Best scenic loops in California for a summer motorcycle road trip

California’s diverse landscapes make it a dream for summer motorcycle loops. From the salty breeze of the Pacific Coast Highway to the high-altitude thrill of Sierra Nevada passes, the Golden State offers unmatched variety. Riders can explore everything from wine country to redwood forests, coastal cliffs, and sun-drenched valleys.

Each loop blends scenery, culture, and that open-road freedom that riders crave. With clear skies and warm weather, summer is the season to make these routes yours.

So, buckle on that helmet and let’s ride into California’s most scenic loops!

Pacific Coast Highway Big Sur Loop

This iconic stretch delivers cliffside drama and ocean air.

Start in Monterey, head south along Highway 1 to San Simeon, and loop back inland via Paso Robles wine country. The ride blends ocean panoramas with the quiet charm of small Central Coast towns.

Morning fog often drapes the cliffs, creating a cinematic start to your ride. By midday, the sun lights up turquoise coves and rugged headlands. Paso Robles offers a relaxed inland contrast, with winding vineyard roads leading you back toward Monterey.

Sierra Nevada Sonora Pass Loop

For alpine air and challenging curves, Sonora Pass is unbeatable.

Begin in Sonora, climb Highway 108 to the pass at 9,624 feet, then loop back via Bridgeport and Highway 395 before cutting west on Highway 120. The elevation changes and winding grades keep the ride engaging.

Wildflower meadows and granite peaks line the higher sections in summer. Snow can linger into June, making early-season rides feel surreal. The return through Bridgeport offers sweeping valley views before you drop back into the foothills.

Redwood Highway and Avenue of the Giants Loop

Ride beneath towering giants in Northern California’s redwood country.

This loop follows U.S. 101 from Eureka to the Avenue of the Giants, looping back via Ferndale and the Lost Coast’s Mattole Road. The contrast of shaded forest and open coastline is unforgettable.

The Avenue of the Giants puts you right under trees older than most civilizations. Mattole Road’s remote bends lead to cliff-top Pacific views. Ferndale’s Victorian storefronts add a charming, historic pause before returning to Eureka.

Malibu Canyon and Mulholland Loop

Close to Los Angeles, this loop blends beach and canyon riding.

Start in Malibu, climb through Malibu Canyon Road to Mulholland Highway, then drop back to the coast via Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Expect sweeping turns, cliffside drop-offs, and coastal sunsets.

Mulholland’s “Snake” section is a favorite among riders for its technical curves. Evenings reward you with golden light over the Pacific. The proximity to LA makes this loop perfect for a half-day escape without leaving urban conveniences too far behind.

Yosemite Tioga Pass Loop

One of the most breathtaking high-country rides in California.

From Lee Vining, take Tioga Road through Yosemite National Park to Tuolumne Meadows, then loop via Sonora or Monitor Pass. This route offers granite domes, alpine lakes, and lush meadows.

Summer opens Tioga Pass after winter closure, revealing untouched vistas. The mix of sharp climbs and gentle meadows is pure riding bliss. Just remember that park entry requires a reservation during peak months.

Wine Country Silverado Trail Loop

For a laid-back scenic ride, Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail is a gem.

Start in Napa, ride north to Calistoga, then loop back through Highway 29. The route flows past vineyards, tasting rooms, and historic estates.

Mornings here are cool and fragrant with blooming lavender. By afternoon, the valley glows with golden hills and ripening grapes. Calistoga’s hot springs make for a relaxing mid-ride break.

Lake Tahoe West Shore Loop

This loop offers shimmering alpine water views the entire way.

Circle Lake Tahoe via Highways 89 and 50, focusing on the quieter West Shore. You’ll pass through Tahoe City, Emerald Bay, and South Lake Tahoe.

Emerald Bay’s overlook is a must-stop for photos. The lake’s blue hues shift with the light, making each curve a new scene. Expect cooler temps even in midsummer.

Death Valley Panamint Springs Loop

For riders who love desert landscapes, this is the ultimate challenge.

Start in Lone Pine, enter Death Valley via Panamint Springs, and loop back through Furnace Creek. The vast desert and stark mountains create a ride like no other.

Summer heat can be extreme, so ride early and hydrate. The sense of scale here is humbling; mountains feel closer than they are. The return through Owens Valley offers open-road solitude.

Mount Shasta and Trinity Alps Loop

Northern California’s mountain wilderness is at its finest.

Start in Redding, head to Mount Shasta, loop through the Trinity Alps on Highway 299, then return via Highway 3. This ride mixes alpine lakes, dense forests, and open ridges.

Shasta’s snowy peak dominates the skyline for much of the ride. The Trinity Alps feel untouched, with twisty roads perfect for motorcycles. Summer brings wildflowers and warm, dry riding conditions.

San Diego Backcountry Loop

From coast to desert in a single day’s ride.

Begin in San Diego, ride east through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, loop down into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, then return via Julian. You’ll experience beaches, mountains, and desert all in one loop.

Julian’s famous apple pie is a worthy mid-ride treat. Few loops offer this much variety in under 200 miles. Expect warm desert air blending into cool coastal breezes as you return to the city.

TL;DR

• The Pacific Coast Highway Big Sur Loop combines ocean cliffs with wine country roads.
• The Sierra Nevada Sonora Pass Loop offers alpine elevation and winding curves.
• The Redwood Highway Loop showcases ancient forests and the remote Lost Coast.
• The Malibu Canyon and Mulholland Loop blend canyon rides with beach views.
• The Yosemite Tioga Pass Loop delivers a high-country national park adventure.
• The Silverado Trail Loop takes you through Napa vineyards and historic towns.
• The Lake Tahoe West Shore Loop circles stunning alpine lake scenery.
• The Death Valley Loop provides vast desert landscapes and challenging conditions.
• The Mount Shasta and Trinity Alps Loop explores mountain wilderness roads.
• The San Diego Backcountry Loop covers coast, mountains, and desert in one ride.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.