Texas’ Best Roads to Ride a Motorcycle

Everything’s bigger in Texas and that includes the motorcycle rides. From twisting Hill Country curves to wide-open desert vistas and canyon drops, the Lone Star State delivers a wildly diverse range of road experiences for every type of rider. Whether you’re chasing big sky sunsets or carving turns deep in the canyons, Texas has something unforgettable in store. So gas up, grab your gear, and get ready to ride some of the best routes the state has to offer!

1. Hippie Hollow Horror

Distance: 53 miles

Highlights: Lake Travis, Hill Country terrain, twisties

Heading northwest out of Austin, this scenic road hugs the northern edge of Lake Travis, offering water views, steep drop-offs, and fun curves. You’ll pass local landmarks like the iconic County Line BBQ and wind through wooded ridgelines. Expect light traffic and fantastic golden hour riding—just keep your eyes sharp through some of the blind turns.

The Hippie Hollow Horror begins on the northwest edge of Austin in the Four Points area. Head west on Bullick Hollow Road, which winds alongside the shores of Lake Travis, offering glimpses of the lake’s clear water and limestone cliffs. At the T-intersection, turn left onto FM 2769 and continue riding as the road transitions into the curvy, shaded Lime Creek Road. This section is the real thrill: tight 10 mph turns, unexpected dips, and occasional gravel make it a technical ride that demands full attention. After about 10 miles, Lime Creek merges into Anderson Mill Road and then quickly connects with FM 1431/W Whitestone Blvd. Hang a left and settle in for a long scenic cruise west.

FM 1431 is a favorite among Texas riders, stretching through the rolling terrain of the Hill Country. You’ll pass through small lakeside communities like Jonestown and Lago Vista before climbing into higher elevations around Smithwick, eventually rolling into Marble Falls. This stretch is full of sweepers and elevation changes with big open views and solid pavement, making it one of the best sections for cruising. A short detour early on can take you to Hippie Hollow Park—the only clothing-optional public park in Texas—if you’re in the mood for a memorable stop. The route is just over 50 miles, packed with lake views, technical turns, and wide-open hill country scenery that makes it worth every twist of the throttle.

2. Killeen Twisty Getaway

Distance: 50 miles

Highlights: Hill Country views, river crossings, twisty roads

This lesser-known gem south of Killeen winds through the heart of Texas Hill Country, with low mountains, creek valleys, and wide-ranging farmland. Several bridges span tranquil streams, and you’ll find plenty of pull-offs to soak in the surroundings. It’s a laid-back trip perfect for weekend exploration or a quick escape from Fort Cavazos. Plus, you can hop on this route in Burnet, which is just north of the end point of our number one route.

This Hill Country route from Burnet to Killeen offers a laid-back yet engaging ride through the heart of Central Texas. Start your trip in Burnet by heading east on Ranch to Market Road 963. The road takes you past open pastures, tree-lined stretches, and quiet rural backroads as you travel through Watson and Oakalla. Once you reach FM2657, take a short jog south before turning left onto County Road 220, which flows into Maxdale Road and then FM2670. This portion of the ride gets narrower and a bit more technical, with occasional bumps and tight curves. After passing through Maxdale, you’ll continue on FM2670 until it feeds into TX-195, where the ride straightens out and heads into the urban edges of Killeen.

The full route is about 50 miles and takes about an hour to complete, depending on your stops. While Burnet offers a quaint small-town start with food and fuel, Killeen marks the end with a wider range of amenities and places to unwind after your ride. The road surface varies, but most of the route is smooth and well-maintained. You’ll enjoy a blend of sweeping corners, occasional tight turns, and elevation changes that keep things interesting without being overly technical. This ride is perfect for a half-day getaway with plenty of photo opportunities and peaceful stretches in between. Keep your eyes open for scenic bridges and occasional wildlife along the way—it’s a solid taste of Texas backroad riding.

3. Palo Duro Canyon Big Loop

Distance: 193 miles

Highlights: Red rock canyon walls, desert views, Texas Panhandle scenery

One of the most visually striking rides in the state, this loop dips in and out of the second-largest canyon in the U.S. known as Palo Duro. The road descends through rust-colored cliffs and desert brushlands, with panoramic overlooks at almost every bend. The elevation changes and rugged terrain make this a memorable detour in the Panhandle region.

