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Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Julian - CA Motorcycle Ride

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Julian - CA Motorcycle Ride

Julian Motorcycle Ride | EagleRider

This short but scenic route from Chula Vista to Julian often feels like it has been designed with motorcycle riders in mind. Along the way, as the road gently ascends, you will enjoy sweeping curves, some twisties, and a few canyon-like sections. The best part is, you will likely have the place to yourself as this area is sparsely populated, plus you are guaranteed to spot some deer or even a lone cougar during the trip. Don’t let the night catch you, however, as wildlife becomes more active during the dark hours and the road may become more treacherous.

There are several noteworthy stops and waypoints along this route, so it's worth making it a day-long trip. Let’s take a look at what awaits you on your motorcycle adventure to Julian.

Otay Lakes

Your first scenic stop along the route will be the Lower Otay Lake. As you jump off Route 125 and take the Otay Lakes Road, the landscape will begin to change gradually. The route here is a quiet two-lane road taking you past the serene Lower Otay Lake. The area is ideal for motorcycle rides: the tranquil scenery, the solitude, and the winding road unfurling under your tires as far as the eye can see are all excellent components of a good road trip.

Just before you cross Route 94, stop at the Pio Pico RV Park and General Store to grab a bite to eat or buy some snacks. From here until Julian lunch options will be scarce, so make sure you have enough water and snack supplies for the road.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Pine Hills

Once you get on the Honey Springs Road leading towards Julian, the route will begin to change as you ascend the green hills and here the road begins to twist and turn. Past Los Terrenitos, you will enter the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park popular among mountain bikers because of its winding trails. Cedar and pine forests cover most of the Park’s plateau, and in the North, Cuyamaca meets Cleveland National Forest which is known for its stunning mountain vistas, wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.

There are plenty of lookout points along the way, especially at Lake Cuyamaca. Stop here to stretch your legs, take in the fresh air, and snap some photos. If you missed the Pio Pico stop, you still have a chance to grab a bite to eat at the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant.

As you get back on the motorcycle and continue riding towards Julian, the road will change yet again. Just before Pine Hills, there will be some exhilarating switchbacks that may tempt you to lean in and twist the throttle. Try and ride conservatively, however, as the road is very narrow and the area is popular among RV and tourist drivers, who occasionally might come into your lane.

Julian

As you get to Julian, Julian Pie Company’s pie is the absolute best place to stop. Located at 225 Main Street, the Julian Pie Company won't be hard to miss: it will likely have several motorcycles parked outside as it’s becoming quite the iconic stop for motorcycle riders. If you’re looking for a full meal, there are several BBQ places available nearby.

 

To avoid doubling back on your previous travels, take Route 79 from Julian heading West, then jump on Route 78 and take the Old Julian Highway at Ballena. There are several small wineries in the area you can visit, or simply enjoy the different scenery on your return ride. Our advice is to stay on the smaller roads until you pass Barona Valley and reach Route 67, which will take you back to San Diego.

 

Route on Google Maps

Scenic ride length: 71 miles

Ride duration: 2 hours one-way

Palomar Mountain Route

Palomar Mountain Route

Situated in the heart of the Cleveland National Forest, the Palomar Mountain route is not for the faint of heart. Local motorcyclists swear this route is “the most technical road in southern California”, and it’s certainly among the most scenic. Offering countless steep, adrenaline-inducing hairpins, twists, and turns, this route reveals stunning mountain vistas at every corner. Steep drop-offs, rocky ledges, and densely forested mountain slopes make you feel like you are riding in some pristine, untouched wild country.

As you travel the Palomar Mountain route, be prepared to stop often as there will be several incredibly scenic lookout points along the way. With its many sharp turns and snake bends, this curvy road will keep your eyes on the pavement ahead of you rather than the scenery, so make sure to take a break once in a while to take it all in.

Palomar State Park and Observatory

As you travel the Palomar Mountain route, consider taking a detour on Doane Valley Road to visit the Palomar State Park. Boasting spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, the Park also offers hiking trails, fishing, and camping if you’re looking to fall off the grid for a day or two and experience being away from the hustle and bustle. The Park is open from dawn till dusk, and the entrance fee for a motorcycle is $10.

Leaving the Park, the route will take you past Palomar Mountain Observatory, where you can park your bike and do a short hike to the Observatory. Their 200-inch Hale Telescope, one of the largest operational telescopes in the world, is certainly worth the walk, and be sure to visit the small museum or do the guided Observatory tour. It’s all very fascinating.

