Published on 17/02/2022 – Updated on: 15/08/2022

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If you want to find a new great restaurant or buy a new electronic gadget or explore the best motorcycle routes and itineraries anywhere in the world, you want to hear about real experiences.

When I decided to write this article, I wanted to do the same so I went on a few Facebook groups where motorcyclists from all over the globe hang around and asked:

“What are the routes that any motorcyclist should ride at least once in life? Anywhere in the world” 

The response was awesome! I didn’t expect so many replies.

Here is the list of Facebook groups that allowed me to collect the main information to write this article (If you haven’t done it yet, join them… there’s a lot of great content published every day!)

• Motorcycle Roads & Trips
• Motorcycle Touring
• Support Bikers
• ADV-Riders on Facebook
• Bikers United (UK)
• Motorcycle Camping and Touring
• Riders of the World

Here’s the thing though. When I started to take down notes and assign research tasks to our team, I realized that it would be simply impossible to offer enough information about all the suggested routes and itineraries within one single article.

I have gathered a list of over 60 routes within the first day and there is really a lot to say about each of them. 

So in this article, you will find the list of the “must ride” routes around the world, based on riders’ online community suggestions and some basic information about each.

Just enough to generate a spark of inspiration and start researching for your bucket list.

One last thing before we jump to the list…

Among all the suggestions there was a comment that I thought to be a real inspiration and I truly believe that it doesn’t apply only to motorcycle touring but to life in general, so I asked for the commentator’s permission to screenshot it and include it in this article:

Alright… let’s get started with the list of motorcycle touring “must ride” routes.

Ps. they are not in any particular order.

60+ Routes around the world for motorcycle touring

Click on the route names to jump straight to them if you don’t want to scroll

Gillies Highway, Australia

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A post shared by Dan&Annie | Vanlife Australia (@doingdownunder)

Photo courtesy of Dan & Annie

The Highway makes its way in the Gillies Range (800mt.). Famous for its 263 corners in just 19km and connects Goldsborough Valley to the Atherton Tableland. Top things to see around? The Volcanic Crater Lake Barrine, Gadgarra forest reserve, Lake Eacham.

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Utah Highway 12 aka Scenic Byway 12, USA

Officially one of the All American Roads for “intrinsic qualities” (archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic), the Scenic Byway 12 runs mostly through the Dixie National Forest.

Expect deep canyons, forests, lakes. Definitely, a must if you like camping too.

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Stelvio pass, Italy

The highest mountain pass in Italy, loved by both motorcyclists and cyclists. At 2.758 m, Stelvio Pass offers a breathtaking landscape. Just don’t get too much distracted and keep your eyes on the road: there are 48 hairpin turns in 49 Km.

There are several national parks in the surrounding areas and the small town of Bormio, famous for its ski slopes and 9 natural thermal springs.

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Tail of the Dragon, USA

The Tail of the Dragon – or Deals Gap – on US 129 is considered America’s number one road for motorcycles and sports cars.

The scenic route winds through 318 curves in just 11 minutes – including hairpins and switchbacks – twisting and turning through the mountains on the Tennessee and North Carolina border.

The route is open all year round but best enjoyed between April and October and is especially scenic during the fall months – note, snow is likely in the winter months.

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Coronado Trail – Highway 191, USA

Nicknamed The Devil’s Highway, The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway on Route 191 is the 6th spur off of Route 66 – or Route 666. The road rivals The Tail of The Dragon as one of the most scenic routes in the country.

Boasting 1200 hairpins, 600 curves and switchbacks, and climbing over 6000 feet in elevation throughout the ride, the route offers a diverse and ever-changing landscape. Fall is often the best time to visit, with fewer tourists than the summer months but without the cold of winter.

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Haines Highway, USA

Haines Highway is a 244 km route connecting Haines, Alaska with Yukon, Canada. The route passes through the coastal rain forests, the St Elias Mountain range and is a great place to spot grizzlies, glacier bears and bald eagles.

The National Scenic Byway (since 2009) is one of the most remote roads in the USA, and there are very few amenities and gas stations – so planning is key! The route is usually “snow free” between May and October.

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Icefields Parkway, Canada

Considered one of the most spectacular rides in the world, the 232km Icefields Parkway route connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park, with Jasper in Jasper National Park through the Canadian Rockies.

