Best Motorcycle Roads and Destinations in Nevada, United States

When you think of a desert landscape, the first thing that comes to mind is an expanse devoid of vegetation but full of sand as far as the eye can see. Based on this description, you probably cannot see the appeal of traveling across miles of endless wasteland. But in Nevada, you may be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the routes that your motorcycle can travel on based on their terrain, scenery, and difficulty.

While Nevada is known for its abundance of sagebrush and history of silver mining, this state is also a hot spot for motorcyclists planning an extended tour with their favorite rides. You can glide on straight or curving highways that cut through the barren wilderness with the wind rushing by and the sun shining from overhead. This state also has no shortage of canyons, mountains, and valleys with pavement looping through the natural settings so you can admire the sights.

Nevada has no shortage of options regarding where you can go or what you can see while traveling on your motorcycle. However, aimlessly wandering the trails until you come across an attraction that catches your eye is hardly a productive use of time. Knowing where the most popular locations in Nevada are will help you plan out the direction of your motorcycle trip.

This article will aid you in exploring the best motorcycle roads and destinations in Nevada, United States.

1. Best Roads and Destinations in Nevada

Best Roads and Destinations in Nevada

1.1 The Death Valley Run

The Death Valley Run

Distance: 165 miles

Time: 2 hours 53 minutes

Start: Lone Pine, California
End: Pahrump, Nevada

As you approach Death Valley, you will find that the area has a hostile yet captivating environment. During the summer, the temperature can become unbearably hot as it can reach up to 120°F. Despite the oppressive heat, the walls of the valley can support wildlife and vegetation that is hidden in the shade.

As you travel further down into Death Valley, you will eventually reach the lowest point of elevation in the United States at 282 feet below sea level. You will find some relief from the sun’s rays so long as you stay beneath their reach.

As you climb back up, you will eventually climb up to the highest point of Death Valley, Telescope Peak which will allow you to get a view of the Amargosa and Panamint Mountains that stand vigil nearby.

1.2 Old Highway 50 - “The Loneliest Road in America”

Old Highway 50 - “The Loneliest Road in America”

Distance: 172 miles

Time: 2 hours 54 minutes

Start: Carson City
End: Austin

If you are looking for a quiet stretch of pavement with little to no traffic to distract you, then “The Loneliest Road in America” will provide you some semblance of solitude. While there may not be a lot of people around, you should keep your eyes peeled for any wild horses or rattlesnakes crossing the road.

Just outside of Fallon, you will find petroglyphs painted on the surface of rocks by Native Americans at the Grimes Point Prehistoric Rock Art Site. If you are looking for food or refreshment, stop at the Middlegate Station. Once a former schoolhouse, this roadside restaurant is famous for selling the legendary Middlegate Monster Burger.

1.3 Valley of Fire Loop

Valley of Fire Loop

Distance: 100 miles

Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Start: Lovell, North Las Vegas
End: Henderson

This route will take you to the Valley of Fire State Park, the oldest state park in Nevada. Aptly named for the reddish tint of its rock formations, exploring this region will feel like walking on the surface of Mars. You may recognize the landscape as background used for famous films such as Star Trek and Total Recall.

As you continue your exploration, you may notice petroglyphs left behind by the Native Americans who used to live in the area. There are also notable rock formations to look out for such as Elephant Rock and Atlatl Rock.

1.4 Reno to Lake Tahoe Loop

Reno to Lake Tahoe Loop

Distance: 139 miles

Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Start: Reno
End: Reno

The route starts smoothly enough as you travel on level ground beside peaceful meadows. However, it is not recommended that new motorcyclists try to complete this loop. As you begin to ascend Rattlesnake Mountain and Mount Rose, the roads will become more treacherous. Because of how twisty the roads are, you may not be able to see what is around the corner until you are about to turn. Not to mention that there are many sudden hairpins near the edges of the cliffs.

As you continue onward, you will circle Lake Tahoe and get a view of the pristine surface of the body of water. Your motorcycle will also ride through the Tahoe National Forest and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Besides being good locations to go on hikes, they also have ideal campsites if you are interested in roughing it out in the wilderness.

