Utah’s Best Roads to Ride a Motorcycle

Let’s check out one of the most scenic states in the country—Utah—and the jaw-dropping motorcycle roads it has to offer! With red rock canyons, alpine mountain passes, towering sandstone formations, and vast plateaus, Utah delivers some of the most visually stunning riding experiences in the United States. Whether you’re carving through canyon corridors or cruising along scenic byways with views that stretch to forever, these rides are made for those who want adventure wrapped in natural beauty.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Tour

Distance: 131 miles

Highlights: Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon, multicolored cliffs, dramatic desert vistas

This is the kind of ride that makes you stop and say “Wow!” every few miles. Traveling through the heart of Utah’s canyon country, this route showcases Red Canyon’s fiery spires, the amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon, and the vast, layered rock formations of Grand Staircase-Escalante. With winding roads and breathtaking overlooks, it’s a geological showcase on two wheels. You’ll pass mesas, buttes, slot canyons, and hidden valleys—all bathed in brilliant desert hues.

Begin your Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Tour in Panguitch, Utah, heading east on Center Street and following US-89 south for about six miles. You’ll then pick up Scenic Byway 12 (UT-12), one of the most breathtaking roads in the country. This route winds through the red sandstone of Red Canyon, into Bryce Canyon Country, and past towering hoodoos and pine forests. After the traffic circle in Bryce, continue east as UT-12 takes you through Escalante, with an optional stop at the Petrified Forest State Park, then on to Boulder. The road climbs through Hell’s Backbone and the aspen-lined Boulder Mountain before descending into Torrey. A left turn onto UT-24 brings you to your final destination at the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park.

Though the route is just over 100 miles, plan for a full day as the ride invites frequent stops at scenic viewpoints, trailheads, and small-town gems. Escalante offers great local eats and access to fossil-rich hikes, while Boulder’s Anasazi State Park Museum gives you a peek into ancient Native American life. The changing landscape includes colorful cliffs, twisting canyons, and peaceful pine forests that makes every mile feel different from the last. With excellent pavement, generous curves, and endless natural beauty, this ride is both relaxing and awe-inspiring. Be sure to bring your camera, and maybe your hiking boots, because this ride is as much about soaking in the land as it is carving through it.

Highway 9 – Zion Canyon

Distance: 74 miles

Highlights: Zion National Park, deep canyons, tunnels, towering rock formations

This ride begins in Harrisburg Junction near the Harley-Davidson dealership and climbs rapidly into canyon country, offering a blend of tight curves, long vistas, and iconic landmarks. As you drop into Zion National Park, towering sandstone walls close in around you. Don’t miss the mile-long tunnel carved straight through the mountain. This ride is popular for a reason, it’s one of the best ways to experience the sheer scale and power of the American Southwest.

Start your ride on Highway 9 in Harrisburg Junction, just east of I-15 near Hurricane, UT. From there, head east as the road winds up through a dramatic fault line and into the valley near La Verkin. The highway offers a steady climb with mesas and desert views unfolding all around. Just past La Verkin, the scenery ramps up as the road enters Virgin and follows the Virgin River closely through a series of long sweepers and short straights. You’ll pass through the quiet western towns of Virgin and Rockville, both showcasing preserved slices of old western Americana.

Continuing east, Highway 9 climbs through Springdale, a bustling tourist town and gateway to Zion National Park. Ride into the park and tackle the famous switchbacks leading to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, carved directly through sandstone cliffs. After emerging on the east side, the road opens into a series of flowing curves and red rock formations as it winds through high desert and slickrock terrain. Continue through the park’s east entrance and follow Highway 9 until it meets US-89 at Mt. Carmel Junction. Turn left on US-89 North, and ride the final stretch through rolling terrain and sweeping turns before arriving in the quiet mountain town of Glendale.

Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway

Distance: 35 miles

Highlights: Mt. Nebo, alpine views, official DOT Scenic Byway designation

This lesser-traveled route climbs into the high alpine region of the Uinta National Forest. You’ll ride above 9,000 feet and see Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range, up close. Wildflowers, dense forests, and sweeping mountain views line the road, making this one of the most peaceful and picturesque rides in the state.

