CO-141
DISTANCE: 95 miles
TIME: 2 hours
If you're looking for one of the best roads to take by motorcycle in the canyons of western Colorado, don't miss Colorado Hwy 141. This gem of a road includes 30 miles of breathtaking red rock canyon views with no traffic, buildings and very few other travelers. The first 40 miles of road follows a beautiful narrow canyon which tops out and proceeds down a wide glacial valley. You'll be riding in the canyon and on top of it for parts of the ride. Hwy 141 is between the tiny towns of Naturita and Whitewater. There will be high speed sweepers with good sight lines as you take in the amazing scenery around you. The truly special part of this great Colorado motorcycle road is between the tiny town of Gateway heading towards Naturita. The ride can be extended on CO-145 east into Telluride. But this motorcycle route is also very close to UT-12, which is the best motorcycle road in Utah. The breathtaking vistas, the blue skies contrasting the surreal red of the rocks and the twisty ride makes this one of the best motorcycle rides in Colorado!
(Photos: C. Grubbs / flickr.com)
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PEAK TO PEAK HIGHWAY
CO-119, CO-72, CO-7
DISTANCE: 61 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
This Colorado motorcycle road will offer riders some of the most spectacular riding in the entire state. The Peak to Peak Highway was established in 1918 and provides gorgeous scenery of the Front Range Mountains in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The route has an excellent variety of twisties mixed with long sweeping and tight, quick corners. Riders will experience absolutely majestic views on this fine highway. Feel the cool, clear air with elevation over 8000ft in Black Hawk, while at the North end in Estes Park is over 7000 ft. This road has gained in popularity in recent years, so a weekday ride may be best. However, this is most certainly one of the best motorcycle roads in America, so if you get the chance to do it on any given day, you won't be disappointed!
(Photos: pintrest.com / uncovercolorado.com)
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COLORADO 14
CO-14
DISTANCE: 200 miles
TIME: 4 hours
For an epic CO motorcycle ride, check out Poudre Canyon (Hwy 14) over Cameron Pass. Start this route just northwest of Fort Collins, and head west through Walden, CO. You'll ride with breathtaking views of mountain passes and stunning lakes. Be cautious for moose as they are commonly seen by riders on this road. Continue past Walden to Steamboat Springs, over Rabbit Ears Pass for more riding that will keep your camera busy! Traffic is generally light on Colorado 14, which will make for motorcycle riding nirvana! As with most of these Colorado motorcycle routes, the high elevations can make for dramatic weather changes, so be sure to pack rain gear and layers.
(Photos: N. Greear / M. Hawkins)
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COLORADO 65
CO-65
DISTANCE: 65 miles
TIME: 2 hours
Highway 65 is an incredibly unique motorcycle road that takes you over the Grand Mesa, which reaches over 10,000 feet. 20 Miles East of Grand Junction. Start at Exit 49 head south on Highway 65 until it ends at Colorado State Route 92 near Delta
Highway 65 offers the variety of Western Colorado desert canyons to high mountain forests, with vistas as far as the eye can see. Upon reaching the top of the flat top mesa, you'll ride around an alpine paradise with plenty of lakes and some hiking trails nearby. And making this incredible scenic winding road even better is that the road pavement is in great condition. If you're looking to find motorcycle rides near me in Grand Junction, be sure to check out Colorado 65!
(Photos: flickr.com / uncovercolorado.com)
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Where Can I Find Colorado Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local CO Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Colorado!
Motorcycle Routes Near Me In Colorado
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.