For adventure motorcyclists, the journey is always more exciting than the destination. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, riding through dense forests, trekking through sugar sand back roads or leisurely cruising along scenic coastal highways, the world is full of awe-inspiring motorcycle routes just waiting to be crossed and. explored. If you’re looking to plan your next adventure on two wheels, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 adventure motorcycle routes around the world that offer unparalleled excitement and unforgettable scenery.
- Dalton Highway – Alaska, USA
The Dalton Highway is often referred to as one of the most extreme motorcycle routes in the world. Stretching over 400 miles from Livengood to Deadhorse, this remote and rugged road takes you through the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering breathtaking Arctic views. Expect long gravel roads, frigid temperatures, and little in the way of civilization. But for those who crave the wild, the reward is the thrill of an untamed, almost surreal landscape.
Best Time to Ride: June to August
Challenges: Rough terrain, weather conditions, isolation
- Transfăgărășan Highway – Romania
Dubbed by some as the most beautiful road in the world, the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania is a must-ride for adventure enthusiasts. Winding through the Carpathian Mountains, this route offers steep hairpin turns, dense forests, and panoramic mountain views. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landmarks like Bâlea Lake and Poenari Castle, adding a touch of history to your adventure.
Best Time to Ride: June to October
Challenges: Steep curves, unpredictable weather
- Ruta 40 – Argentina
Spanning over 3,000 miles, Argentina’s Ruta 40 is one of the longest roads in the world, running from the northern border with Bolivia to the southern tip of the country. This epic route offers diverse landscapes, from arid deserts and vast plains to snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes. Riders can enjoy stops at famous attractions like the Andes, the stunning Patagonian wilderness, and the remote beauty of El Calafate.
Best Time to Ride: November to March
Challenges: Long distances, remote stretches
- Great Ocean Road – Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a scenic coastal route that stretches 150 miles along the southern coast. The ride offers endless views of the ocean, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. As you ride, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and Great Otway National Park. It’s a relatively easy ride, making it ideal for riders who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Best Time to Ride: November to March
Challenges: High winds, coastal weather
- Pamir Highway – Tajikistan
The Pamir Highway, or M41, is one of the highest-altitude roads in the world and runs through the rugged mountains of Central Asia. This road is not for the faint of heart, offering extreme conditions with rough roads and high altitudes. Along the way, you’ll ride through remote villages, stunning valleys, and snow-covered peaks. The adventure here is as much about the cultural experiences as the epic landscapes.
Best Time to Ride: June to September
Challenges: Altitude sickness, rough terrain
- Cerro de la Muerte – Costa Rica
Cerro de la Muerte, translating to “Mountain of Death,” may sound daunting, but it’s one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling routes. The road climbs over 11,000 feet, offering jaw-dropping views of cloud forests and tropical landscapes. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of rugged off-road terrain and paved sections. Expect heavy fog, steep cliffs, and plenty of heart-racing moments.
Best Time to Ride: December to April
Challenges: Fog, steep grades, unpredictable weather
- Sani Pass – South Africa
The Sani Pass is a legendary adventure route that connects South Africa with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Known for its steep switchbacks and gravel paths, this road offers an adrenaline-pumping ride up the Drakensberg Mountains. The views are spectacular, with vast, green valleys and distant mountain peaks. This route is a test of off-road skills and is not recommended for beginners.
Best Time to Ride: April to September
Challenges: Rocky terrain, steep inclines
- Route 66 – USA
Route 66 is perhaps one of the most iconic road trips in the world, running from Chicago to Santa Monica. While much of it is paved and relatively easy to ride, it offers a nostalgic sense of American adventure, with stretches through small towns, deserts, and historic landmarks. Highlights include the Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon detours, and old Americana charm.
Best Time to Ride: May to October
Challenges: Long distances, extreme heat in summer
- Manali to Leh Highway – India
The Manali to Leh Highway in India is one of the most scenic and challenging motorcycle routes in the world. It stretches over 300 miles through the Himalayas, offering jaw-dropping views of snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, and remote monasteries. With altitudes reaching up to 17,000 feet, this route requires careful preparation and a sense of adventure.
Best Time to Ride: June to September
Challenges: High altitudes, unpredictable weather
- Ring Road – Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, circles the entire island, offering riders a mix of volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and fjords. The road is paved, but conditions can be tricky due to rapidly changing weather. Stops along the way include famous sights like the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss waterfall, and the black sand beaches of Vik.
Best Time to Ride: June to August
Challenges: Variable weather, wind gusts
- Mae Hong Son Loop – Thailand
The Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand is a favorite among motorcyclists for its combination of winding mountain roads, tropical forests, and cultural richness. The 400-mile loop features over 1,800 curves, offering endless twists and turns for those who love a technical ride. Along the way, riders can visit hill tribe villages, temples, and hot springs.
Best Time to Ride: November to February
Challenges: Narrow roads, dense traffic in some areas
While we couldn’t include every great ADV routes out, we felt each of these routes offers its own unique blend of adventure, challenges, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer the rugged wilderness of Alaska or the cultural richness of Thailand, these motorcycle routes are sure to provide the thrill of exploration and the beauty of the open road. So embrace being a ADV motorcycle worldcrosser and gear the hell up, plan your route, and prepare for the ride of a lifetime!
This blog post covers a range of global destinations with varying degrees of difficulty, offering something for both novice and experienced adventure riders.
