Top Motorcycle Routes Near Sacramento, CA

Jul 18, 2025

Riding in Sacramento has a way of feeling familiar but never boring, with good weather, easy access to nearby roads, and just enough variety to keep things interesting without needing to go far. It’s the kind of place where you can head out without a set plan and still end up somewhere worth stopping. Since it’s right in the middle of Northern California, it also works well as a starting point for longer California motorcycle trips. In this blog, we’ll go over a few of the most scenic motorcycle routes in Sacramento and highlight why this area keeps riders coming back.

Top 5 Sacramento Motorcycle Routes

There are a lot of motorcycle rides in Sacramento that stand out, but a few have become clear favorites for locals and visitors alike. Here’s a look at five routes that are easy to get to, fun to ride, and worth checking out if you haven’t already.

1. Mosquito Ridge Road

Start/End Point: Sacramento, CA → French Meadows Reservoir

This ride takes you from Sacramento all the way out to French Meadows Campground, with over 90 miles of changing scenery and some seriously quiet stretches once you’re deep into the mountains. After leaving the city, you’ll head up I-80 East and cut through Foresthill, which is the last real town before things start to feel a little more remote. Mosquito Ridge Road itself is narrow, winding, and packed with tight corners, sharp drop-offs, and quick elevation changes that keep you on your toes the entire time. You’ll ride alongside the Middle Fork of the American River for part of the way, and there are plenty of spots where you can pull over and take in the view without dealing with crowds.

Most riders stop at French Meadows Campground, but the road keeps going past that point if you’re in the mood to explore a little more. Just know that cell service is basically gone once you leave Foresthill, and you won’t find gas stations or food stops beyond that either. If you need fuel or snacks, there’s a Chevron and a small grocery market in town. Spring through fall is usually the best time to ride this one, since the upper parts of the road can stay closed or get sketchy during the colder months. When everything’s clear, though, this route feels like one of the best-kept secrets for motorcycle rides in Northern California.

2. Salmon Falls Road

Start/End Point: Franciscian Village, CA → Pilot Hill, CA

If you don’t have all day to ride but still want something with a little character, Salmon Falls Road is a short one that’s worth the trip. It runs just under 12 miles between Franciscan Village and Pilot Hill, but the road is packed with tight curves, light traffic, and a steady rhythm that keeps it interesting from start to finish. You’re only about 38 minutes outside of Sacramento, so it’s easy to reach even if you’re working with limited time.

This stretch is especially popular with local riders who want a quick ride that still feels a little out of the way. The road follows along the edge of Folsom Lake for part of the route, and depending on the time of year, you’ll get some nice views of the water as you head north. Since it’s such a short ride, many riders extend the route by starting in Sacramento and riding northeast through El Dorado Hills. You can follow this longer route HERE to stretch it out and make it more of a full ride.

There aren’t many places to stop once you’re on Salmon Falls Road itself, but there are food and gas options nearby in El Dorado Hills if you want to grab something before or after. This one works well in any season, but spring tends to be the sweet spot: mild temps, less traffic, and a little more green along the way.

Want to String These Roads Together with a Local?

Sacramento sits at the center of some of the best riding in Northern California, but knowing which routes connect well and when to ride them takes local experience. Riders Share offers motorcycle experiences in Sacramento led by riders who've done these loops in every season and know which stretches are worth combining into a full day. If you want to cover more ground without spending the morning on Google Maps, a guided ride is a good way to make it happen.

3. Highway 49 Loop: The Golden Chain Highway

Start/End Point: Auburn, CA

Riding through Auburn feels like stepping into a different pace entirely, and once you're on Highway 49, that shift only gets better. This loop takes you through some of the most historic towns in the state, following old gold rush routes that still hold onto their original charm. You’ll pass through Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Downieville, with the road climbing higher as you make your way toward Sierraville and Truckee before circling back.