As you reach Palomar Mountain, Mother’s Kitchen Restaurant is a great stop for travelers. This is a popular place among local motorcyclists, and you’re guaranteed to meet other riders, swap stories, and perhaps sample Mother’s Kitchen’s comfort food or enjoy a hearty breakfast. Mother’s Kitchen is strictly vegetarian, and they ask motorcyclists to park in the further part of the parking lot. The food is delicious, and most motorcycle riders stop here for a break.

From Mother’s Kitchen, you can either take the South Grade Road and ride back towards Route 76, or pick the longer ride on the East Grade Road cutting across the Cleveland National Forest and Lake Henshaw. Both South and East Grade roads are equally scenic, and if you have the time, you should consider riding them both.

As this is a very short ride, considering including the Ortega Highway in your itinerary or, crossing the Anza-Borrego Desert, ride east towards the Salton Sea for some desert scenery and sun-drenched roads.

Route: view in Google Maps

Scenic ride length: 19 miles

Ride duration: 1 hour.

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Joshua Tree National Park - CA Motorcycle Ride

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Joshua Tree National Park - CA Motorcycle Ride

Joshua Tree Motorcycle Ride | EagleRider

One of California’s youngest National Parks and one of its most popular destinations, Joshua Tree is a true natural wonder boasting its native Joshua Trees, Mojave yuccas, and some of the largest monolithic rock formations found in the world. Joshua Tree is also easily one of the most motorcycle-friendly National Parks in the USA, as so much of its 80,000 acres of stunning vistas are visible and accessible from excellent quality paved roads gently twisting across the entire park.

One of the best places to start your Joshua Tree motorcycle ride is Palm Springs. From here, you can do a loop following Route 10, then hopping on Route 62 and following the Park Boulevard road all the way across Joshua Tree National Park until it hits Route 10 again. The loop is 176 miles, making it a perfect day’s ride, although you can always do a longer trip if you’re riding in from LA or San Diego.

Keep in mind that the temperatures in Joshua Tree can get extremely hot in the summer, and the best time to explore the park is spring or fall. In addition, make sure you fill up your motorcycle with gas before entering Joshua Tree National Park. While there are numerous pullouts and viewpoints along the way, there are no gas stations within the park’s boundaries. 

Here’s what’s not to miss on your Joshua Tree adventure.

 

Pioneertown

 Located just off of Route 62, Pioneertown is a captivating place to visit if you love the spirit of the Wild West. Used as a movie set for old-school Westerns, Pioneertown remains a quirky place dotted with bars and saloons offering breakfast and lunch options, as well as live music events for those who opt to stay the night. Pappy & Harriet’s and the Joshua Tree Saloon are among the most popular places in town for motorcycle riders if you are stopping for a snack and a cold drink.

 

Keys View: San Andreas Fault

 Not long after riding from Pioneertown, you’ll reach the Joshua Tree community where the National Park northern entrance is located. Here, take the Park Boulevard Road, which is a quiet two-lane road with lower speed limits, which is ideal for motorcyclists. Going slower is good, as you’ll be wanting to take in the magnificent panoramas the park has to offer.

 One of the most majestic lookout points on the entire Joshua Tree road trip is the Keys View, offering a sweeping vista of the San Andreas Fault. Here, the Pacific Plate meets the North American Plate, and you can see the deep dark line of the rift marking the bottom of the valley. Surrounded by colorful rock formations, with the snow-capped peaks of Mount San Jacinto and Mount Gorgonio looming in the distance, Keys View is one of the most breath-taking panoramas in California and it is visible right from the road.

 

Cholla Cactus Gardens

Doubling back a little, then turning onto the Pinto Basin Road, eventually, you’ll reach another remarkable location: the Cholla Cactus Garden. An undoubtedly unique spot in Joshua Tree National Park, this is where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Desert. Cholla cactus, dubbed “the cutest cactus on the planet”, is a one-of-a-kind desert plant that looks like a strange fluffy flower taken straight from a Salvador Dali painting. Be careful and do not touch the cacti: the spindly thorns will latch on to your skin at the slightest touch.

In spring the cacti bloom in beautiful yellow colors, and in the fall, you may be lucky enough to arrive during the massive tarantula migration when thousands of the giant furry spiders are crossing the road. Park your bike and do the thirty-minute walking loop through the Cholla to admire their unusual thorny desert flowers and to take photos before continuing your ride.

Pro tip: cover your motorcycle seat and handlebars when you leave the bike, as the black color attracts heat and your bike can become scorchingly hot to the touch when you get back on the bike.