The route takes around three hours – but there are plenty of unmissable stops on the way, including the icefields, waterfalls, and ancient glaciers. The ride is best enjoyed in the warmer weather – preferably between June and September.

Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but the winter weather conditions are far from ideal for bikers!

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The Road to Pai, Thailand

The infamous 762-turn Chiang Mai to Pai ride, with switchbacks, hairpins, and a steep ascent, is not for the faint-hearted. Route 1095 cuts through the Mae Hong Son Mountain region.

As the road climbs, riders are treated to unbeatable views over the rolling hills, deep valleys, and dense forest canopies. For an unforgettable experience, the Mork Fa Waterfall is a great place to cool off during your ride!

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Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The Blue Ridge Parkway attracts thousands of motorcyclists every year to its 400+ miles of stop-free roadway with a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The 469-mile route links the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and is considered one of “America’s Favourite Drives”. Take the route in fall to see the famous fall colours, when the road is most scenic.

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D400 – Datça to Esendere, Turkey

The D400 stretches 2032 kilometres between Datça and Esendere in Turkey, hugging the Mediterranean coastline on the hillsides between the sea and the forests. The curvy route has very few straights and remains at 20m above sea level for almost the entire stretch.

Turkey can reach temperatures of 40C+ (105F+) in the summer months, so it’s best to avoid July and August – unless you do mind stopping every hour or so for a dip in the med!

Check out the full article on D400 Highway

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Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Traveling 710 kilometres through the Alps, the Route des Grandes Alpes is one of the world’s most legendary roads for motorcycle touring.

Beginning in Thonon-Les-Bains the route takes you through the mountains, past Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, through the mountains and forests, alpine meadows and a handful of ski-resorts from Menton to Cote d’Azur.

The road takes you from the mountains to the Mediterranean through 18 Alpine Mountain passes with plenty of hairpins and switchbacks to keep you on your toes.

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Route 4036 – Chanthaburi Coast, Thailand

Stretching from Chak Makrut Junction to Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit Junction in Eastern Thailand and covering 100km, the famous coastal road has appeared in a handful of films and advertisements.

The scenic route hugs the Thai coast, offering spectacular views of local beaches, numerous temples, and lush, tropical jungle.

Temperatures can reach over 30c in the summer months and the rainy season takes place between May and October so it’s best to visit in the dry season – when it’s also much cooler – from December to February.

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Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand

Deep in the lush valleys of northern Thailand is the Mae Hong Son Loop: a winding adventure best traveled by motorbike. This mist-covered jungle route is famous for its 1860 curves and 373-mile-long road.

While it’s possible to complete the loop in just 4 days, the more time you spend here, the better. A treasure of sites – dubbed the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son Loop attractions – are waiting to be explored.

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Masada to Jerusalem – Route 1, Israel

A historical path along the beautiful blue Dead Sea coast, Route 1 from Masada to Jerusalem is an easy drive. It’s one of Israel’s most scenic locations, and the open highway stretches out to about 64 miles.

There are stunning mountain views along the well-traveled route. You can reach the Holy City in about 2 hours but leave early enough to enjoy the landscape and gentle descent. There are a few places to stop along the way.

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Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Movies, TV shows, songs – and video games – celebrate the famous Pacific Coast Highway. About an 8 hour drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Highway 1 is an exhilarating road trip through the stunning California coast.

The route is approximately 450 miles long, with breathtaking ocean views. You’ll also pass through lush forests and rugged cliffsides. Visit San Jose, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur along the way. Motorcyclists will enjoy this ultimate US West Coast experience.

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Moki Dugway / Utah Highway 261, USA

Literally carved through a cliffside, this rugged route is one for the adventurers. Utah Highway 261 switches dramatically between paved and dirt road – with over 3 miles of steeply graded paths at a whopping 11%.

Brave bikers can expect a descent of about 1100 feet during the 32-mile route. More than just a thrill ride, the dugway offers the most stunning views in Utah – including the sprawling Valley of the Gods and San Juan River Canyon.

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Idaho Discovery Route, USA

The Idaho Discovery Route is a motorcycle experience with a difference – and it’s not for the fainthearted. Covering 1250 miles of back-to-back winding roads, throw corners and switch backs – miles from civilisation and cell phone reception, the route is one of a kind.