1.5 Westgard Pass

Westgard Pass

Distance: 83 miles

Time: 1 hour 34 minutes

Start: Esmeralda County School District, Nevada
End: Big Pine, California

Serving as an entryway between Nevada and California, the pass can be dangerous due to how narrow and twisty the route can be plus the sudden hairpins near the cliff sides. It is recommended that only experienced motorcyclists attempt to complete this route.

Elevated over 7,000 feet, this route provides views of the White Mountains and the Inyo Mountains. This is also the only way that links both the Owens Valley and the Deep Springs Valley.

1.6 Red Rock Ramble

Red Rock Ramble

Distance: 18 miles

Time: 26 minutes

Start: Summerlin South
End: Blue Diamond Junction City Hall

Heading in the direction of the Red Rock National Conservation Area, you will soon come across the Red Rock Visitor’s Center which can provide historical background regarding how the canyon was formed as well as giving you the rundown of the local wildlife.

While still in the area, you can take a hike up the Sandstone Quarry and the Calico Tanks using the natural staircases formed by the rock formations. Once you have reached the top, you will be able to overlook pockets in the rock where the local wildlife gather to drink.

As you draw closer to Blue Diamond, you can take a pit stop at the Bonnie Springs Ranch. This attraction provides a ton of different activities including a shooting gallery, museum, petting zoo, and horseback and stagecoach rides.

1.7 Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive

Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive

Distance: 15 miles

Time: 37 minutes

Start: Red Rock Canyon
End: Red Rock Canyon

As you delve deeper into the Red Rock National Conservation Area, you will notice a geological fault caused by two tectonic plates pressing together known as the Keystone Thrust. It will look like an uneven line as the ground seems to compress and sink into the ground.

If you travel into the heart of the Red Rock Canyon, you may find a reprieve from the desert heat in the Icebox Canyon. Thanks to the walls of the box canyon and the seasonal waterfalls, the area will be pleasantly cool due to the water spray and the cool air. If you wish to admire the waterfalls, it is suggested you come during winter or spring.

1.8 Extraterrestrial Highway

Extraterrestrial Highway

Distance: 154 miles

Time: 2 hours 16 minutes

Start: Ash Springs
End: Tonopah

An alien-themed highway that will make you question the existence of UFOs and make you feel as if you are riding on another planet. The inspiration for the name came from the fact that it is close to Area 51.

The E.T. Fresh Jerky is a souvenir shop that not only provides its brand of “alien jerky,” but also provides other provisions you may need including gourmet olives, candy, beverages, and other snacks. There is also a painted wall beside the shop depicting little green men who have “visited” this area of Nevada.

As you get closer to Alamo, you will see a Quonset hut with a gigantic metallic statue of an alien standing guard at the entrance. The Alien Research Center Gift Shop has a glass case showing the “corpse” of a visitor from the stars. It is also stacked with alien-themed souvenirs that you can purchase as a memento of your visit to the wacky store.

1.9 Laughlin River Run

Laughlin River Run

Distance: 97 miles

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Start: Las Vegas
End: Laughlin

In the town of Laughlin, there is a yearly motorcycle rally known as the Laughlin River Run. About 70,000 motorcyclists attend the event, making this the largest gathering of riders in the Western United States.

Beginning during the last weekend of April, all motorcyclists travel in groups and start by leaving Laughlin and following the Colorado River. It is up to each motorcyclist where they would like to go, either towards Arizona, California, or a specific region in Nevada.

1.10 The Pony Express

The Pony Express

Distance: 842 miles

Time: 14 hours 37 minutes

Start: Salt Lake City, Utah
End: San Francisco, California

The purpose of this route is to follow as closely as possible the same path that the horseback riders of the 1860s followed to deliver mail. While the majority of your ride will pass through Nevada, the entirety of the route goes from Utah to California.