 

 

Route: view in Google Maps

Scenic ride length: 176 miles

Ride duration: 4h 30m for the entire loop30m for the entire loop


Instagram photos by: @eaglerider, @withamande, @tibetsmoke, @pro_explores and @johnlmoya

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy HWY 1 - Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur Motorcycle Ride

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy HWY 1 - Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur Motorcycle Ride

California

Considered by many to be the most beautiful road in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway (California Route 1) is a bucket-list ride for any motorcyclist. Meandering along the shores of the thunderous Pacific Ocean, this road offers countless sweeping curves, dramatic scenery, and breath-taking views of the wild and rugged Big Sur. As this route is over 480 miles long, we recommend you break up the journey into two or more days and make it a long weekend getaway ride.

Along the road there will be plenty of scenic lookout points, charming seaside towns and communities, historic towns, and natural landmarks to explore. Here cliffs tumble straight into the lapping waves of the mighty Pacific, and sea animals line the isolated coves, providing much entertainment to visitors along the famous Route 1. The best time to travel the Pacific Coast Highway is in the summer when the road is sun-drenched, offering unobstructed views of the ocean and the awe-inspiring Big Sur mountain slopes.

Here is what’s not to miss along the way:

Monterey Bay

As you leave San Francisco, jump on Route 1 and ride south enjoying the ocean vistas and the gentle twists of the two-lane road unfurling before you. Once you reach Monterey Bay, drop the kickstand here for a bite to eat and a wander through its downtown famous for its quirky Cannery Row, a street lined with cafes, hotels, and interesting shops. Cannery Row is the perfect place to stretch your legs and order up a meal of fresh seafood. If you’re fond of sea life and like seeing it up close and personal, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is excellent. Monterey Bay is a good place to fill up your gas tank before heading to Big Sur, where facilities are scarcer.

Big Sur

Starting near the Carmelo River some 150 miles south of San Francisco, Big Sur is the most spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. The entire ninety-mile section of the road here feels much more remote and rugged than other stretches, as the ocean meets Big Sur’s gargantuan rock and cliff towers, wild beaches, and enchanting redwoods. Take your time and ride Big Sur at a leisurely pace to truly enjoy the incredible scenery at every mile.

As you travel further, stop at McWay Falls, a stunning natural cove with waterfalls plunging down the cliffs. The waterfall used to pour directly into the ocean, but a fire and subsequent landslide turned the cove into a small beach. You can spot the falls right from the road, and there is a small parking area where you can leave your bike and take in the view. You can follow the McWay Falls Trail through the tunnel under Route 1.

If you plan to break this ride in two parts, spending the night in Big Sur can make a magical experience. The Treebones Resort is a popular overnight spot in Big Sur offering a campsite, yurts for rent, and great dining options. In the morning there’s no rush to get back into the saddle as the thick fog that rises from the ocean regularly obscures the morning view.

Hearst Castle

Big Sur ends roughly at San Simeon, a small seaside settlement made famous by the Hearst Castle estate. Built by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, Hearst Castle was a place frequented by the Hollywood stars of the twenties and thirties. This luxurious mansion used to host such Hollywood actors as Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, and Charlie Chaplin. Hearst Castle is now open for visitors and makes for a fascinating stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. The San Simeon pier is also a good place to stretch your legs and admire the view of the ocean.

Another place to get off the bike is the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery just five miles north of San Simeon. Here the elephant seals come year round to birth, mate, and molt as the seasons turn. Quite often there are volunteer docents on the boardwalks who will answer questions and educate visitors on the life cycle of the enigmatic animals.

As you get closer to Los Angeles, stop in Moro Bay or Pismo Beach to sample oysters, a local delicacy, and take a break before entering the city. Moro Bay oysters are famous due to the town’s annual oyster festival. Pismo Beach is known for its tranquil seaside beauty and monarch butterflies that come here to winter.

Once in Los Angeles, consider finishing your trip on the Santa Monica pier, an iconic location where both the Pacific Coast Highway and the historic Route 66 come to an end.

Route: view in Google Maps

Scenic ride length: 480 miles

Ride duration: 9 hours 50 min

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - California Motorcycle Ride

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - California Motorcycle Ride

Offering some of America’s most spectacular redwood, canyon, and mountain vistas, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are situated side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada of California. Easily accessible following the 75-mile route from Lemon Cove to Grant Grove Village, the Parks provide a perfect day’s getaway exploring the dramatic landscape and one of nature’s incredible wonders, the giant sequoias -- the largest trees in the world.

There is no shortage of breathtaking turns, twists, and switchbacks on Route 198 meandering across a rugged canyon and mountain country. This spectacular route is everything a motorcycle rider could hope for. As the road ascends from the sunny foothills into the cooler mountain forests and sequoia groves, it is impossible to resist twisting that throttle and enjoying this ride to the fullest.

