Top Adventure Motorcycle Routes in the USA
Share
Top Adventure Motorcycle Routes in the USA
Adventure motorcycling is about more than just the destination—it’s about dirt, grit, and the gear that gets you through it all. From high mountain passes to remote desert tracks, the U.S. is home to some of the most thrilling and scenic ADV routes in the world. And when you're out in the wild, Moto Pockets bags are an essential part of the ride, keeping your gear secure, accessible, and protected no matter what the trail throws at you.
Here are a few of the top adventure motorcycle routes in the USA—along with why our Moto Pockets bags, the best motorcycle handlebar bags, should come along for the ride.
1. Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route (COBDR)
Distance: ~745 miles
Best for: Rocky climbs, alpine passes, and high-altitude adventure
If getting high is your thing, Colorado offers some of the tallest mountains passable by motorcycle in the U.S. With several passes over 12,000 feet, there is no shortage of views on this route, just shortness of breath while taking in the sights in the thin air of Ophir, Corkscrew, Hurricane, California, Cinnamon, Cumberland, Cottonwood, Weston and Hagerman passes.
Beginning in the four corners location where, CO, AZ, NM and UT intersect, this 745-mile route winds its way north through the Rocky Mountains to the Wyoming border. The terrain includes dirt roads with rocks, sand and even a few water crossings to keep it exciting.
Best time of year: July through September. Most of the route can be done in late June. Depending on the snowpack you might not make it through some high passes until sometime in July.
More info: https://ridebdr.com/cobdr/
2. Death Valley National Park, California
Distance: ~140 miles
Best for: Remote desert solitude and technical sand sections
The Death Valley National Park is located at the borders of Nevada and eastern California. It was named after the tragic death of a group of discoverers in 1850. It is popular among adventure riders because it has several tracks, gravel roads, and open dirt trails. You can explore Death Valley on an adventure or plated dual-sports bike and ride a whole day without hearing the noise of traffic. Take the West Side Road to visit Warm Spring Cabin, Mengel Pass, and Panamint City, also known as the historic Ghost Town. Be sure to visit the Ghost Town of Rhyolite, Echo Canyon, Saline Valley, Lippincott Mine Road, Scotty’s Castle, Hunter Mountain Loop, and Eureka Dunes (no dune riding allowed).
Best time of year: Between mid-October and mid-April, when temperatures are milder and safer for riding. Specifically, late fall, winter, and early spring (November to March) offer the most comfortable riding conditions.
More info: https://www.advpulse.com/adv-rides/ride-death-valley/
3. Alaskan Highway, Alaska
Distance: ~1400 miles
Best for: Remote beauty, wildlife, and solitude
Built in 1942 and opened for public use in 1948, the Alaska Highway connects the vast wilderness of Northern British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska with mainland USA and Canada. The route stretches nearly 1,400 miles / 2,250 km from Dawson Creek, BC to Delta Junction, AK.
Riding a motorcycle on the Alaska Highway offers an incredible adventure through stunning scenery and wildlife, but it's crucial to prepare properly. The highway is mostly paved but can have sections of road construction and gravel. Wildlife sightings are common, especially in May, so be aware of potential hazards.
Best time of year: Typically during the summer months, June through early September. This period offers milder weather, longer daylight hours, and better road conditions.
More info: https://www.adventurebikerider.com/article/alaska-all-the-way/
4. Trans-America Trail (TAT), Coast to Coast
Distance: ~5,000+ miles
Best for: Ultimate cross-country dirt adventure
The TAT is the Holy Grail of ADV routes, winding from North Carolina to Oregon primarily via unpaved roads and backcountry trails. It’ll test your stamina, mechanical skills, and packing discipline. Depending on the weather and location, riders may face challenges including mud, sand, snow and rocks as the trail is made up of dirt, gravel, forest, farm and brief sections of paved road.
Best time of year: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October), depending on the direction of travel and specific regions. Starting in late April or early May allows you to avoid the worst of the summer heat in the East and the snow in the mountain passes of the West. If riding westbound, starting early to mid-June is recommended.
More info: https://www.transamtrail.com/
5. Valley of the Gods, Utah
Distance: ~17 miles
Best for: Short but spectacular
A 17-mile-long gravel road winds through mesas, buttes, and towering cliffs of 250-million-year-old Cedar Mesa sandstone. Valley of the Gods, while similar to Monument Valley (but on a smaller scale), has the benefit of having no crowds, hiking restrictions, entry fees, required advance permits, or guides. This location does allow dispersed “leave no trace” camping, and it has a whole lot of blissful red rock solitude. Expect to spend at least one hour just riding through without stops.
Best time of year: Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). These months offer mild temperatures, making for comfortable riding conditions, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and potential for snow in the winter.
More info: https://www.blm.gov/visit/valley-gods
Final Thoughts: Ride Far, Pack Smart
Adventure motorcycling is unpredictable. Whether you're facing rocky climbs, sand traps, or surprise downpours, your gear setup matters. Moto Pockets bags are rugged, weather-resistant, and purpose-built for ADV riding—making them the perfect companion on any of these epic U.S. routes.
Why Moto Pockets?
Organization is everything on long rides. Travel with the Moto Pockets Pannier Topper Bag to add additional storage to your panniers. The Pannier Lid Bag makes it easy to separate tools, documents, and personal items keeping them easy to find at a flip of the lid and Stuff Bags make it simple to organize larger items that would ordinarily get lost in your pannier. Don’t forget the Adventure Handlebar Bag that keeps small but important items within arm's reach.
So—zip up, gear up, and get off the grid. The road less traveled is calling.
For more information on our front motorcycle bag products, visit our online store today.