Best Motorcycle Routes Near Sacramento
For our money, there’s no better place than California to ride a motorcycle. The Golden State is brimming with spectacular landscapes and scenic highways, and we have no shortage of great riding routes here in the Sacramento Valley. The folks at Roseville Motorsports put together this guide to some of our favorites!
Need a new bike for your upcoming adventure? Head to Roseville Motorsports, your trusted motorcycle dealership in the Sacramento region. You can browse through a great selection of new and used models at our showroom in Rocklin, CA.
Sacramento River Delta
Discover the pastoral beauty of the farmlands around the Sacramento River Delta with a day trip down Highway 160. Starting from Sacramento, head south on I-5 and take exit 510 toward Cosumnes River Blvd. Then hang a left on Freeport Blvd, which turns into Highway 160 as it follows along the Sacramento River. Make your way south through the rolling hills, then stop at the Highway 12 diner in Rio Vista for a great burger before you head back north. There are so many charming backroads to explore along this route, you never have to take the same trip twice! Just make sure to have a fully charged navigation device on board, as this ride can easily take up a full day.
Mosquito Ridge Road
This winding mountain road provides exhilarating twists and turns along with breathtaking views of the Sierras. Starting from Sacramento, head east on I-80 to Auburn. Then, take the Foresthill exit and turn right, following Foresthill Road to the town of Foresthill. You will find the right turn onto Mosquito Ridge Road just past a funky old two-pump gas station. Ride down Mosquito Ridge Road for 30 miles, turning back when you reach the dead end at the French Meadows Reservoir. On your way home, enjoy a cold drink and a hearty sandwich at Brew Masters Deli.
Salmon Falls Road
If you’re looking for a quick thrill ride, look no further than Salmon Falls Road. This route begins in the town of Pilot Hill, located 44 miles east of Sacramento on I-80. From Pilot Hill, just head southwest on Salmon Falls Road. This road eventually intersects with Green Valley Road and turns into El Dorado Hills Boulevard. Continue going straight until you hit Highway 50 at Clarksville. Then you can either follow Highway 50 back to Sacramento, or take Highway 50 east to Highway 49 and head back to Pilot Hill. Turn this short route into a full-day adventure by taking a break at the Folsom State Recreation Area, where you can relax with a picnic lunch or kick off your boots and wade into Folsom Lake.
Placerville Loop
This route is a favorite of many California bikers, and for good reason. Admire incredible alpine vistas and the striking beauty of the American River Canyon on this epic day trip that highlights some of Northern California’s most famous landmarks. Your journey begins in Placerville, 44 miles east of Sacramento on Highway 50. From there, take Highway 50 east toward South Lake Tahoe. Continue for about 22 miles until you cross the American River, then make a left onto Ice House Rd. This road takes you through Crystal Basin, past the Ice House and Union Valley Reservoirs. Keep going for 20 miles until you hit Wentworth Springs Road. Turn left and continue west for 15 miles to Georgetown, then make a left onto Highway 193. Head south down to Highway 49, where you can turn left and head back to Placerville.
This popular route offers enough great detours and scenic viewpoints to fill up your whole day, so make sure to stock up on gas and bring your appetite for adventure! Georgetown is a good place for a pitstop, and we suggest the Corner Kitchen cafe for some old-fashioned biscuits and gravy. While you’re at it, you can stretch your legs with a stroll around Georgetown’s historic downtown.
Looking for more insider tips? Feel free to ask the experts at Roseville Motorsports in Rocklin, CA. We love sharing the many joys of motorcycle riding in California! We welcome customers from Roseville, Sacramento, and beyond.