Top Motorcycle Trips to Tour America's Wide Open Spaces

Zion National Park (UT)

The Roads: The 54-mile scenic byway runs along Highway 9 from I-15 to the Mt. Carmel Junction. Stay: While top spots like the Zion Lodge and the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offer civilized amenities, hardcore nature lovers will want to rough it by hitting one of Zion’s three official campsites. Inside Tip: The national park may be the main attraction, but surrounding landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Lake Powell enable additional road trips.

Hudson Valley (NY)

The Roads: Just 90 minutes outside of Manhattan, these 80 miles of road include scenic vistas of the Hudson River and no shortage of wineries.

Inside Tip: Don't miss the Hawk's Nest, a particularly picturesque stretch of road four miles from Port Jervis that leads to the oldest suspension bridge in the United States.

Mackinac Island (MI)

The Roads: Take Michigan M-119 (or, the Tunnel of Trees road) through a thickly wooded canopy all the way to Harbor Springs.

Stay: Mackinac boasts only family owned resorts, inns, and B&Bs, so it's hard not to feel at home in this tiny town.

Inside Tip: Leave your sportbike at home; the pace in Northern Michigan is decidedly slow.

Las Vegas Outskirts (NV)

 The Roads: Highways 167 and 169 connecting Valley of Fire National park, Lake Mead, and Hoover Dam offer a stunning natural counterpart to the razzle dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip.

Stay: Las Vegas offers no shortage of amenities and hotels, so use the city as your base camp and you'll experience a stark contrast to the nearby natural attractions.

Inside Tip: Avoid blasting through Valley of Fire National Park, as speed limits there are unnaturally low and law enforcement is active.

Seattle (WA)

The Roads: Nearby attractions include the awe-inspiring Mount Rainier, the rural Bainbridge Island, and the scenic Snoqualmie Falls

Stay: The usual big-city-style digs are available downtown, but veering toward the outskirts will widen your possibilities considerably.

Inside Tip: Pack your rain gear and keep a plan B in mind for the inevitable downpour.

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (WA, MT)

The Roads: Formerly known as the Lewis & Clark Highway, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway offers 202 miles of raw nature in the form of canyons, waterways

Stay: Hotels are few and far between, so plan ahead for a stay at the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs.

Inside Tip: Visit the Nez Perce National Historic Park at Spalding (just outside of Lewiston), which houses a museum and research center.

Florida Keys (FL)

The Roads: The Keys constitute a 113-mile stretch from the Florida mainland to Key West along Highway 1, but the highlight is the bridged Overseas Highway section,

Inside Tip: Pitstop at Alabama Jacks on Key Largo, a great roadside hotspot where you can kick off your journey with conch fritters and key lime pie.

Stay: Countless character-laden hotels abound in Key West, while quirky digs along the way include the Key West KOA on Sugarloaf

Million Dollar Highway (CO)

The Roads: The naturally beautiful Million Dollar Highway runs from Silverton to Ouray along U.S.

Stay: Lodge in Durango, and you'll have the run of the San Juan Skyway with a solid, amenity-filled home base.

Inside Tip: Guardrails are few and the drop-offs are steep, so pay attention as you tackle the twisties.

Monument Valley (AZ, UT)

The Roads: You'll feel like you stepped into a John Ford western when you saddle up on these long stretches of lonely highway that cut through the sandstone buttes of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Stay: The View Hotel is a good place to start, as its title refers to the fact that every room faces The Mittens, Monument Valley's most famous formation.

Inside Tip: Nearby natural features include the Valley of the Gods, Cedar Mesa, and the Highway 163 Scenic Drive, a 45-mile long scenic byway

Asheville (NC)

The Roads: Asheville's quaint country manner makes for a relaxing getaway spo

Stay: Charming, intimate accommodations rule Asheville, but the Inn on Biltmore Estate offers a grand four-star stay on the sprawling 8,000-acre grounds.

Inside Tip: Hit the River Arts District, which features factories and warehouses occupied by local artists.

Asheville (NC)

The Roads: Asheville's quaint country manner makes for a relaxing getaway spot,

Stay: Charming, intimate accommodations rule Asheville, but the Inn on Biltmore Estate offers a grand four-star stay on the sprawling 8,000-acre grounds

Inside Tip: Hit the River Arts District, which features factories and warehouses occupied by local artists.

Denali Highway (AK)

The Roads: Alaska Route 8 is a stunning stretch that connects the Richardson and Parks Highways

Stay: While campgrounds are available along this 135-mile route, the only lodge that's open year-round is the McLaren River & Lodge

Inside Tip: Weather can be a hazard, as can the wildlife, which often finds its way in the path of moving vehicles.