These Iconic American Motorcycle Roads Might Just Suck

Known for:  156 hairpin turns in just 12 miles.  Sharp inclines and declines and the altitude and air density make it unsuitable for most carburetted engines. While bikes are now banned from the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, you can still do the ride for a $15 fee. The biggest issue here is the traffic. Cars do the hairpin turns at a snail’s pace. It’s also very chilly in the cooler months. The views are spectacular, especially above the tree line, but choose your timing carefully.

Known for:  Ghost towns, canyons and caves, incredible views and some twisty turns on gravel. This loop is not a ride for the faint-hearted – which means fewer tourists. Some of the best spots on the loop, the Cinnamon and Engineer Mountain Pass roads, are rated 4WD only and not recommended for bikes – but that’s obviously your call.

Known for: Hairpin turns, rapid climbs in altitude, 360-degree views, Colorado River, lakes, canyons, elk and other wildlife. Closed in winter. May be closed in fire season. Check access before travelling.

Known for:  Lots of switchbacks and stretches of road with no guardrails and steep drop-offs – aka America’s most dangerous highway! Choose spring, early fall and summer to take on this road. Breathtaking 360-degree views of mountains and valleys, quaint townships, hot springs, waterfalls, and cave walks are all along the way.

Known for:  30 peaks of rugged Rocky Mountain landscape including 360-degree views of rocky outcrops, creeks and townships.  Beartooth Highway is open from late May to October, weather permitting. It can still be surprisingly chilly in June and July, and you may experience snowbanks on your ride. Check the conditions before heading out. Take your rain gear, take your winter gear.

Known for:  Panoramic views of the mountains and river basins as well as the spectacular Mirror Lake. Plenty of deer, antelope and moose to spot – sometimes on the road, so take care. Popular for colorful foliage in fall but also subject to late fall storms. Ride passes are cheap ($12) and there are plenty of places to stay, swim or ski.  Generally, the climb is gradual and steady, making it suitable for less powerful bikes. Check conditions before setting out as it will close if snowfall is too dense.

Known for:  Yosemite rock formations, views of lakes, meadows and Yosemite National Park. Opens from late May (sometimes late June) but may close at short notice if weather is rough.  The biggest problem with this ride is the traffic. Being a tourist destination, you’re unlikely to get the open road to yourself. Consider a dawn visit.  

Known for:  Fewer tourists, more switchbacks, 26% grades. If Tioga is the go-to for Yosemite tourists, Sonora is the go-to for Yosemite riders. Sonora is too steep for RVs and 18-wheelers and too “scary” for tourists. It’s a dangerous ride, with rock slips, blind spots, hairpins and narrow passes, but the reward is a proper mountain road, complete with spectacular views. Not recommended for bikes that don’t fare well at altitude.

Known for:  Craggy landscapes and steep inclines. You’ll gain a staggering 4,000 feet in elevation in just 7 miles, making it unsuitable for motorcycles that can’t handle altitude. Still, the road is not as steep as the entry fee – $35 per bike and $20 per passenger. It’s one of America’s oldest man-made tourist attractions – and attract tourists it does. By the busload. In fact, there are busloads of tourists being ferried up and down Mount Washington Auto Road from before dawn to after dusk.  Choose your visit time carefully!