California Motorcycle Routes: The Best Rides
When riders search for motorcycle routes California or ask about the best motorcycle rides in California, they’re looking for more than just a road. The state offers an unmatched mix of California motorcycle roads that include sweeping coastal highways, high mountain passes, desert stretches, and forested canyons. From the legendary Pacific Coast Highway to twisty canyon backroads, every route delivers a new adventure. California has long been the ultimate destination for motorcyclists who want variety in their journey—whether it’s a scenic day ride along the ocean, a weekend motorcycle trip through the Sierra Nevada, or a long road trip linking the desert and redwood forests. It’s no surprise that scenic motorcycle routes in California are among the most searched and most loved by bikers across the world.
Top Motorcycle Routes in California
California is home to some of the best motorcycle rides in the USA, offering a mix of coastal highways, twisty canyon roads, high mountain passes, and desert adventures. Whether you’re planning a scenic day trip, a weekend escape, or a long cross-state motorcycle journey, these iconic California motorcycle routes deliver unforgettable views and thrilling rides for every skill level.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Over the years of riding across the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway has remained one of my absolute favorite motorcycle journeys. Stretching from San Diego to Mendocino, this iconic coastal road offers unforgettable ocean views, sweeping curves, and moments that every rider dreams of. Passing through Big Sur and rolling over the Bixby Bridge feels like a scene from a film, especially with the Pacific crashing below.
From experience, I’ve learned it’s best to ride south to north so the ocean is always on your side. Stopping at McWay Falls or taking a break in Monterey gives the trip a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Spring and fall are the most enjoyable seasons—warm enough for a long ride, yet free of the heavy fog and summer traffic that can slow the flow.
Route Overview (Pacific Coast Highway – Personal Ride Notes)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Cities (en-route) | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | Mendocino (via San Luis Obispo) | ~680–750 miles (1,090–1,205 km) | Spring (Apr–Jun) & Fall (Sep–Oct) | San Diego, La Jolla, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Cruz, (SF detour), Point Reyes, Jenner, Gualala, Mendocino | Torrey Pines, Crystal Cove, Malibu canyons, Santa Barbara waterfront, Hearst Castle (San Simeon), Elephant Seal Vista Point, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive, Golden Gate Bridge (optional detour), Sonoma Coast bluffs, Mendocino Headlands |
| San Diego | San Luis Obispo | ~320–360 miles (515–580 km) | Mar–Jun for clearer days; Sep–Oct for lighter traffic | San Diego, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo | Torrey Pines overlooks, Oceanside Pier, Crystal Cove beaches, Malibu shoreline pull-outs, Rincon Parkway, Santa Barbara Mission & waterfront, Pismo dunes, SLO downtown |
| San Luis Obispo | Mendocino | ~360–400 miles (580–645 km) | Late Apr–Jun; Sep–Oct (watch for Big Sur slide closures) | San Simeon, Big Sur, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, (San Francisco detour), Stinson Beach, Bodega Bay, Jenner, Sea Ranch, Gualala, Point Arena, Mendocino | Hearst Castle, Elephant Seal rookery, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos Reserve, 17-Mile Drive, coastal redwoods north of Jenner, Bowling Ball Beach (tide-dependent), Mendocino bluffs |
2. Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2)
Years of riding around Los Angeles always pull me back to CA-2. The Angeles Crest Highway runs about 66 miles through the San Gabriel Mountains, and it’s pure rhythm—flowing sweepers, steady elevation, and big views that make you slow down just to take it in. It’s the route I pick when I want something technical without leaving the city’s orbit.
I like to start early from La Cañada Flintridge before the day warms up, then settle into the curves toward Wrightwood. Corners can hide gravel after wind or storms, so I ride a touch wide on entry and keep vision up. Newcomb’s Ranch has long been the classic biker stop—check current status, but the turnout is still a natural place to pause, hydrate, and chat with other riders.
