Every year, tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from all corners of the globe converge in one location: Sturgis, South Dakota. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an annual celebration that takes place in the first full week of August and is the premier destination for motorcycle lovers. Starting your journey in California, you can take a scenic route to South Dakota, letting your Harley-Davidson roar across the country's heartland. This post will guide you through the most scenic routes from the Golden State to the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Route 1: The National Parks Route
Total Distance: Approximately 1,580 miles
This route not only showcases the natural beauty of the West but also takes you through some of the most iconic National Parks in the United States. You'll experience a variety of landscapes, from deserts and canyons to mountains and forests.
- Start in Los Angeles and head north on the US-395, known for its stunning desert and mountainous landscape.
- Continue to Death Valley National Park, an unmissable desert landscape.
- From there, journey on to Yosemite National Park, known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, and ancient giant sequoias.
- Ride through the Sierra Nevada to Lake Tahoe, a beautiful freshwater lake known for its clear, blue water.
- Make your way east on the I-80 across Nevada and Utah, crossing the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Great Salt Lake.
- Continue into Wyoming, and visit Yellowstone National Park, famous for its geysers, hot springs, and rich wildlife.
- Finally, head southeast to Sturgis, South Dakota.
Route 2: The Route 66 and Beyond
Total Distance: Approximately 2,300 miles
Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, is perhaps the most famous road in the United States. A trip on this legendary highway is like riding through a living history book of America.
- Start in Santa Monica and embark on Route 66, which will take you through historic and quirky towns, deserts, and diners that will throw you back to the golden age of road trips.
- Continue through Arizona, visiting the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park.
- Journey through New Mexico, stopping at Santa Fe, a city known for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed.
- Cross Texas, with a detour to visit Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S.
- Continue north to Colorado, riding the Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in any national park in the U.S.
- As you leave Colorado, take a detour to visit Mount Rushmore in South Dakota before finally making your way to Sturgis.
Route 3: The Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains
Total Distance: Approximately 2,100 miles
This route takes you through the coastal states of the Pacific Northwest, and the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. A paradise for those who love the fusion of sea, forest, and mountains.
- Start in San Francisco and head north on the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Highway 1, known for its jaw-dropping coastal views and charming towns.
- Continue to Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, home to the tallest trees on Earth.
- Ride through Oregon, enjoying its diverse landscape of forests, mountains, farms and beaches. Don't forget to visit Crater Lake National Park, the deepest lake in the U.S.
- Cross Washington, taking in the sights of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier National Park.
- Head east to Glacier National Park in Montana, known as the "Crown of the Continent."
- From there, make your way south into Wyoming, where you can visit Grand Teton National Park and the aforementioned Yellowstone.
- Finally, ride east through the rolling landscapes of Wyoming into South Dakota, where the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally awaits.
Each of these routes offers an unforgettable journey, showcasing the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of the United States. Remember, the beauty of a road trip is in the journey, not just the destination. Take your time, stop often, enjoy the views, and let your Harley-Davidson take you on an adventure of a lifetime to Sturgis.