To begin your ride on the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway, start in Payson, Utah, by taking Exit 254 off I-15 onto Main Street (County Road 115). Head south through town until you reach East 100 North, where you’ll take a left, then make a right onto South 600 East (also known as Peteetneet Drive). This road soon becomes West Canyon Road and eventually transitions into Nebo Loop Road—your official entrance onto the scenic byway. From here, the road begins to climb and twist its way through the Uinta National Forest, offering breathtaking mountain views and a steady stream of curves, switchbacks, and elevation changes that make this a rider’s paradise.

If you’re riding north to south, you can also start at the southern end by exiting I-15 at Nephi via Exit 225, then heading east on State Route 132 for about five miles. Turn left (north) onto Forest Road 015 and follow the byway northward as it skirts the base of 11,877-foot Mount Nebo, the tallest peak in the Wasatch Range. Along the way, watch for scenic pullouts like the Utah Lake Overlook and the Devil’s Kitchen Geologic Site, with its red rock spires and cliffs. This 35-mile ride winds through a mix of oak, pine, and aspen forests, with wildflowers in summer and brilliant fall foliage starting in mid-September. The road is closed in winter, so plan accordingly and enjoy this mountain gem when it’s at its best.

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

Distance: 20 miles

Highlights: Provo Canyon, Aspen Groves, Sundance Resort

Though short, this ride is packed with beauty. From the canyon walls of Provo Canyon to the tree-lined climbs past Sundance, every turn brings something new. Take the short detour to Cascade Springs for a scenic walk and some serenity before continuing through pine forests and high mountain meadows. This ride is especially vivid in late spring and early fall.

Find the beginning of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway off UT-92 from the mouth of American Fork Canyon, just east of I-15 near Highland, Utah. The road begins gently as you enter Uinta National Forest, but quickly transforms into a narrow, winding path as it climbs steeply through the Wasatch Range. Early on, you’ll pass the entrance to Timpanogos Cave National Monument—worth a stop if you’re up for a strenuous hike and underground adventure. Continue upward on UT-92 as the road snakes through dense alpine forests, offering incredible views of Mount Timpanogos. This is a tight and technical road so expect hairpin turns and limited visibility around curves. Take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Once you crest the Alpine Summit, the road descends in a series of twists and turns past the Sundance Resort, a great place to stop for a meal or just to stretch your legs. Not far beyond, the loop meets U.S. 189 in Provo Canyon. From here, you can head right to descend into Provo or go left toward Heber City and U.S. 40, depending on your plans. A worthwhile side trip is Cascade Springs, accessed by a well-marked detour near the summit. The Alpine Loop is typically open from late May through October and is entirely paved. A recreation pass is required to use facilities along the route, so be sure to stop and pick one up at a fee station.

Cascade Springs Ride

Distance: 24 miles from Midway to the Alpine Loop

Highlights: Rocky Mountain scenery, forest roads, quiet beauty

Beginning in the charming town of Midway, this route heads straight into the mountains. It’s a great additional route to ride along with the Alpine Loop and offers some unique views not seen from the main highway. Expect lots of curves, shady spots under dense evergreens, and occasional clearings with expansive views over the Heber Valley and beyond.

To enjoy the Cascade Springs Ride, begin your journey in Midway, Utah by heading west on State Route 220. The road gently climbs through scenic farmland and foothills, with a golf course appearing on your left just before the turnoff. Stay right as the road becomes Cascade Springs Drive and begins to ascend through a mix of aspen and pine forests. The twisty but manageable curves make for a relaxing and scenic ride. After approximately 5.5 miles, you’ll arrive at Cascade Springs, a series of crystal-clear natural pools and small waterfalls nestled into the Wasatch Mountains.

Once you’ve taken in the sights at Cascade Springs, whether just for a photo op or a stroll along the boardwalk trail, continue your ride by following Cascade Springs Drive as it turns into Forest Road 114. This section winds its way southward through more rugged terrain, providing fantastic views and a satisfying rhythm of smooth curves. The road eventually brings you to a T-intersection at UT-92, right along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. From here, you can head west toward American Fork Canyon or east toward Provo Canyon, making this short ride an excellent connector to longer scenic routes in the area.

Utah isn’t just another stop on your trip though the west, it’s a destination. With roads that wind through some of the most spectacular terrain in North America, it’s a place where every mile tells a story and every ride feels like a journey through another world. Whether you prefer canyon carving, alpine serenity, or desert drama, Utah has a route that will make your motorcycle heart race. So pick your path and throttle into the wild beauty of the Beehive State!