Route Overview (Angeles Crest Highway – Personal Ride Notes)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Towns / Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Cañada Flintridge (CA-2) | Wrightwood (CA-2/138) | ~66 miles (106 km) | Late spring–early fall; start early. Weekdays for lighter traffic. | La Cañada Flintridge, Angeles Forest Hwy junction, Chilao, Islip Saddle, Big Pines, Wrightwood | Panoramic overlooks, Mt. Wilson Observatory (detour), Dawson Saddle (high point), Chilao Visitor Center, Newcomb’s Ranch turnout, Grassy Hollow Visitor Center |
| La Cañada Flintridge | Newcomb’s Ranch area | ~27–35 miles (43–56 km) | Morning (cooler temps, clearer views) | Red Box/Mt. Wilson Rd, Chilao | Sweeping curves, ridge-line vistas, photo pull-outs; watch for gravel after wind/storms |
| Newcomb’s Ranch area | Wrightwood | ~31–39 miles (50–63 km) | Mid-morning to midday | Islip Saddle, Big Pines | Higher elevation air, long sightlines, tighter sequences near Big Pines; check temps & wind |
3. Route 33 (Ojai to Santa Maria)
Out of all my Southern California rides, Route 33 from Ojai to Santa Maria has always stood out. This 80-mile stretch runs through the rugged beauty of Los Padres National Forest and opens up into the wide Cuyama Valley before rolling toward the Central Coast. The road blends tight mountain switchbacks with fast straights and long sightlines, rewarding riders who enjoy both technical control and open-throttle freedom. Every time I’ve taken this route, the variety of scenery kept me hooked from start to finish.
From experience, I always refuel in Ojai or Maricopa—gas stations are rare once you’re deep in the backcountry. Spring is my favorite season to ride, when the hillsides erupt in wildflowers and the air feels crisp. By the time you reach Santa Maria, the ride feels like a complete journey across climates, from mountain forest to fertile valley and coastal wine country.
Route Overview (Route 33 – Ojai to Santa Maria)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Towns / Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ojai | Santa Maria (via Cuyama Valley) | ~120 miles (193 km) | Spring for wildflowers; fall for clear skies | Ojai, Pine Mountain Summit, Lockwood Valley, Maricopa, New Cuyama, Santa Maria | Switchbacks above Ojai, Wheeler Gorge, Pine Mountain vistas, Carrizo Plain detour, open valley riding, Santa Maria wine country |
| Ojai | Maricopa | ~70 miles (113 km) | Late spring–early fall (watch for heat) | Ojai, Wheeler Gorge, Pine Mountain Summit | Technical mountain climb, scenic overlooks, picnic pull-outs, sparse traffic |
| Maricopa | Santa Maria | ~50 miles (80 km) | Spring & fall for best weather | Maricopa, New Cuyama, Santa Maria | Long straights, open valley ranchlands, seasonal wildflowers, rolling approach into Santa Maria |
4. Mulholland Highway – Short Loop Plan
For a compact ride that still delivers everything I love about Southern California motorcycling, I take the Mulholland Highway short loop starting and ending in Calabasas. The route links Liberty Canyon, Paramount Ranch, the Rock Store area, and back through the foothills, creating a half-day adventure with plenty of twisties and scenic canyon stretches. Even though it’s short, the loop blends technical corners, shady curves, and quick straights with stops that make it feel like a complete trip.
Early mornings are best to avoid weekend crowds and get the most out of “The Snake” section. A stop at the Rock Store adds the classic social element, while food in Calabasas makes for an easy wrap-up. It’s my go-to loop when I want to clear my head and still be back before lunch.
