BEST 5 MOTORCYCLE ROUTES IN CALIFORNIA

BY REBECCA DAVIS

It goes without question that California offers the best motorcycle rides the country can offer.
From never-ending coastlines to forest filled mountains, from rolling green foothills to barren
desserts, California offers it all. This is why bikers come to the sunny state from all over to enjoy
the beauty and diversity it holds. Today we have compiled five of the best riding routes in
California, each different in scenery and difficulty, that you won’t regret adding to your next
road trip.
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY ONE

If you’ve never heard of the famous Highway one which runs along the coastline of California,
you may be living under a rock. It’s the most desired driving or riding route in the state, and for
good reason! What makes this route so appealing isn’t just its gorgeous ocean view, but that
highway one runs through many of the states notable areas such as Big Sur, Golden Gate,
Monterey Bay, Carmel, etc. Large portions of the highway are free from heavy traffic and the
roads have been maintained well so you’re free to enjoy yourself without worrying about the
elements of the roads or other drivers. I recommend making a stop in Woodside to eat at
Alice’s Restaurant, a hotspot that riders have been visiting for years.
REDWOOD HIGHWAY 101
South of Crescent City you can find a truly majestic route filled with ancient redwood trees. The
175-mile route twists and turns around the giant redwoods which offers a truly organic
experience. What makes this ride so appealing is not just the massive trees but that it is a
combination of that and beautiful ocean views. One minute you feel like you’re in a dense
forest and in the next you make a turn and see the pacific coastline. Due to the difficulty of this
route, if you are a new rider, I suggest following someone more experienced your first go
around. While in Redwood city I recommend stopping by the 7 Mile House, a local favorite for
lunch and dinner. Their towering cheeseburgers are out of this world!
Sierra Heritage Highway

It’s safe to say that Sierra National Park is a hidden gem in California. About an hour north of
Fresno, off the 180 freeway, you begin to ascend into a stunning national park filled with
granite peaks, alpine lakes, and a beautiful wooden horizon. The roads are always quiet and
rarely disturbed by speeding cars, semitrucks, or bicyclists. There’s lots of places to safely pull
over and view the scenery. Along this 72-mile ride you can find activities such as fishing,
rafting, camping, and hiking. If you get hungry check out Mountain Creek Restaurant, then
finish your day off with a beer at Buckhorn Bar.
DANTES VIEW ROAD

When people think of California they typically don’t think of a desert, but roughly 25% of the
state is desert. If you’re looking for some new riding scenery, I would recommend checking out
Dantes View lookout which offers spectacular views of Death Valley. Dantes View Road is east
of Highway 190, a 20 mile climb of scenic road all the way to the peak. At the top, 5,500 feet
 high, Dantes View offers incredible sights of Death Valley, the Badwater Basin, Owlshead
Mountains, and even as far as Nevada’s Mount Whitney on clear days. This ride is one of a kind
and well worth it. While in the area, I highly recommend checking out Last Kind Words Saloon
and Steakhouse, an old western style joint with great food and a cool atmosphere.
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN LOOP

Another less populated route but equally as beautiful is the Palomar Mountain loop. This ride
may be hard to find if you don’t know where to look, see the link for turn-by-turn directions to
Palomar mountain. This stretch of road carves through the Palomar Mountains and features
rocky ledges, forests, and 360 views of lush rolling foothills. Other views include Palomar
Mountain state park, and picturesque views from Lake Henshaw, a 1000-acre lake at the base
of the mountain. The secret of this ride is knowing where to stop for lunch and any avid rider
will tell you it’s necessary to stop at Mother’s Kitchen Restaurant. Activities include hiking,
fishing, camping, or even playing some blackjack at the Pala Casino and Resort.

California stands alone when it comes to scenery and beauty. Mountains to beaches and
everything in between, California offers more than any other state. I hope I’ve more than
convinced you to roll that bike out of the garage and explore the beauty of the Golden State.
Till next time, enjoy your ride and be safe out there.