To ride the Palo Duro Canyon Big Loop, begin in Amarillo by heading east on I-40 and then taking US-287 south through Claude and into Clarendon. From there, pick up TX-70 south, which offers long stretches of open road and distant canyon views. As you continue, merge onto TX-256 west and ride it toward Silverton, where you’ll transition onto the scenic TX-86. Just outside of Silverton, turn north onto TX-207—this is one of the most striking parts of the loop as it leads you back across Palo Duro Canyon, with incredible views and some tight curves as the elevation shifts.

After riding TX-207 north through the canyon and returning to Claude, hop back on US-287 north to head toward Amarillo. Once you’re near the city, take I-40 west and follow signs to downtown. This 193-mile loop showcases the high plains and the dramatic geography of the Texas Panhandle, including two crossings of Palo Duro Canyon. The roads are mostly smooth, with sweeping curves and a few tight twisties near the canyon. Expect wide-open desert views, layered red rock formations, and a few quiet small towns where you can stretch your legs or top off the tank. And if you’re ready for more canyon riding, head down to Palo Canyon State Park and ride around the loop inside the park.

4. The Twisted Sisters (RR 335, 336, 337)

Distance: 170 miles

Highlights: Tight curves, steep drop-offs, rivers, Hill Country ranches

Known as the crown jewel of Texas motorcycle roads, the Twisted Sisters loop is legendary for its technical challenges and raw natural beauty. With tight S-curves, sharp switchbacks, and sweeping vistas of the Nueces and Frio Rivers, it’s as demanding as it is rewarding. Riders come from all over the country to test their skills on these roads.

The Twisted Sisters ride kicks off in Medina, a small Hill Country town where it’s smart to fuel up both your bike and your body. From there, hop on TX-337 westbound. This is the first Sister. The road opens up with rolling ranch land and then starts to twist, offering wide sweepers that can tighten unexpectedly, demanding full attention. At Vanderpool, you can take a short detour north on TX-187 to the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, a great pit stop loaded with vintage bikes and biker camaraderie.

Back on TX-337, keep riding west toward Leakey, where the corners get even more exciting. Once in town, fill your tank and check out Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop. Next, head north on TX-336, Sister number two. It’s scenic and a bit more predictable but brings added hazards: free-range cattle, deer, and wild hogs all share the road here. TX-336 intersects with Route 41; take it west to TX-335, the third and final Sister. Ride this southern stretch past sweeping Hill Country views into Camp Wood. From here, you can loop back east to Medina, completing one of Texas’ most legendary motorcycle routes.

5. The Hidden Chisos Basin

Distance: 15 miles

Highlights: Big Bend National Park, desert flora, mountain vistas

Tucked away inside Big Bend National Park, this road climbs steadily into the Chisos Mountains with each mile bringing closer views of the peaks. The landscape is surreal, like driving into a hidden world. The short ride is packed with jaw-dropping scenery, desert plant life, and a sense of isolation that’s hard to match elsewhere in the U.S.

To experience the Hidden Chisos Basin Ride, start at Panther Junction in the heart of Big Bend National Park and turn onto Basin Junction Road. This route quickly begins to climb, winding its way into the Chisos Mountains. As you ascend, you’ll pass towering sotol plants and get increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding desert and volcanic cliffs. The road tightens with a series of sharp switchbacks as it climbs toward the secluded Chisos Basin, one of the few places in Texas where you might even spot a bear crossing sign.

Once you reach the 5,400-foot basin, you’ll be surrounded on three sides by steep, rugged peaks and cliffs, forming a natural amphitheater. The road ends at a developed area featuring a visitor center, lodge, restaurant, small store, and several hiking trailheads. It’s a scenic and peaceful place to take a break, but note there’s no fuel available here, so fill up at Panther Junction before you head in. With excellent pavement, clear signage, and striking high-elevation views, the Chisos Basin Road is a short but unforgettable ride well worth the detour.

Whether you prefer the wide-open landscapes of West Texas or the twisty challenges of Hill Country, the roads here are as varied and bold as the state itself. There’s no shortage of adventure in Texas. Just wide horizons, changing elevation, and unforgettable rides waiting around every bend. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the engine and discover your favorite corner of the Lone Star State.