Best Motorcycle Rides in Palm Springs, California

Dec 23, 2024

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, the best motorcycle rides near Palm Springs, CA, offer a mix of scenic routes, open roads, and unique destinations. Whether you want to explore desert landscapes, cruise through mountain curves, or enjoy quirky roadside attractions, there’s a ride for everyone. 

Palm Springs motorcycle rides like the Palms to Pines Highway, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Rim of the World Highway showcase some of California’s most beautiful and diverse terrain. With so many incredible routes, Palm Springs is the perfect hub for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Palms to Pines Highway - California Route 74*

Start: Palm Desert, CA

End: Valle Vista, CA

Distance: 50 miles, about 1 hour of ride time

The Palms to Pines Highway, also known as California Route 74, is a must-ride for motorcyclists visiting the Palm Springs area. This 50-mile stretch begins in Palm Desert and winds its way up through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, offering a dramatic shift in scenery from desert landscapes to lush pine forests. Riders can enjoy sweeping curves and well-paved roads that make for a smooth and enjoyable ride, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. As you climb in elevation, the temperatures cool down, providing a refreshing break from the desert heat. The ride ends in Valle Vista, offering a full hour of scenic bliss.

*CAUTION: This route can be windy with blind spots. Signs along the highway encourage motorcyclists to exercise caution. 

Palm Springs to Idyllwild, California*

Start: Palm Springs, CA

End: Idyllwild, CA

Distance: 55 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes

The ride from Palm Springs to Idyllwild, California, is a scenic 55-mile route that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, starting on Route 74 and eventually making your way to the Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway (Route 243). Starting in the desert town of Palm Springs, the journey quickly climbs into the San Jacinto Mountains, offering sweeping curves, cool mountain air, and incredible views. Along the way, riders experience a dramatic change in landscape, moving from desert terrain to pine forests and mountain vistas.

Idyllwild itself is a charming mountain town, perfect for a relaxing stop with its small shops, cafes, and outdoor activities. This ride is a great mix of fun roads and peaceful scenery, making it a favorite for motorcyclists looking to escape the desert heat and enjoy a refreshing mountain retreat.

*CAUTION: This route can be windy with blind spots. Signs along the highway encourage motorcyclists to exercise caution. 

Rim of the World Highway- California Route 18

Start/End: Phelan, CA

Distance: 105 miles, 2 hours and 50 minutes

The Rim of the World Highway, also known as California State Route 18, is a stunning 105-mile motorcycle ride near Palm Springs that takes you through some of Southern California's most scenic mountain roads. Starting near San Bernardino, the route winds through the San Bernardino Mountains, offering incredible views of the valleys below and the distant desert landscapes.

Riders will pass through charming mountain towns like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, which are great spots to stop for a meal or a quick break. With its winding roads, forested stretches, and breathtaking overlooks, the Rim of the World Highway is a must-ride for motorcyclists who enjoy a mix of adventure and natural beauty. It’s a longer ride, so plan your stops and enjoy the journey.

Want a Local to Show You the Best Desert and Mountain Roads?

Palm Springs sits at the intersection of some of California's best desert and mountain riding, and knowing which routes to combine and when to ride them makes a big difference. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across California led by locals who know the curves on Route 74, the timing for Joshua Tree, and the stops that turn a good ride into a great one. If you'd rather follow someone who's done these roads than plan every mile yourself, a guided tour is a great way to see more of what the region has to offer.

The Julian Pie Ride

Distance: 100 miles (one-way), 2 hours (not including the time it takes you to eat pie)

Take highway 79 south to Santa Ysybel,  making your first stop at California Mountain Bakery. While this spot technically outside of Julian, they create stiff competition when it comes to pies. From CMB, keep following highway 79 towards Julian, where you can stop at the two famous pie shops: Julian Pie Company and Mom’s Pie House. 

What desert ride is more rewarding than one that ends in dessert?

Joshua Tree National Park Motorcycle Ride

Start: Palm Springs, CA

End: Joshua Tree National Park - West Entrance

Distance: 38 miles, 55 minutes

motorcycle ride to Joshua Tree National Park is a perfect way to experience the open roads and desert scenery of Southern California. Starting in Palm Springs, you’ll take CA-62 east, a smooth and scenic route that leads directly to the park’s West Entrance near the town of Joshua Tree. This 37.5-mile ride takes about 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the desert landscape along the way.

Once inside the park, the journey gets even better. The park’s paved roads, like Park Boulevard, wind through iconic Joshua trees, unique rock formations, and wide-open desert vistas. Key stops include Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View for incredible panoramic views. Whether you’re stopping to hike or just enjoying the ride, the quiet roads and striking landscapes make this a memorable trip on two wheels.

End your ride with a loop back toward the North or South Entrance, or head back to Palm Springs the way you came. The round trip is short enough for a day ride but offers plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and take in the beauty of Joshua Tree.

The Salton Sea Loop

Start/End: Palm Springs, CA

Distance: 191 miles, 3 hours and 30 minutes

The Salton Sea Loop is a 125-mile adventure that takes you around California’s largest lake, combining unique desert scenery, quirky attractions, and open roads. Starting at the northern end of the Salton Sea in Mecca, the route follows Highway 111 south, passing through Bombay Beach and Niland, with stops at Salvation Mountain and Slab City for a glimpse into the area's offbeat culture. From there, the ride continues through agricultural fields and follows Highway 86 back to Salton City, ending with a stretch along Highway 195 to return to Mecca.

This loop is mostly flat with an elevation gain of just 1,101 feet, but the first half of the ride can be challenging, with narrow roads and tight curves in some areas. Along the way, riders can enjoy sights like migrating birds, bubbling mud pots, and the famous art installations of Bombay Beach. Highlights include hiking Rock Hill Trail, visiting the eccentric Salvation Mountain, and exploring the Slabs, made famous by Into the Wild.

With its mix of natural beauty, unique landmarks, and open-road freedom, the Salton Sea Loop offers a memorable day of riding for motorcyclists seeking a blend of adventure and culture. Don’t forget to check out the Salton Sea State Recreation Area’s Visitor Center to round out your trip.

Motorcycle Rentals in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is the perfect starting point for incredible motorcycle rides, from Joshua Tree National Park to the scenic Pines to Palms Highway. With Riders Share, motorcycle rentals in Palm Springs are quick, easy, and affordable. Choose from a variety of bikes to fit your ride, whether you’re cruising through the desert or heading into the mountains. Start your next adventure on two wheels with Riders Share!

Get Ready for Your Next Palm Springs Motorcycle Ride

The motorcycle rides Palm Springs has to offer are some of the most scenic and rewarding in California. From iconic routes like the Salton Sea Loop to the breathtaking climbs of the Pines to Palms Highway, there’s no shortage of options for exploring on two wheels. 

Whether you’re tackling a short day trip or a longer ride, Palm Springs motorcycle rides deliver an unforgettable experience for riders of all levels. Start planning your next adventure today and discover why these routes are among the best motorcycle rides near Palm Springs, CA.