Departing from Salt Lake City, your motorcycle will skirt beside Utah Lake as you begin to head southward. Utah has plenty of ghost towns that give a glimpse of life during the Old West. If you have a love for nature, the route will take you in between the Notch Peak Wilderness Study Area and the King Top Wilderness Study Area.

As you travel through Nevada, this route will intersect with “the Loneliest Highway in America.” As you travel from the eastern border to the western border of the state, you will get a scenic view of Nevada’s natural beauty. You will pass by the Great Basin National Park, the Humboldt National Forest, and the Toiyabe National Forest.

When you have reached Lake Tahoe, that is when you transition to California. As you curve through the Sierra Mountain Range, you will be protected from the sun thanks to the mountain peaks and the pine forests.

1.11 Mount Charleston Loop

Mount Charleston Loop

Distance: 72 miles

Time: 1 hour 31 minutes

Start: Tule Springs
End: Tule Springs

Leaving the Nevada deserts behind, you will follow along Kyle Canyon Road until you make it to Mount Charleston. This mountain is home to birds of prey, foxes, deer, and wild horses if you are lucky enough to spot them. It also provides a sanctuary for unique wildlife that you cannot find anywhere else such as the Blue Butterfly.

As you begin the return trip, you will cross over to Lee Canyon Road via Deer Creek Road. If you braved taking your motorcycle during the winter, you may be lucky enough to try your hand at skiing at the Lee Canyon Ski Resort.

Traversing through the mountain wilderness, you will be surrounded by various kinds of greenery including juniper, white fir, ponderosa pine, and Joshua trees. The crown of the Mount Charleston Loop is the longest living tree in the world, the bristlecone pine.

1.12 Hoover Dam Loop

Hoover Dam Loop

Distance: 38 miles

Time: 50 minutes

Start: North Las Vegas
End: Hoover Dam

If you come across Boulder City, you will find a popular haven for motorcyclists. The city offers ample space to park your motorcycle and plenty of restaurants and cafes for you to grab a bite to eat.

Once you arrive at Hoover Dam, you will be able to witness the structure in all of its 756-foot-tall and 660-foot-wide glory. You should be able to find a parking space and then be able to walk the length of the entire dam. Peek over the edge of the railing and you should see the Colorado River flowing below.

If you wish to get the best view possible of the entirety of Hoover Dam, you should position yourself on the Tillman Memorial Bridge.

1.13 Las Vegas to Nipton

Las Vegas to Nipton

Distance: 79 miles

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Start: Las Vegas, Nevada
End: Nipton, Baker, California

Upon leaving Las Vegas, you will get a good sight of Lake Mead, the largest water reservoir in the United States. Besides providing clean drinking water for Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico, it is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating.

When you arrive in the town of Searchlight, take the opportunity to fill up your motorcycle’s gas tank as it will be your last chance to refuel before you leave Nevada. Before you leave, you may want to have some fun at the Terrible’s Casino or Searchlight Nugget Casino.

To get to your final destination, you will have to follow along Nipton Road. While the desert landscape may not change much as you arrive in Nipton, you will find that the environment is a lot cooler and more comfortable. Because it is not frequented by many travelers, you will be able to enjoy peacefully taking photos of the cacti and Joshua trees.

2. Motorcycle Laws in Nevada

Besides the universal traffic laws all drivers must follow, there are additional regulations mandated for motorcyclists. Since motorcyclists run a higher risk of injury during accidents than operators of larger vehicles, they must review safety gear, motorcycle equipment, and rules of the road to ensure the well-being of themselves and their passengers.

Throughout the United States, each state comes with its own set of motorcycle laws. Keep in mind that motorcycle practices that are allowed in one state may not be permitted in another. Listed below are the motorcycle laws specific to Nevada.