It’s the fifth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization and is mostly non-paved, allowing for maximum adventure! The route will take 5 to 8 days, with between 100 and 150 miles per day and is best left for the experienced riders.

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Lolo pass (US 12), USA

Starting at Lewiston, Idaho and finishing at Missoula, Montana through the Rocky Mountains, the Lola Pass, or US12, covers 175 and the entire width of Idaho. Enjoy 67 miles of constant sweeping and tight curves – perfect for thrill-seekers.

The road has very little traffic, even in the summer months, and the road surfaces are well maintained. In the Lolo Forest don’t miss the white-water rapids, hot springs and – of course – the beautiful forest itself.

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California State Route 299, USA

Also known as the Trinity Scenic Byway, this 142-mile route is a California favourite. Starting at Highway 101 in Arcata, the route takes you to Redding – from the coast, through the out-of-this-world Redwood Groves and along the Trinity River.

The Redwoods are some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees – and something everyone should see in person at least once in their lives, and there’s no better way to experience the giants than two wheels!

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California State Route 36, USA

If you’re looking for a twisty road, Route 36 boasts 140 miles of them, through some of the state’s most beautiful natural scenery.

Starting in Redbluff and finishing in Fortuna, the road starts with a warning for curves – and despite passing through the world’s tallest trees (the Redwoods) and great views from the higher elevations, the twisty corners will have your attention fixed 100% on the road.

The road surface is well-maintained – however the rapid and extreme range in elevation and added difficulty of the “roller-coaster” curves, this road is for the experienced rider.

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Roswell to Carrizozo – US380, USA

A leisurely and scenic drive through the Roswell desert, the US 380 route has tons of small attractions along the way. It will take you about 1 hour and 46 minutes to Carrizozo, but it would be best to stop to see the sights.

The areas around the 90-mile highway have a few unusual charms. Visit the small communities of Capitan, Tinnie, Hondo, Picacho, and Lincoln. Be sure to check out these quaint towns and significant historical markers.

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Cabot Trail – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Cabot Trail offers riders spectacular views, weaving along the gorgeous coast of the Cape Breton Highland National Park.

A trip will take about 5 hours, but with so much natural beauty on this 186-mile highway, you may want to spend more time exploring the area. Hiking, camping – and even a round of golf – are just some of the adventures you can find here. Kayaking & whale watching are popular, with skiing and snowmobiling in the winter months.

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Scenic Route 6 – Pennsylvania, USA

National Geographic calls Route 6 one of America’s “most scenic drives.” This peaceful highway stretch lives up to its title. Deep in the heart of nature, the route winds over 400 miles through sprawling forests and mountains.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic, it’s an ideal cross-country road trip for riders. Plan several days of travel to soak in the breathtaking natural attractions: the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the Tioga-Hammond Lakes, and the Kinzua Sky Walk, to name a few.

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North Cascade Highway – SR 20 WA, USA

A winding stretch in the Pacific Northwest, the North Cascades Highway takes you on a journey into the outdoors. With an elevation of 5477 feet, the drive is about 3 hours – but majestic, rugged mountains and dense green forests will keep you in awe on the 120-mile route.

Rest and recharge by making stops at Diablo Dam, Methow Valley & the North Cascades National Park – where you will find gorgeous views of riverbanks and valleys.

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Route 66, USA

Affectionately called “The Mother Road”, Route 66 is more than just a historic highway. Many travelers have this on their bucket lists because the 2400 mile road crosses over 8 states and 3 time zones.

It takes approximately 3 weeks to get through. It’s an adventure into the length and breadth of America, and it spans east to west from Chicago to Los Angeles. It’s the ultimate road trip with a map of small-town and big-city attractions to explore.

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Highway 75 along the Missouri River, USA

Also known as the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway, this pass offers the most stunning views of Nebraska. The route runs parallel to the beautiful Missouri River and is over 1700 miles long.

Expect some curves along the winding road. It’s an otherwise easy drive surrounded by heavy woods. This area has a long history of Native American culture, with a few attractions and peaceful natural landscapes. It’s a popular route for motorcyclists.

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The Cat and Fiddle road, UK