Motorcycle Trips Across Southern Pacific USA

Apr 17, 2024

The highways of the Southern Pacific Route expose the curious adventurer to more cultural and geographic diversity than any other cross-country route in America. This motorcycle trip across America is one that every rider should take. To help you with your next Southern Pacific road trip, we’ve selected five of the route’s unforgettable highlights. Below, we’ll take you on a road trip from Dallas to San Diego, with stops that are sure to make the ride that much more exciting!

World’s Richest Acre Park: Motorcycle Route

Starting Point: World’s Richest Acre Park, Kilgore, TX

End Point: Dallas, TX

Approximate Miles: 125 miles

Begin your motorcycle trip from the World’s Richest Acre Park in Kilgore to Dallas, TX, covering around 125 miles. The journey along I-20 features well-maintained, mostly straight roads with occasional curves, suitable for a relaxed ride. The route takes you through several landscapes, including urban outskirts and greener, more wooded areas as you leave Kilgore. The park itself offers a historical exploration of Texas' oil boom with its display of restored oil derricks. This route provides a straightforward ride with historical insights into the region's past.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Motorcycle Route

Starting Point: Dallas, TX

End Point: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Approximate Miles: 545 miles

Start your journey from Dallas and head towards Carlsbad Caverns National Park, covering approximately 545 miles. This is the longest journey on this route, so it might call for several breaks. Take US-259 N to I-20 W and switch to US-285 S into New Mexico. The route consists mainly of straightforward highway stretches, making for an easy ride. You'll notice a change in scenery as you move from the wooded areas of East Texas into the open landscapes of New Mexico, where the skies are broad and clear. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a chance to see cave formations. This leg of the trip is great for riders who enjoy long-distance travel on simple, clear roads.

Mesilla Plaza: Motorcycle Route

Starting Point: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

End Point: Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla, NM

Approximate Miles: 145 miles

Leave Carlsbad Caverns National Park and travel approximately 145 miles west to Mesilla Plaza in Mesilla, New Mexico. This route primarily follows US-180 W and then NM-28 S, both offering relatively straight and smooth driving conditions. As you transition from the remote desert near the caverns, you will enter the more populated and historic areas around Mesilla. Mesilla Plaza itself is a charming and historically rich site, known for its old-world architecture and role in the Wild West history. This part of the journey is perfect for riders looking for a shorter ride that delivers both natural and cultural attractions.

Want a Local to Show You Part of the Route?

A cross-country trip like this covers a lot of ground, and sometimes the best way to experience a stretch is with someone who knows it well. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across the country, including in regions along the Southern Pacific route like Arizona and California. If you'd rather have a local guide you through the desert roads around Tombstone or the final push into San Diego, a guided tour is a great way to add depth to one leg of the journey.

O.K. Corral: Motorcycle Route

Starting Point: Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla, NM

End Point: O.K. Corral, Tombstone, AZ

Approximate Miles: 190 miles

Set out from Mesilla Plaza and head towards the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, covering about 190 miles. The journey takes you west on I-10, a well-maintained interstate that allows for a steady pace with scenic views typical of the Southwest. This route is straightforward, with long stretches of road that provide a glimpse into the desert landscapes with small towns and historical sites mixed in here and there. Once you’ve reached Tombstone, you can explore the O.K. Corral, famous for its 1881 gunfight, an important event in Wild West folklore. This route is ideal for those interested in American history and looking for a ride that combines ease of travel with cultural landmarks.

Museum of History in Granite: Motorcycle Route

Starting Point: O.K. Corral, Tombstone, AZ

End Point: Museum of History in Granite, Felicity, CA

Approximate Miles: 260 miles

Head out from the historic O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, and make your way to the Museum of History in Granite in Felicity, California, a journey spanning about 260 miles. This route mainly follows I-8 W, a direct highway that cuts through the scenic landscapes of the Arizona desert before entering California. The drive is straightforward, with consistent road conditions ideal for uninterrupted riding. The Museum of History in Granite offers a personal look at global history through inscriptions on massive granite slabs. This ride is made for riders looking for a manageable route filled with unique historical elements.

Choose a Motorcycle Rental from Riders Share

Planning your Dallas to San Diego road trip? Start with a motorcycle rental from Riders Share. Whether you're looking for a high-performance bike or something more relaxed, our large selection allows you to find the ideal motorcycle rental in San Diego, Dallas, or wherever you’re starting from. Explore our options today and turn your road trip into an unforgettable adventure!

That’s a Wrap

We hope this guide inspires you to hit the road and explore the Southern Pacific USA on two wheels. Each destination offers unique landscapes and historical insights, making for many memorable journeys.