One of the best ways to enjoy the sights and fresh air of the open road is by motorcycle. Movies like The Wild One and Easy Rider made the motorcycle an iconic part of American culture, and the spirit of freedom and rebelliousness they convey lives on today.
Let’s look at some awesome road trips you can tackle on two wheels; all are selected for their scenery, length, or cultural significance, not for their technical challenges.
1. Rolling To Remember– Washington, D.C.
Formerly called Rolling Thunder, this iconic ride occurs every Memorial Day as thousands of riders from all over the country, mostly on Harley-Davidsons, gather to honor fallen soldiers. Many of the riders are veterans themselves who lost friends or family to war.
2. Daytona Beach– Florida
Pilgrimages to Daytona Beach aren’t just for NASCAR fans and college spring breakers; it’s also a popular destination for bikers. One reason is that it’s one of the few places in the country where it’s legal to ride a motorcycle on the beach.
3. Florida Keys
The last (or first, but it just feels more “right” to drive most highways north to south and east to west) stretch of U.S. 1 crosses the Florida Keys from Key Largo to its terminus in Key West. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other, often both visible at once, you’ll constantly enjoy beautiful ocean scenery with plenty of possible stops.
4. Sturgis– South Dakota
Sturgis is a small town in South Dakota, but it swells in early August as hundreds of thousands of riders, almost all of them on Harleys, travel to this Mecca for two-wheeled motorists for the legendary rally there. Rolling to Remember is often considered the kickoff of the summer touring season, with Sturgis being the culmination.
5. Beartooth Highway– Montana and Wyoming
Just a couple weeks before Sturgis each summer, the town of Red Lodge hosts the Beartooth Rally. Many riders include a trip along the spectacular Beartooth Highway to Cooke City, Montana. From there, you have the option to cruise the scenic roads of Yellowstone National Park.
6. Blue Ridge Parkway– North Carolina and Virginia
From Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through and showcases what I’d argue is the best scenery in the Southeast. There’s also not a single traffic light, and there are enough gas stations, restaurants, and camping/lodging options along the way that you never have to leave the Parkway if you don’t want to.
7. Southern Utah– Panguitch to Moab
Southern Utah has some of the most spectacular and unique landscapes not just in America but also in the world. From Panguitch, drive south to Utah 12 and take it east to Utah 24; Bryce Canyon National Park is a short detour from 12. Follow 24 through Capitol Reef National Park to Hanksville and then north to I-70. Head east and then exit south on U.S. 191 to Moab, gateway to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and much more.
8. Moab to Monument Valley– Utah and Arizona
Once you’re ready to leave Moab, head south through more great desert sandstone scenery and make your way to Monument Valley, which straddles the UT-AZ border. There, you’ll see some of the most iconic scenery in the world, and it’s been featured in some of America’s classic Western films.
9. Pacific Coast Highway– California
The exact definition of this drive varies. Some identify it as the entire coast from Washington through California. Others say it’s the California coast. Yet others call it the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Whatever itinerary you settle on, make sure to include the stretch between Monterey and Morro Bay; it’s the best and sunniest part and has some of the best scenery in the world.
10. Death Valley– California
Approach from the east via Amargosa Valley or Beatty. Go wherever you want on the many miles of paved worlds in this otherworldly landscape. Eventually, exit west, which takes you to…
11. Lone Pine to Bridgeport– California
U.S. 395 parallels the dramatic eastern face of the Sierra Nevada for almost a full day’s worth of driving. I think the part between Lone Pine and Bishop is the most scenic, but continuing north will give you access to places like Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and Yosemite National Park.
12. Big Island– Hawaii
Mountains, rain forests, waterfalls, and even flowing lava are all along or close to the loop tour of this island. You could do it all in a long day, but you’ll be happier if you break it up into at least a few.
13. I-70– Colorado and Utah
West of Denver, I-70 climbs into the Rockies and then drops into desert terrain around Grand Junction. Then it crosses into Utah and, west of Green River, runs through the San Rafael Swell, a magnificent sandstone wilderness that few have heard of and even fewer have explored. Finally, the interstate ends at I-15, which leads to many more adventures.
14. Million Dollar Highway– Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of U.S. 550 between Ouray and Silverton. Some say the name refers to gold dust supposedly mixed in with the asphalt originally used to pave the highway; others say it’s a nod to the mountain scenery. The trip only takes about an hour, but you can extend it by driving the entire San Juan Skyway, an epic trip that links Ridgway, Durango, and Cortez.
15. Bob Marshall Loop– Montana
On maps, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is a vast roadless area just south of Glacier National Park in north-central Montana. Via several different highways, you can circumnavigate the area and enjoy seeing a broad array of mountains, rivers, and lakes.
12 Cool Facts About the U.S. Highway System
The open road has stories to tell. The Interstate Highway System, the iconic blue signs, and the crucial Highway Trust Fund come into focus in this article, showcasing the interconnected web that binds the nation. Join us on this road trip through time, where Ladybird Johnson’s vision for highway beauty meets the milestones and stories etched into the asphalt of the U.S. highway system.
12 Cool Facts About the U.S. Highway System
12 Best Barbecue Joints in Texas
In Texas, barbecue isn’t merely a meal; it’s almost religion. Dining at a Texas barbecue joint is often as much a cultural experience as it is a religious one, and people leave their differences and their politics behind when they walk through the doors. Texans take their barbecue very seriously, especially when it comes to brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. And they don’t pay short shrift to things like sides and sweet tea, either.
While no one will ever agree to one definitive ranking of the 12 best barbecue joints in the state, a lot of names come up repeatedly, and they’re listed in this article.
Featured Image Credit: 4 PM production/Shutterstock
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.