Route Overview (Mulholland Highway – Short Loop)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calabasas (Start) | Loop ↺ Calabasas (Finish) | ~22–28 miles (35–45 km) | Early mornings; weekdays for lighter traffic | Liberty Canyon, Paramount Ranch, Rock Store, Cuckoos Nest BBQ | Compact canyon loop, taste of “The Snake,” easy fuel/food in town |
| Calabasas | Paramount Ranch | ~6 miles (10 km) | Morning (cool temps, clear views) | Liberty Canyon corridor | Gentle warm-up miles, shaded bends, quick photo stop at historic ranch (check access) |
| Paramount Ranch | Rock Store area | ~8 miles (13 km) | Weekdays / early weekends | Rock Store biker hangout | Tighter sequences, short sightlines—ride a scouting pass; classic rider meetup vibe |
| Rock Store | Cuckoos Nest BBQ → Calabasas | ~8–12 miles (13–19 km) | Late morning break | Cuckoos Nest BBQ, Calabasas services | Curvy return through foothills, easy food stop, quick roll back into town |
5. Tioga Pass (CA-120: Moccasin to Lee Vining)
Starting from Moccasin, CA-120 climbs quickly into Yosemite National Park before crossing the high Tioga Pass and finishing in Lee Vining. The ~90-mile journey mixes forested switchbacks, alpine lakes, and open meadows, making it one of the most dramatic seasonal rides in California. Riding it while snow still lined the shoulders of the road added an extra layer of beauty—and caution—to the experience.
Tioga Pass sits at nearly 10,000 feet and is normally open only from June to October, depending on snowfall. On my ride, patches of snow were still visible along the meadows and granite cliffs, reminding me how wild and high this road truly is. Stopping at Tuolumne Meadows and Tenaya Lake felt even more special under snowy peaks. By the time I descended into Lee Vining and caught the first glimpse of Mono Lake, it felt like crossing from winter into another world.
Route Overview (Moccasin → Tuolumne Meadows → Lee Vining)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moccasin | Lee Vining | ~90 miles (145 km) | June – October (open seasonally) | Groveland, Yosemite entrance, Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass summit | Granite cliffs, alpine meadows, Tenaya Lake, Mono Lake overlook |
| Moccasin | Tuolumne Meadows | ~60 miles (97 km) | Summer mornings for best light | Groveland, Crane Flat, Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake | Climb into high Sierra, granite domes, alpine lakes, wide meadows |
| Tuolumne Meadows | Lee Vining | ~30 miles (48 km) | Afternoons; watch for summer storms | Tioga Pass (9,943 ft), Mono Basin Scenic Area | Highest highway pass in California, dramatic descent to Mono Lake |
6. Redwood Highway (US-101 North)
Riding the Redwood Highway is like entering a natural cathedral. Stretching nearly 200 miles through Northern California, US-101 carries you beneath some of the tallest trees on earth. Every time I’ve taken this ride, the hush of the redwoods and the filtered light through the canopy made me slow down and breathe deeper. It’s not just a road—it’s an experience that feels timeless.
The highlight for me is the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic bypass that runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Stopping at Founder’s Grove to stand beside massive trunks is a humbling reminder of how small we are compared to nature. I recommend riding in fall: the cooler weather keeps things comfortable, and there are fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy the serenity of the forest.
Route Overview (Redwood Highway – US-101 North)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leggett | Crescent City | ~200 miles (322 km) | Fall for cooler temps & fewer tourists | Leggett, Garberville, Avenue of the Giants, Eureka, Crescent City | Towering redwood forests, Founder’s Grove, Humboldt Redwoods SP, coastal stretches |
| Leggett | Avenue of the Giants | ~60 miles (97 km) | Morning for soft light under the canopy | Garberville, Phillipsville | 31-mile scenic bypass through Humboldt Redwoods, massive groves, Founder’s Tree |
| Avenue of the Giants | Eureka | ~70 miles (113 km) | Midday, less fog in summer/fall | Weott, Fortuna | Scenic redwood drive, historic towns, riverside pull-outs |
| Eureka | Crescent City | ~70 miles (113 km) | Afternoon into evening | Orick, Prairie Creek Redwoods SP | Fern Canyon detour, coastal redwoods, rugged ocean views near Crescent City |
7. Route 66 (Santa Monica to Needles)
Riding Route 66 across California feels like stepping into a moving postcard of Americana. Starting at the Santa Monica Pier and stretching 315 miles to Needles on the Arizona border, this ride takes you from the Pacific Coast into desert landscapes dotted with retro diners, neon signs, and small towns that still echo the Mother Road’s heyday. On my own ride, I loved how the scenery shifted from ocean breezes to arid open roads in just a few hours.
Fuel planning is essential here, as services become sparse in the desert stretches. I recommend stopping at the Route 66 Museum in Barstow and the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville—both offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of this road. Cruisers and touring bikes feel right at home here, with wide, straight sections perfect for soaking in the nostalgic vibes.
