Best Motorcycle Rides in Tucson, Arizona

Nov 19, 2024

Tucson, Arizona, offers a variety of motorcycle rides that showcase the region's unique landscapes, historic sites, and scenic roads. Whether you're looking for a short ride close to the city or a full-day adventure through open desert and mountains, Tucson has routes for every kind of rider. Here’s a guide to some of the best motorcycle rides in and around Tucson.

1. Gates Pass

Gates Pass is a good place to ride a motorcycle in Tucson. This short route features moderate speeds, a few tight curves, and wide views of Arizona’s southern valleys. Created by pioneer Thomas Gates in the 1880s, Gates Pass is both a scenic and historic destination.

• Distance: About 6 miles one-way
• Highlights: Gates Pass Overlook, stone cabins with picnic tables, hiking trails

Gates Pass is a great spot to catch an Arizona sunset. Pack some snacks and enjoy a quiet picnic in one of the stone cabins. Be cautious on the curves, especially if traffic is heavy.

2. Catalina Highway (Mt. Lemmon Highway)

Also known as the Mt. Lemmon Highway, this 27-mile motorcycle ride climbs from the desert into the Catalina Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see a range of landscapes, from cactus-filled deserts to pine-covered slopes. The route ends at the summit of Mt. Lemmon, which provides cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air.

• Distance: 27 miles one way
• Highlights: Scenic stops, Coronado National Forest, Aspen Vista

Stop at the viewpoints along the way, such as Babad Do’ag Vista, to take in the changing scenery. Keep cash on hand for possible fees at some spots.

3. Cochise County Loop

For a longer motorcycle ride near Tucson, the Cochise County Loop offers a full day of open roads through southeastern Arizona. This route passes through historic towns like Sonoita and Sierra Vista, with mountain and desert views along the way.

• Distance: Approximately 231 miles (loop)
• Highlights: Small towns, mountain and desert landscapes

Bring a map or GPS, as parts of this loop are remote. Plan extra time to explore towns and scenic viewpoints.

4. Fairbank Ghost Town

Head to Fairbank, a ghost town west of Tombstone along Highway 82, for a ride with historical interest. Once a busy railroad stop, Fairbank is now a quiet relic of the Old West. The restored schoolhouse serves as a visitor center with information about the town's past.

• Distance: Around 70 miles from Tucson
• Highlights: Historic buildings, San Pedro River, hiking trails

Take a walk around Fairbank to enjoy the trails and shaded areas near the San Pedro River.

Let a Local Show You the Best of Southern Arizona

Tucson has more riding than most visitors can cover in a single trip, and knowing which routes to combine and when to hit them takes local knowledge. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across Arizona led by riders who know the desert roads, the mountain passes, and the timing that makes each ride better. If you want to see more of what's around Tucson without spending the trip planning every mile, a guided experience is a great way to make it happen.

5. Kitt Peak National Observatory

The ride to Kitt Peak National Observatory combines a scenic desert road with an interesting destination. Kitt Peak is home to one of the largest astronomical observatories in the world, and the road up provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

• Distance: 56 miles from Tucson
• Highlights: Observatory tours, desert views

Check the observatory's schedule before visiting, as they often offer tours. The elevation makes it cooler than Tucson, which can be a nice break in warmer months.

6. Back Roads to Arivaca and Peña Blanca Lake

If you’re looking for a quiet ride on lesser-known roads, head toward Arivaca and Peña Blanca Lake. This route includes a mix of paved and dirt roads, making it ideal for riders with dual-sport or adventure bikes.

• Distance: Around 60 miles from Tucson
• Highlights: Arivaca’s small-town feel, Peña Blanca Lake’s peaceful setting

If you’re on a street bike, stick to the paved roads toward Arivaca. Riders with suitable bikes can take the dirt road to Peña Blanca Lake for a relaxed picnic by the water.