The route is just over 200 miles, and while it covers a lot of ground, there’s a natural rhythm to it. Grass Valley and Nevada City both have walkable downtown areas with restaurants, cafés, and gas stations, which makes them good spots to stop early on. Once you get into Downieville, things get quieter, with a general store and a few river pull-offs where you can take a break. From there, the road feels more open and remote until you reach Truckee, where you’ll head west on I-80 and finish the loop back in Auburn.

Because parts of this ride climb into higher elevation, it’s best to check conditions before heading out, especially in early spring or late fall. Snow can stick around longer than you’d expect in the Sierras. It’s one of those routes that feels different depending on which direction you ride it, and it’s a good one to come back to when you’re in the mood to cover some miles without heading too far from home.

4. Mormon Emigrant Trail Ride

Start/End Point: Sacramento, CA → Mormon Emigrant Trail (loop back)

The Mormon Emigrant Trail Ride is a little more off the radar, but it’s a favorite for riders who want a quiet stretch of road that feels far from the city without being too far to reach. The ride starts in Sacramento, heads east on US-50, then climbs through Pollock Pines and into the forested backroads of the Mormon Emigrant Trail. It loops back through CA-88, Ridge Road, and CA-49 before bringing you back to Sacramento, adding up to just under 180 miles total.

What makes this route stand out is the setting. Once you're on the Mormon Emigrant Trail, the road levels out and opens up with long, steady curves, pine trees on both sides, and barely any traffic. It’s the kind of ride where you don’t see many cars, and the views just roll on as you go. There's a calm stretch through Sly Park on the way up, and if you feel like stopping for a quick break or lunch, the nearby Jenkinson Lake area has a few quiet pull-offs and picnic areas.

Keep in mind this is a seasonal route. The Mormon Emigrant Trail usually opens in late spring and stays accessible through the fall, but it’s closed during the winter months due to snow. You can check the current road and trail status here through the Eldorado National Forest website before heading out.

5. Garden Highway Loop

Start/End Point: Sacramento, CA

You don’t always need a long ride through the mountains to enjoy the day. Sometimes, just getting out of the city for a bit and following the river is enough, and that’s exactly what Garden Highway loop does. It takes you north out of Sacramento, winds through the open stretches near Nicolaus, and brings you back down Garden Highway with the Feather River on one side and farmland on the other. Once you hit the curve near Verona, the Sacramento River takes over and stays in view all the way back into town.

This isn’t a technical ride, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s calm, open, and gives you room to settle in. The road runs through quiet patches where you won’t see much of anything, then out of nowhere you’re riding past levees, ranch gates, and stretches of river that look completely untouched. Garden Highway brings you back into the city near Discovery Park, where you’ve got plenty of spots to stop for food or just park it and hang out for a bit. If you’re short on time or just want something that feels local without feeling boring, this route is a good one to keep in your back pocket.

Motorcycle Rentals in Sacramento, CA

Booking a motorcycle rental in Sacramento through Riders Share gives you access to bikes from real riders in the area, which means more options and a more local experience. Sacramento works well as a home base, especially if you’re planning one of those longer Northern California motorcycle rides, since you're already close to places like Napa, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevada region. If you're new to the platform or just want to see how the process works, check out our guide on how to rent a motorcycle in California for a quick breakdown of what to expect.

First time using Riders Share? Get 20% off! 

If you’ve never booked through Riders Share before, your first rental automatically comes with 20% off—no promo code required. It’s an easy way to try the platform without paying full price right out of the gate. There’s also a referral program that lets you earn up to $100 every time someone signs up and books using your link, so if you’ve got friends who ride, it’s worth sharing.

Let the Ride Begin

Sacramento has no shortage of roads that are worth your time, and there’s always something new to check out just beyond the city. Whether you’re sticking close to home or heading out for a longer ride, you don’t have to go far to find a route that feels different. Pick a direction, gear up, and see where the day takes you!