Route Overview (Route 66 – Santa Monica to Needles)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica Pier | Needles (AZ border) | ~315 miles (507 km) | Spring & fall; avoid peak desert heat | Santa Monica, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Victorville, Barstow, Amboy, Needles | Pacific start point, desert highways, retro diners, Route 66 museums |
| Santa Monica | Victorville | ~130 miles (209 km) | Morning departure from the coast | Pasadena, San Bernardino, Victorville | Classic LA sprawl, mountain foothills, California Route 66 Museum |
| Victorville | Barstow | ~35 miles (56 km) | Midday break | Route 66 Museum, Barstow | Retro motels, diner stops, Barstow Route 66 Museum |
| Barstow | Needles | ~150 miles (242 km) | Afternoon / early evening | Amboy, desert ghost towns | Long desert stretches, Roy’s Motel Café in Amboy, Mojave scenery |
8. Death Valley Loop (Lone Pine – Badwater Basin – Baker – Barstow – Lone Pine)
This expanded Death Valley Loop is a true all-day adventure, covering around 450 miles and taking 7–8 hours in the saddle. Starting and ending in Lone Pine, the route drops into Death Valley National Park, passes through the otherworldly Badwater Basin, then stretches out across the Mojave Desert through Baker and Barstow before looping back north. It’s a demanding but unforgettable ride across stark landscapes and long, open highways.
The variety is striking: Sierra Nevada backdrops near Lone Pine, sun-baked salt flats in Death Valley, and classic desert towns like Baker and Barstow along the way. Fuel and water management are critical— I always top up in Furnace Creek, Baker, or Barstow to avoid being caught short. Spring and fall are the safest times to attempt this loop, when the desert heat is less extreme.
Route Overview (Death Valley Loop – Lone Pine Round Trip)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Pine | Lone Pine (loop) | ~450 miles (724 km) | Spring & fall (7–8 hrs ride) | Lone Pine, Badwater Basin, Baker, Barstow | Sierra Nevada views, Death Valley salt flats, desert highways, classic Route 66 town stops |
| Lone Pine | Badwater Basin | ~120 miles (193 km) | Morning departure | Panamint Springs, Furnace Creek | High descent into Death Valley, sand dunes, lowest point in North America |
| Badwater Basin | Baker | ~140 miles (225 km) | Late morning to early afternoon | Shoshone (optional fuel stop) | Wide desert valleys, long straights, isolation of Mojave |
| Baker | Barstow | ~65 miles (105 km) | Afternoon break | Baker fuel & food, Barstow services | Iconic desert town, Route 66 vibe in Barstow |
| Barstow | Lone Pine (return) | ~125 miles (201 km) | Evening return | Optional stop Ridgecrest | Desert-to-mountain transition, Sierra backdrop into Lone Pine |
9. Palomar Mountain (CA-76 Scenic Route)
This extended Palomar Mountain ride covers about 108 miles, starting in Temecula and finishing in San Diego. It winds through Pala Mesa, Morettis Junction, and Ramona, offering a blend of fast sweepers, tight mountain curves, and open stretches. It’s the kind of ride that gives you a full Southern California experience—vineyards, desert foothills, and mountain climbs all in one.
The ascent toward Palomar Mountain on CA-76 is packed with switchbacks and elevation changes, demanding full attention. I usually ride it in the morning when traffic is lighter and the air cooler. A stop at the Palomar Observatory or a quick rest in Ramona makes for a natural break before rolling into San Diego. This route is ideal if you want a challenging but scenic half-day loop with plenty of variety.
