Top 5 Motorcycle Rides near Salt Lake City, Utah

Aug 19, 2024

Salt Lake City and a motorcycle make a perfect pair. With a mix of scenic routes and smooth highways, this area offers rides that are hard to beat. If you’re looking to explore the best of what Salt Lake City has to offer on two wheels, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top five motorcycle rides that will take you through some of the most enjoyable roads in and around the city.

Route 1: Monte Cristo Scenic Byway

Approximate miles: 49 miles one way | 98 miles round trip

Start: Huntsville, UT (about 50 minutes north of Salt Lake City)

Finish: Woodruff, UT

The Monte Cristo Scenic Byway is a 49-mile ride that starts off in Huntsville and takes you through a mix of Utah’s mountain landscapes. Right from the start, you’ll notice that the road itself is generally well-maintained, with smooth pavement that makes for an easy, enjoyable ride, but be prepared for some twists and turns as you get deeper into the mountains.

As you ride, you’ll pass more campgrounds than you can keep track of, including South Fork and Perception Park, which are good for quick stops if you need a break. A must-see along the way is the Monte Cristo Scenic Overlook. This spot offers a great view of the surrounding peaks and is considered a popular stopping point for riders to stretch and snap a photo or two. As you continue on this route, you'll pass by the Monte Cristo Peak, where the air gets a bit cooler, so bring a jacket to battle the cold! 

One of the highlights is the ride past Birch Creek Reservoir. The water adds a refreshing contrast to the mountain views and makes for a peaceful moment before you make your way toward Woodruff. More often than not, riders love this route for its variety—between the forested areas, open meadows, and the occasional wildlife sighting, there’s always something to catch your eye.

Route 2: SLC to East Canyon

Approximate miles: 33 miles

Start: Salt Lake City, UT

Finish: East Canyon Reservoir, UT

The ride from Salt Lake City to East Canyon is a straightforward 33-mile trip that’s great for a quick escape from the city. You start right in Salt Lake, and before long, you’re out of the busy streets and onto more open roads.

As you head out, you’ll notice a gradual change from city views to open fields. The route takes you through areas with lots of green during the warmer months, and as you get closer to East Canyon, the surroundings become slightly more rugged, with rock formations and a few trees here and there along the road. You’ll experience some twists and turns to keep things interesting, and the road itself is well-paved, making it a smooth ride for all levels of experience.

The highlight of this trip is reaching East Canyon Reservoir. It’s a great spot to stop, take a breather, and enjoy the view of the water with the hills in the background before you turn back. The reservoir area often has other riders and locals enjoying the day, making it a good place to chat with fellow bikers or just soak in the surroundings. Just be sure to fill up your tank in Salt Lake City since there aren’t many places to stop along the way. This route is perfect if you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit and enjoy a simple, enjoyable ride with some variety in what you’ll see along the way.

Ride with Someone Who's Already Done the Recon

These routes are laid out for you, but there's always more to discover when someone else is leading the way. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours in Salt Lake City led by locals who know the roads, the timing, and the stops worth making. If you'd rather focus on the ride than the route, it's a solid way to see more of Utah without pulling over to check your phone.

Route 3: Guardsman Pass Loop

Approximate miles: A little over 37 miles

Start: Guardsman Pass, UT to Midway, UT and Park City, UT

Finish: Guardsman Pass, UT

The Guardsman Pass Loop is a 37-mile route that offers a bit of everything, starting and ending at Guardsman Pass. This loop takes you through Midway and Park City, providing a mix of road conditions, including well-maintained sections and some tighter turns, especially around the pass itself. The elevation changes along this route add a bit of challenge, making it a favorite among riders looking for more than just a leisurely cruise.

As you ride, you’ll move through different areas, from tree-lined sections to more open stretches with great views. Midway is a great place to stop and take a break. You can grab a bite, fuel up, or simply take in the small-town vibe before you continue on to Park City. Park City offers its own attractions, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of spots to explore if you have the time. On the return to Guardsman Pass, the route gives you another chance to enjoy the surrounding views and finish the loop on a high note. Just keep in mind that Guardsman Pass can get busy, especially on weekends, so starting your ride early can help you avoid traffic and make the most of the experience.

Route 4: Wendover to Gold Hill

Approximate miles: 54.5 miles

Start: Wendover, UT (about 1.5 hours west of Salt Lake City)

Finish: Gold Hill, UT

If you're up for a ride that’s a bit off the beaten path, the route from Wendover to Gold Hill is one to check out. Starting right by the Wendover Airport, this 54.5-mile stretch takes you through some of Utah’s more remote areas, offering a ride that’s both straightforward and packed with a bit of history.

The road is pretty much yours as you head out, with long, open stretches where you can just enjoy the ride. The desert surroundings give you a real sense of how vast and empty this part of the state is. But the real attraction comes at the end: Gold Hill, a ghost town that’s more than just a name. Once a thriving mining spot, it’s now a quiet, almost eerie place with a few old buildings still standing. It’s a cool place to explore, snap some photos, and take a break before you make the trip back. This route is perfect if you’re looking to experience something different, with plenty of open space and a touch of the past to keep things interesting.

Route 5: Provo Canyon Loop

Approximate miles: 210 miles 

Start: Provo Canyon, Orem, UT

Finish: Provo Canyon, Orem, UT

The Provo Canyon Loop is a solid choice if you’re up for a longer ride, covering around 210 miles. Starting in Provo Canyon near Orem, this loop takes you through a mix of different landscapes and towns, giving you plenty to see and do along the way.

The ride kicks off in Provo Canyon, where you’ll find some great views as you follow the road alongside the Provo River. It’s a relaxing start, with smooth roads and towering cliffs that make the first leg of the journey really enjoyable. From there, you’ll head into Heber City and up to Daniels Summit Lodge. The lodge is a popular stop where you can take a break and grab a bite before hitting the road again.

As you continue, you’ll pass through Fruitland, Duchesne, and Castle Gate. Each of these spots brings its own character to the ride. Fruitland is quiet and laid-back, while Duchesne has a bit more going on with its small-town feel. Castle Gate, on the other hand, adds a bit of history to your trip, making it an interesting place to pass through. The final stretch brings you back through Spanish Fork and into Provo Canyon to wrap up the loop. This route gives you a bit of everything, from mountain passes to wide-open highways, making it a rewarding day out on the road. Just be sure to start with a full tank and plan for a few stops to fully enjoy the experience.

Experience the Best Motorcycle Rides Near Salt Lake City with Riders Share

At Riders Share, we offer a wide selection of bikes to suit every kind of ride. Our motorcycle rentals in Salt Lake City are designed to make your adventure easy and enjoyable. With just a few clicks, you can find the perfect bike and hit the road. Whether you're looking for a cruiser, a sport bike, or something in between, we’ve got just thing for you. Get ready to explore the top motorcycle rides Salt Lake City has to offer with a bike from Riders Share.

Winding Down

After checking out these great rides, there's still more to see in Salt Lake City. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy riding around the city, take a look at our blog on Motorcycle Events Near You In Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s full of ideas on where to go next and events you won’t want to miss.