What are the 15 Best USA Motorcycle Roads? The Definitive List

# America's Best Riding Roads: The Ultimate Motorcycle Bucket List

Over 230,000 members of the American Motorcyclist Association voted on what they consider the most thrilling roads to ride in the U.S. Out of more than 100 nominations, these 15 routes made the cut—and they've earned their spots through a combination of technical challenges, jaw-dropping scenery, and pure riding satisfaction.

## The Hidden Gems

**Washington Route 129 & Oregon Route 3**

The ride from Clarkston, WA to Enterprise, OR is all about that legendary "Rattlesnake Grade"—a series of tight, technical switchbacks that plunge dramatically into the canyon below. It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping.

**Ohio Route 83**

Don't sleep on the Midwest. This stretch from Calcutta to Poland, Ohio flows beautifully through rolling hills with a surprisingly satisfying rhythm that'll have you grinning the whole way.

## Mountain Passes & Desert Runs

**California Route 58**

This one takes you from McKittrick to Santa Margarita, cutting right through the California Coast Ranges and dipping into the Mojave Desert. Seriously diverse terrain.

**Virginia Route 60**

Between Harrisonburg, VA and Seneca Rocks, WV, you'll find high-speed sweepers mixed with demanding climbs through some seriously gorgeous mountain country.

**California Route 36**

Stretching from Humboldt County down to Lassen County, this road feels like a rollercoaster with hundreds of curves weaving through ancient redwoods and rolling foothills.

**Lolo Pass (U.S. 12)**

Sitting at 5,233 feet right on the Idaho-Montana border, this northern Rocky Mountain classic delivers everything you want from an alpine pass.

## The Legends

**Natchez Trace Parkway**

A whopping 444 miles connecting Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN. What makes it special? Zero commercial traffic and uninterrupted scenic beauty for the entire journey.

**Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2)**

Sixty-six miles of high-elevation twists through the San Gabriel Mountains, climbing to 7,000 feet with curves that just keep coming.

**Going-to-the-Sun Road**

Located in Glacier National Park, Montana, this is an engineering masterpiece. Narrow passages hug sheer cliff faces—it's both beautiful and intense.

**Cherohala Skyway**

Forty-three miles of sweeping curves connecting North Carolina and Tennessee, climbing to mile-high elevations with stunning vistas throughout.

**Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1)**

The iconic coastal dream ride. Between San Simeon and Carmel on California's central coast, you get cliffside curves and ocean views that hit different.

**Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550)**

From Silverton to Ouray, Colorado, this beast features no guardrails, serious vertical drops, and three mountain passes all topping 10,000 feet. It's as wild as it sounds.

**Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129)**

Eleven miles, 318 curves—this is the technical challenge that separates riders from passengers. Pure grip-and-rip riding.

**Blue Ridge Parkway**

A leisurely 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia along the mountain crest. Perfect for when you want scenery over speed.

**Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212)**

The undisputed king. This alpine pass tops out at 10,947 feet with incredible switchbacks and views that'll stop you in your tracks. Ride it at least once in your lifetime.