Best Motorcycle Rides Near Reno, NV
Looking for the best motorcycle rides near Reno, Nevada? Reno is perfectly positioned for some of the most iconic motorcycle rides in the American West. With the Sierra Nevada to the west and wide-open Nevada desert stretching east, riders can enjoy everything from alpine passes to remote high-desert highways.
Each scenic Reno motorcycle route includes:
- Free interactive Google Maps links for every route
- Detailed ride info (distance, time, best season)
- GPX files instantly downloadable for our Patreon Premium members (perfect for Garmin or GPS navigation)
Below are the top motorcycle routes near Reno offering stunning scenery, smooth pavement, and unforgettable riding experiences.
1. Lake Tahoe Ride on Mt Rose Highway (61 miles)
2. North Red Rock Rd (25 miles)
3. Loneliest Road in America on US-50 (382 miles)
> Tips for Motorcycle Riding Near Reno
- Watch weather closely — the Sierra Nevada region changes quickly.
- Fuel up often — especially when riding US-50, where distances between stations can be long.
- Start early — popular Tahoe roads get congested by late morning.
- Bring layers — elevation changes can bring 20–30°F temperature swings.
- Check for construction — mountain passes often have seasonal roadwork.
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1. Lake Tahoe Ride on Mt Rose Highway
- START/END: Reno to Stateline
- ROUTES: NV-431, NV-28
- DISTANCE: 61 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1.5 hours
- BEST TIME: May-Oct
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Lake Tahoe ride via Mt. Rose Highway (NV-431) and NV-28 is one of the most scenic motorcycle rides near Reno—and arguably one of the most beautiful in the entire Sierra region. Mt. Rose Highway climbs quickly, offering sweeping views over Washoe Valley before cresting at nearly 9,000 feet. The descent toward Incline Village is filled with wide, flowing curves and towering pines.
Once riders reach Lake Tahoe, NV-28 hugs the shoreline, delivering blue-water vistas, granite boulders, and several scenic pull-offs ideal for photos. Traffic can be heavy in summer, so early mornings or off-season rides provide the best experience. This combination of mountain pass and shoreline cruising makes for a diverse and memorable ride, making it one of the best motorcycle routes in Reno, NV.
Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.
2. North Red Rock Rd
- START/END: Reno to CA border
- ROUTE: N Red Rock Rd
- DISTANCE: 25 miles
- RIDE TIME: 30 mins
- BEST TIME: Mar-Nov
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
Just north of Reno, North Red Rock Road offers a remote high-desert escape with minimal traffic and wide-open views of Nevada’s rugged landscape. The road winds through Red Rock Valley, where motorcyclists will travel through ranchlands, sagebrush plains, and the colorful rock formations that give the area its name.
While this Reno motorcycle ride is not technical, it’s peaceful and scenic, making it perfect for riders who enjoy open roads with gentle curves. Because it’s lightly traveled, you’ll often have long stretches completely to yourself. Take note: cell service can be limited in spots, and weather changes quickly, especially in spring and fall. Overall, the N Red Rock Rd is one of the best motorcycle routes in Reno.
Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.
3. Loneliest Road in America on US-50
- START/END: Carson City to UT border
- ROUTES: US-50
- DISTANCE: 383 miles
- RIDE TIME: 6 hours
- BEST TIME: Apr-Oct
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
No trip to Nevada is complete without experiencing the legendary US-50, often called The Loneliest Road in America. Starting east of Carson City and stretching across the state, this route offers a true taste of remote, wide-open riding. For motorcyclists, it’s a dream: long straights, gentle mountain passes, little traffic, and endless views of Nevada’s Basin and Range geography.
Riders can explore small historical towns like Fallon, Austin, and Eureka along the way. Fuel stops can be far apart, so planning is essential. The solitude, wide horizons, and dramatic desert scenery make this one of the most iconic long-distance motorcycle rides close to Reno.
Click for the Google maps motorcycle route link.
Looking for more Nevada motorcycle rides? Visit our NV page for the full list of the Top 7 Best Motorcycle Routes in Nevada !
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Reno offers quick access to mountain passes, desert highways, and scenic lakeside routes. Riders can enjoy a mix of alpine curves, high-desert valleys, and famous cross-Nevada highways—all within a short distance of the city.
The ideal riding season is May through October, when mountain passes are clear and temperatures are comfortable. Lower-elevation desert roads can be ridden earlier in spring and later into fall, but winter often brings snow to the Sierra Nevada.
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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