2.1 Helmet Laws

Nevada follows a universal motorcycle helmet law, meaning that all riders of every age are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. The motorcycle helmet has to meet the safety guidelines set by both the National Highway Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Thus, you should pick either a three-quarter helmet or a full-face helmet. Before you decide which motorcycle helmet you would prefer, consider the following features:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker
Can be fitted around your head snugly
No visible signs of damage
Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)
Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter helmet only)
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant
Gives you a clear, peripheral view
Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap
Allows airflow without fogging up
Can allow you to wear sunglasses underneath

2.2 Required Safety Features

You would not want to operate a motorcycle that refuses to respond to your controls or has faulty components. Local law enforcement in Nevada does not either as they will pull you over if there are visible signs of your ride malfunctioning.

To ensure your motorcycle is kept in good condition, you are encouraged to conduct periodic inspections of its primary components. The list below details the motorcycle equipment you need to check and provide maintenance if necessary:

Horn
Wheels
Tires
Fenders: Must be applied to both wheels
Handlebars
Brake: Must be applied both front and back
Controls
Headlight(s): Can have from one to two
Taillight: Has to be visible from 500 feet
Brake light: Has to be visible from 300 feet
Reflector: Has to be visible from 300 feet
Exhaust system
Muffler: No cutout, bypass, etc. allowed
Electric turn signals: Required for models after 1973
Rearview mirrors: Must fix one each for both handlebars

2.3 Lane Splitting Laws

It is illegal for motorcyclists to practice lane splitting while in Nevada. This means you cannot ride on top of the dividing lines, in between traffic even if other vehicles are slowed or stopped, or try to overtake a larger vehicle while both of you are in the same lane.

While you are restricted from lane splitting, motorcyclists have the right to make full use of the space in the lane they are currently in. You can only share lanes with another motorcycle if both you and the other rider agree to it beforehand.

2.4 Passenger Laws

Before you can transport a passenger, make sure that your motorcycle is capable of carrying more than one person. To help secure the safety of your passenger, it has to be fitted with a proper passenger seat and adjustable footrests.

The passenger seat can just be a longer driver’s seat capable of fitting two people at a time. It can also be a separate saddle positioned near the rear of the vehicle or a sidecar fastened on the right side of the driver.

There is no age restriction for motorcycle passengers in Nevada, but they must always wear an approved motorcycle helmet whenever they are on your vehicle. To determine whether your passenger can safely get on your motorcycle, make sure that he/she can easily reach the footholds and are heavy enough to stay seated during sudden turns.

3. Motorcycle Luggage for Nevada Touring Trip

Motorcycle Luggage for Nevada Touring Trip

While most of your adventures will involve crossing Nevada via its roads and highways, there will be plenty of occasions where you will need to stop, rest, and stretch your legs. During time off of your motorcycle, you should take the opportunity to rehydrate, eat a snack or take pictures of the scenery. Regardless of how much distance you plan to travel, it is always best to bring essentials such as provisions, a water container, your phone, your wallet, several sets of clothing, and repair tools. However, since your motorcycle lacks built-in storage like four-wheeled vehicles, you must find other ways to carry your belongings.

Nevada has a semi-arid climate so there is little risk of rain that can soak your belongings. However, the strong winds while moving at high speeds and the smooth surface of your motorcycle’s chassis can cause you to lose any small items you are carrying if they are not tied down. Luckily, there are different types of motorcycle luggage to help store their contents safely.

Listed below are examples of motorcycle luggage that you can choose from:

4. Parting Words

Parting Words

If you are looking for a region that has a rough topography and is pleasantly warm almost year-round, then Nevada is the perfect place to take your motorcycle out for a spin. Whether you are a motorcyclist who prefers the serenity of traveling along a flat road or lives for the thrill of clearing tight corners in the hills, there is a road suited to the needs of every kind of rider somewhere in Nevada. Besides the excitement of riding on your vehicle, there are plenty of historical and natural sites to keep you engaged. You may learn to appreciate Nevada’s culture and beauty if you just pause and enjoy the view.

While this article provided suggestions for destinations in Nevada that can be reached by motorcycle, you are not limited by only these options. There are plenty of small towns, obscure roads, and other locations in Nevada that could make your motorcycle tour a memorable experience. Wherever you decide to go, make the most of your travels and try to have fun.