Route Overview (Palomar Mountain – Temecula to San Diego)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temecula | San Diego | ~108 miles (174 km) | Spring & fall; mornings for cooler temps | Pala Mesa, Morettis Junction, Ramona | Vineyard scenery, tight switchbacks, Palomar Mountain climb, observatory views |
| Temecula | Pala Mesa | ~20 miles (32 km) | Morning | Wine country roads | Smoother curves, rolling hills, transition into mountain foothills |
| Pala Mesa | Morettis Junction | ~35 miles (56 km) | Late morning | CA-76 climb | Switchbacks, technical mountain riding, Palomar Observatory nearby |
| Morettis Junction | Ramona | ~25 miles (40 km) | Midday break | Mountain passes, forest pull-outs | Scenic overlooks, cooler temps, chance for rest |
| Ramona | San Diego | ~28 miles (45 km) | Afternoon arrival | Ramona services, San Diego attractions | Descending curves, open valley views, smooth ride into the city |
10. Ortega Highway (CA-74)
Ortega Highway (CA-74) is one of Southern California’s classic twisty rides, stretching about 33 miles through the Santa Ana Mountains. It’s a route that keeps you engaged from start to finish, with technical curves, quick elevation changes, and panoramic views that open across Orange and Riverside counties. On my ride, the road snaked over ridges, through shaded canyons, and rewarded me with views that felt far away from the city.
This road is popular with riders, especially on weekends, so I recommend riding midweek to avoid traffic and hot-rodding crowds. Hell’s Kitchen, a biker hangout along the route, made for a great fuel and food break. The Ortega is all about flow and focus—ride it smart and you’ll see why so many say it’s a highlight of SoCal riding.
Route Overview (Ortega Highway – CA-74)
| Start | End | Approx. Distance | Best Time | Main Stops | Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan Capistrano | Lake Elsinore | ~33 miles (53 km) | Midweek, mornings for lighter traffic | San Juan Capistrano, Hell’s Kitchen, Lookout Roadhouse, Lake Elsinore | Technical curves, mountain ridge views, biker hangouts, lake vista at the end |
| San Juan Capistrano | Hell’s Kitchen | ~20 miles (32 km) | Spring & fall for comfort | Ortega Falls (seasonal), biker stop | Twisty mountain sections, shaded canyons, popular biker pit stop |
| Hell’s Kitchen | Lake Elsinore | ~13 miles (21 km) | Late morning or early afternoon | Lookout Roadhouse | Scenic lookout, sweeping descent, lake and valley views |
Planning Your Ride
Choosing the best time to ride motorcycle in California makes all the difference. While the state offers year-round opportunities, spring and fall are widely considered the sweet spot. Cooler air, clear skies, and fewer crowds make these months ideal for exploring everything from coastal stretches to mountain passes. Many of the motorcycle routes California is famous for, such as Tioga Pass or Death Valley, are also only accessible during these shoulder seasons when conditions are safer and more scenic.
Summer motorcycle tours in California can be rewarding along the coast, with ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable, but inland deserts and high passes can become dangerously hot. Winter, on the other hand, offers quiet rides along lower-elevation roads, though mountain passes may be closed due to snow. Planning ahead by checking road conditions, fuel stops, and weather forecasts ensures your trip runs smoothly—no matter which season you ride.
Tips & Amenities
Every California motorcycle route comes with its own rhythm, and knowing where to stop makes the ride smoother. Along popular highways like CA-1 or Ortega, you’ll find plenty of biker-friendly diners, cafés, and gas stations, but in remote areas such as Death Valley or Tioga Pass, services are few and far between. Always fuel up before tackling long desert stretches or high mountain passes.
Riders often share favorite stops: Hell’s Kitchen on Ortega Highway, The Rock Store near Mulholland, or local diners in Barstow along Route 66. Many state parks also provide rest areas and scenic pull-outs perfect for photos. Keeping a mental map of these amenities helps you balance focus on the road with comfort and safety.
A few extra tips go a long way: pack light but carry water, check tire pressure before mountain runs, and ride midweek when roads are quieter. With the right prep, you can focus less on logistics and more on the joy of riding through California’s diverse landscapes.
After hundreds of miles, countless switchbacks, and more than a few pit stops for coffee and pie, it’s clear that riding in California is never just about getting from point A to point B. Whether you’re leaning into the curves of Ortega Highway, chasing ocean breezes on the Pacific Coast, or braving the heat of Death Valley, every road adds its own story to the ride. Pack your gear, fuel up, and let the miles roll by—California’s roads are waiting, and the best ride is always the next one.
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