7. Old Route 666 (The Devil’s Highway)

For riders ready to travel further, Old Route 666—now Highway 191—is a challenging Arizona route known for its twists and remote mountain scenery. Often called "The Devil's Highway," this route takes you through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and up to the town of Alpine.

• Distance: About 150 miles from Safford, AZ, to Alpine
• Highlights: Tight curves, forest views, mountain terrain

This route is best for experienced riders. Plan for a multi-day trip, as the winding roads require focus and may take longer than expected.

8. Madera Canyon Road

Madera Canyon is a less-traveled route located south of Tucson in the Santa Rita Mountains. Known for bird-watching and scenic forest views, this road takes you through a unique blend of desert and high-altitude woodlands. Madera Canyon offers a peaceful ride with beautiful scenery and cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

• Distance: About 25 miles from Tucson
• Highlights: Bird-watching spots, shaded picnic areas, scenic mountain views

Madera Canyon has several hiking trails if you want to take a break from riding. Pack some food and enjoy a picnic in the shade.

9. Reddington Pass Loop

For riders looking for a bit of adventure, Reddington Pass is a rugged, partially unpaved route northeast of Tucson. This route offers a backcountry experience, with desert views, rocky terrain, and a few spots to pull over and explore. It’s best for dual-sport or adventure bikes due to the rough road conditions.

• Distance: Approximately 20 miles from Tucson
• Highlights: Desert scenery, secluded pull-offs, rough terrain

Reddington Pass is mostly unpaved, so only attempt this route if you have a suitable bike. Pack plenty of water, as there are few amenities along the way.

10. Saguaro National Park (Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive)

For a close-to-town option that showcases Tucson’s unique desert landscape, try the scenic loop through Saguaro National Park’s east district. This paved loop offers an easy ride among towering saguaro cacti, desert vegetation, and views of the Rincon Mountains.

• Distance: 8-mile loop
• Highlights: Iconic saguaro cactus views, desert landscape, visitor center

Saguaro National Park has an entrance fee, so bring cash or a park pass. The loop is short but provides beautiful views and opportunities to stop for photos.

Best Time to Take a Motorcycle Ride in Tucson

Tucson’s weather makes it possible to ride year-round, but the best seasons are spring and fall. During these times, temperatures are mild, and the desert is often filled with blooming wildflowers in spring. 

For summer rides, high-elevation routes like Mt. Lemmon and Kitt Peak offer cooler temperatures. In winter, Tucson’s lower-elevation rides, like Gates Pass and the Cochise County Loop, stay comfortable and are usually clear of snow.

Is Tucson, Arizona, Motorcycle Friendly?

Yes, Tucson, Arizona, is a motorcycle-friendly city with a range of scenic routes, mild winter weather, and plenty of open roads to explore. The city's layout makes it easy for riders to access nearby mountain roads, desert landscapes, and historic sites, all within a short drive. 

Local roads like Gates Pass and Catalina Highway attract riders for their curves and views, while the surrounding areas offer longer trips through the diverse scenery of southern Arizona. With a supportive local motorcycle community, regular events, and plenty of rider-friendly stops along the way, Tucson has something for everyone, from short scenic loops to full-day adventures through mountains and valleys.

Tucson Motorcycle Rentals for Your Next Ride

If you’re visiting Tucson and need a bike, Riders Share offers an easy way to rent one locally. This peer-to-peer platform lets you choose from a range of motorcycles, whether you need a cruiser for scenic routes like Catalina Highway or an adventure bike for rugged rides like Reddington Pass. Simply create an account, browse available bikes in Tucson, and book your ride—all with flexible options and insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Plan Your Next Tucson Motorcycle Adventure

Tucson has a variety of routes for motorcycle riders, from short scenic rides to full-day loops. Remember to check road conditions and pack essentials, especially if you’re venturing into remote areas. Whether you’re seeking mountain roads or historic ghost towns, Tucson’s rides have something to offer every rider.

This guide gives you a starting point for exploring Tucson’s motorcycle routes, each with its own mix of scenery and history. Gear up, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!