MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN UTAH
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The Best Motorcycle Rides In Utah?
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Arches National Park Loop
- Utah Highway 9
- Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
- Nebo Loop Road
- Flaming Gorge Loop
- Wolf Creek Pass
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In Utah
Below is our in-depth list on the best motorcycle rides in Utah! With five amazing national parks and dramatic roadside landscapes, Utah is one of the best states in America to experience on a motorcycle. Besides the "Mighty Five", discover Utah motorcycle trips through desert landscapes, deep forests, and beautiful canyons. These are the best motorcycle roads in Utah!
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Tips For Utah Motorcycle Rides
As with other states in the American West, Utah is home to a number of different extremes. For example, some of these motorcycle roads in the desert region can be sunny and 60 degrees, but when the sun goes down temperatures can plummet into the low teens! If riding during the summer, hot weather riding gear that is best, including light colored mesh style jackets and pants. Generally, its best to avoid riding during the hottest hours of a summer day in Utah.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Helmet in Utah?
In Utah, helmet use is only required for motorcycle operators and passengers who are under the age of 21.
Wearing protective gear while riding is always a good idea. Wildlife and free-ranging domestic animals can pose a significant threat to motorcycle riders in Utah, so be vigilant for this on your rides.
Read more at utah.gov
GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Route 12
DISTANCE: 124 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
This scenic byway snakes through two of Utah's five National Parks, including Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. There are sensational views to be had on this 124 mile stretch of great motorcycling road, including multicolored slot canyons, sandstone cliffs and vast mesas. One section of this ride includes Scenic Byway 12, which is designated as an All-American Road because it features some of the most iconic Western scenery in the USA. The route south from Boulder to Escalante includes an amazing stretch of road - you'll ride a high ridge line with cliffs dropping away from the road on both sides. This Utah motorcycle road is truly a winding delight of stunning views, diverse terrain changes and little traffic.
(Photos: B. Prudho / peakvisor.com)
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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK LOOP
Routes 46, 191, 70, 128
DISTANCE: 181 miles
TIME: 4 hours
There are tremendous views to be seen on this great motorcycle ride in Utah along the Colorado river and rock spires. Enjoy the spectacular canyon riding with many turn-outs available to pause and take it all in. Arches National Park is one of the most unique National Parks in the entire United States. There are many natural arches you can see right from the road as you motorcycle through the park, but there's also many short hikes you can try to stretch your legs. The route we've included here starts on the Colorado state line on Route 46, and connects to Route 191 through the awesome little town of Moab.
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HIGHWAY 9
UT-9
DISTANCE: 45 miles
TIME: 1 hour
This Utah motorcycle road has some great variety with long straights eventually give way to sweeping curves and mild elevation changes. Once in the Zion National Park region, it's a twisty ride, especially up the switchbacks to the tunnel and through the east side of the park. It's a great UT motorcycle ride among the massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. The road pavement quality in Zion National Park is meticulously maintained, which allows you to focus on taking in the scenery as you ride. The trip through it by motorcycle is an absolute must for any rider who gets the chance!
(Photos: advpulse.com / S. Profenna)
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ALPINE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY
UT-92
DISTANCE: 20 miles
TIME: 1 hour
This great Utah motorcycle road is a fun ride with fantastic scenery especially from the top of Provo Canyon towards Hwy 189. Experience the twisty, winding mountain road starting at 4600ft, peaking at 8000ft. Portions of this route can be very narrow for a two lane road, so careful riding is recommended, especially around some of it's blind corners. You'll see beautiful views of Provo Canyon, as well as deep forest, with just about the whole route having good quality pavement. Continue riding south on 189 from the Sundance side, and you'll see the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. This is truly a one of a kind motorcycle route that you would not want to miss!
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RELATED: Motorcycle rides near me in Colorado
NEBO LOOP ROAD
DISTANCE: 36 miles
TIME: 1 hour 10 mins
This Utah motorcycle ride will take you along one of the highest peaks in the state - Mt. Nebo. There's plenty of switchbacks as you ride through canyons, pine forests and aspen groves in Uinta National Forest. Motorcyclists will enjoy the incredible views along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway, as there are plenty of places to stop and take it all in. If you're the type of rider who enjoys twisties along with tremendous scenic value, you will not be disappointed with this route along Nebo Loop Road. The road reaches about 9,000ft of elevation so there will often be snow even into June, so keep that in mind when you're timing your ride here. The relatively new pavement (as of 2023) makes this all the more of a smooth beautiful motorcycle road in Utah!
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FLAMING GORGE LOOP
US-191, UT-44
DISTANCE: 45 miles
TIME: 1 hour
This fantastic motorcycle road in Utah is in northern part of the state and circles around Flaming Gorge country and through the Ashley National Forest. The Flaming Gorge was named for the late-afternoon sun reddening the cliffs. For the best experience, make a longer loop ride through Wyoming by connecting for some long stretches along WY-530, and back down US-191. There's an abundance of deer and other wildlife, so motorcyclists will want to keep an eye out for safe riding. But this entire route offers sensational overlooks of the Flaming Gorge reservoir, and is one of the best Utah motorcycle rides you can experience.
(Photo: neilpeart.net)
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WOLF CREEK PASS
UT-35, UT-32
DISTANCE: 48 miles
TIME: 1 hour
If you're looking for one of the best motorcycle rides near Salt Lake City, check out this route from Heber City to Hanna, UT. There's beautiful twisting curves through lush, mountainous scenery as you ride alongside Wolf Creek Pass. Heading north from Heber City, riders will see beautiful canyons and evergreen forests, along with a fantastic overlook at Jordanelle State Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where Can I Find Utah Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local UT Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Utah!
Is Utah a good place to ride a motorcycle?
Utah is famous for its scenic motorcycle rides, as it offers some of the most beautifully diverse landscapes. With multiple national parks and an abundance of idyllic scenery, you can find Scenic Byways and excellent roads in every part of the state.
When is the best time to ride a motorcycle in Utah?
September and October are the best months of year to ride a motorcycle in Utah. Overall, the daytime temperatures are ideal. Keep in mind that, because Utah has such a dynamic range of geography and elevations, the "best" time to do the desert areas will mean snow in the mountain areas.
Do I need a helmet to ride a motorcycle in Utah?
Under Utah law, only those under the age of 21 must wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Utah.
How Do I Find The Best Motorcycle Roads Around Utah?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides around Utah. Discover more great motorcycle roads in states near Utah with our detailed route descriptions and direct Google Map links!
Motorcycle Rides Near Me
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety.