Elwood Rd near Piedra, CA doesn’t look like much on a map. Just a 12-mile connector tying together Piedra — which is barely more than a crossroads — with Highway 180 due east of Fresno (Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP just up the road). But that’s the trick. Would you ever notice this one? Elwood runs parallel to the Kings River, then slips quietly into Wonder Valley, rolling across foothill ranch land that right now is impossibly green — the kind of neon Sierra foothill green (or

Jesus-Maria Rd in the Central Sierra Nevada Foothills near Mokelumne Hill, CA isn't likely a road you'd ever find on your own. Quietly placed in-between two major thoroughfares - Highway 88-Carson Pass & Highway 4-Ebbetts Pass - the motorcycle mind comes to realize it fits perfectly for a zigzag route through the Sierra Foothills hovering around the 2000 ft level ensures staying below the snow line & above the busy Highway 49. Ride Highway 26 downhill. Ride Jesus Maria uphill

Santa Rosa Creek Road out of Cambria, CA has been veto’d more than once by our Pashnit Motorcycle Tours  participants “It’s goaty.” “It’s bumpy.” “It’s single-lane.” “It’s slow-going.” "It's 4 Goats on the Goat Scale." All true. But then… there’s that view! This is classic California backroad riding — narrow ribbon of pavement draped over rolling emerald hills, twisting and diving like it was sketched by a motorcyclist with a sense of humor. It’s not about speed. It’s not abo

Bolinas Ridge, just north of San Francisco, is one of those roads that even seasoned California riders are surprised to discover. Hidden above the Marin coastline, this ridge-top gem delivers the kind of expansive ocean views and rolling forest scenery that remind you why you ride motorcycles in the first place. Ride up and back to Mount Tamalpais, then head north towards Tomales for snacks. For Pashnit riders who love the road less traveled, Bolinas Ridge is pure reward. The

Every rider has heard of Northern California’s legendary Highway 36. This photo below is not that road — it was taken near Burnt Ranch, CA, if you’re curious. Highway 299, the Trinity Scenic Byway, runs roughly parallel to 36 to the north. Linking the two is Highway 3 over Hayfork Pass — a connector that’s a destination in its own right. Tie all three together and you’ve got an incredible 250-mile loop that begins and ends in the same spot — ideally Eureka, Arcata, or even ne

The Giant Amazonian Woman is one of Auburn, California’s most unusual and unforgettable landmarks. Everyone seemed to know about them except me. I just happened to be riding through Auburn one day & went, What is that!? Created in the early 1970s by local dentist and self-taught sculptor Dr. Kenneth H. Fox, the towering concrete figure reflects both his fascination with mythology and his bold approach to large-scale art. His Amazonian woman evokes the strength and independenc

Cruising The Leggett Section of Highway 1 is one of those experiences riders dream about. Starting north of Fort Bragg, CA the last ~45 miles before Leggett unfold through lush redwood forest, endless deserted curves that challenge and reward with every bend in the pavement. It’s no wonder The Leggett Section of Highway 1 earns a spot on many motorcyclists’ personal “Top Five” lists. Here, Highway 1 truly feels like a road made for motorcyclists— multiple tight hairpins, flow

White Mountain Road is a short but unforgettable climb into one of California’s most otherworldly landscapes, a 10-mile ascent from California State Route 168 to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The road begins around 7,200 feet and gains roughly 3,000 feet in elevation, quickly transitioning from a straight approach into a twisting mountain route defined by steep grades, tight curves, and multiple 180-degree hairpins. As the pavement narrows to a single lane, the ride be

The Cypress Tree Tunnel is a required stop when riding out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. The trees were planted in 1930 along the driveway to RCA Radio. Cypress trees grow over the driveway and depending on the time of day, how much fog and light there is, the trees create a tunnel loved by photographers. The tunnel is located 10 miles west from Highway 1, and 3.8 miles from the turn-off for Sir Francis Drake Blvd. If you get to see the Point Reyes Lighthouse with no fog, yo

Mosquito Rd on the north side of Placerville, CA will soon close to vehicles permanently- the bridge & the dramatic canyon descent. The 1919 era wooden single lane bridge will remain, but only to bicycles & walkers. Combine it with Rock Creek Rd for incredible views of the American River Canyon. https://www.pashnit.com/ca-mosquito-rock-creek-rd

Highway 49 in the Sierra Nevada Foothills runs for 300 miles. One of the twistiest sections we call 'The Little Dragon'. No idea the origin of that term, every rider I know has called it that as long as I can remember. Likely it’s a comparison to Tennessee’s Highway 129 and this is our West Coast version. While ‘The Little Dragon’ doesn’t have 318 curves in 11 miles, instead it has zero guard rails anywhere and steep drop-offs into the canyon with a 1500-ft elevation change.

Black Mountain Rd is a ride you've likely never heard of near Pozo, CA. It's found along the Pozo Loop & is paved up to a FAA radar dish atop the peak. Love the goat? This one is goaty, sandy, ridge top twisty & amazing views on a clear spring day with no haze. And, you'll have incredible 360 degree views of the CA Central Coast Range. You can see the FAA radar dish atop Black Mountain while riding Highway 58 westbound as a tiny white speck atop the peak. Yes, paved 7-miles t

Berryessa-Knoxville Rd connects Lake Berryessa with Lower Lake: It's 50 miles of remote goaty road, mostly single lane. Plus, Berryessa Knoxville Rd crisscrosses Eticuero Creek 14 times, there are no bridges. There's a gold mine, (tons of potholes & poor pavement) and even a racetrack section (who knew!?) in the north & it's perfect temps this time of year to ride it. It's super green, for now. https://www.pashnit.com/ca-berryessa-knoxville-rd

When we say, 'Bring Tires' to your Pashnit Motorcycle Tour, We mean bring tires. www.PashnitTours.com

Nevada is not for everyone. But there's something alluring about vanishing point roads and complete nothingness. Plus the Loneliest Road in America, Highway 50, is just 100 miles to the north running parallel to the ride to Rachel & lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn. Recognize this sign? Start of Hwy 375 at Warm Springs, NV in the middle of nowhere, and 60 miles to Rachel. Planning a Pashnit Tour of Nevada in September 2027.

Darling Ridge Rd & Balderston Rd are likely rides you've never heard of. Found between Georgetown & Placerville in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, this single lane paved backroad runs parallel to Wentworth Springs Rd and starts off Highway 193. Darling Ridge Road & Balderston Rd follow a high, scenic spine that was historically dominated by the Lumber Industry of the 1860s onward. This road follows the natural contour lines of the ridge to maintain a consistent grade for horse-d

Breckenridge Rd near Bakersfield is likely a road that doesn't resonate and likely isn't something you recognize. But each spring in California, Breckenridge Rd makes the perfect photo this time of year when the treeless foothills outside Bakersfield, CA are glowing in spring green. We like to ride up & back to this viewpoint. It's single lane, goaty, sandy and delightful if you love goat trails. Ride it all the way up and over Breckenridge Mountain, over the 7000 ft summit

Old Priest Grade is considered one of the steepest roads in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, originally a wagon road up the canyon wall to Priest at the top, passengers in stagecoaches were made to get out and walk to save the horses laboring to pull the stagecoaches up the steep grade. We like to think of Old Priest Grade as one of the steepest roads in California. The elevation climbs from 910 ft to 2450 ft in less than 2 miles, with grade steepness up to 18 percent, and the st

The Benton Crossing Loop is a 70-mile loop off Highway 395 that starts and ends at almost the same place. Starting at Mammoth, this remote high-desert road at 7000 ft is a must-ride detour when exploring the Eastern Sierra Range. Combined with Highway 120 along the bottom of Mono Lake, so much to check out: Hot Creek Geologic Site, numerous hot springs, Native American petroglyph sites, 7650 ft Wildrose Summit, the tiny town of Benton, whoops on Highway 120, Mono Lake Tufa To

Our motorcycle ride today begins along the ocean in Bodega Bay. This is a rather short ride headed inland across the state headed for the...