This route has plenty of gas stations and lunch as well as dining options along the way, plus numerous lookout points, recreation areas, and hiking trails. Here’s what not no miss along the way.


Foothills Visitor Center and the Giant Forest Museum

As you leave Lemon Grove, the road will skirt the shores of Lake Kaweah revealing Norwegian fjord-like scenery. The road will soon gently begin climbing higher, and you will enter the land of the giants. Make the Foothills Visitor Center your first stop, as it is staffed with friendly park rangers who offer great information on the Parks.

Fifteen miles up the road past some stunning twisties and breath-taking switchbacks which reveal incredible mountain scenery, stop at the Giant Forest Museum. It has a small yet fascinating exhibit area, a gift shop, and great information and tips about visiting the redwoods. The rangers are quite knowledgeable and helpful, so be sure to ask them any questions you may have.


General Sherman Tree

Just two miles up the road from the Giant Forest Museum, plan to stretch your legs and visit the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest sequoia. A giant among giants, General Sherman is 275 feet (83.82 m) tall, over 36 feet (10.97 m) in diameter at the base, and its circumference is over 102 feet (31 m).

General Sherman can be visited by following the hiking trails starting just off the road. There is a small parking lot on the side of the road where you can leave your motorcycle and take the short, half-mile hike to see General Sherman. Alternatively, you can take Wolverton Road just a little further up, park in the General Sherman Tree Car Park, and hike from there. This parking lot is much larger and more convenient, however, it is usually packed with cars and RVs, so the smaller parking might be a better bet for your bike.


Grant Grove Village

After admiring General Sherman, prepare to be equally awed by the road ahead. As if built especially for motorcycle riders, the road is carved into the wild mountain and canyon landscape revealing jaw-dropping vistas at every corner. This byway is so beautiful that you can easily double back and still continue to enjoy your ride and the breathtaking scenery around you.

The final destination on this route, Grant Grove Village is a quiet spot offering visitor center services as well as accommodation and dining options. It‘s a good place to stay overnight if you are planning to explore the area for a little longer, taking the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Route 180), or perhaps heading West to visit Death Valley. Just be sure to make your reservations in advance as this is a popular place for all types of travelers to overnight, especially in the summer season.

Instead of overnighting here, if you intend to head back from this point, Grant Grove Village is also an excellent stop for a quick lunch and one more stroll to admire the giant sequoias. Grant Grove Village has a cafe, restaurant, and pizza place available, which are all good options. You can do some souvenir shopping here. In the spring, summer, and fall months there are hiking, fishing, and horseback riding tours available.

Before you leave, don‘t forget to visit General Grant – the third-largest tree in the world – standing sentinel just a mile up the road.


Route: view in Google Maps

Scenic ride length: 75 miles

Ride duration: 2h 30m

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy ROUTE 243 / 74 - PALMS TO PINES SCENIC BYWAY (VIA IDYLLWILD) - CALIFORNIA Motorcycle Ride

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy ROUTE 243 / 74 - PALMS TO PINES SCENIC BYWAY (VIA IDYLLWILD) - CALIFORNIA Motorcycle Ride

California

Idyllwild Motorcycle Ride | EagleRider

Located just two hours away from Los Angeles, California, the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway offers the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the hidden gems in California, this road has everything a motorcycle rider can wish for: sharp turns and fun twisties, stunning mountain and canyon scenery, and plenty of motorcycle-friendly places to stop and eat along the way.

For the best views of the pine-covered mountains and the Coachella Valley below, ride from Banning to Idyllwild and then to Palm Springs. For the maximum enjoyment of all the curves and switchbacks, however, riding the byway from Palm Springs to Idyllwild might be a better choice as you will be able to really lean into those corners while you are climbing from sea level to over 6,000 feet in elevation. Yet either way you choose to ride the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway will be magnificent.

As you prepare for your trip, pack your motorcycle for wildly varying temperatures. Idyllwild has moderate temperatures, but in Palms Springs, expect sweltering heat that can exceed 120 degrees. Be extra careful on the stretch between Idyllwild and Lake Hemet as the road is very narrow here with a rock wall on one side and sheer cliffs on the other. The guardrails here offer very little security if you overshoot a corner. There might also be wildlife wandering into the road, so ease off the throttle and take in the views instead of rushing into the curves.

Here is what to expect on the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway:

Idyllwild

As soon as you leave Banning, Route 243 will immediately begin snaking up the mountains offering phenomenal views and big, sweeping bends with every mile. Soon, the road will become narrower and steeper, taking you into the stunning mountain country with glimpses of the Mount St. Jacinto peak along the way. The road will take you past Idyllwild, an aptly named mountain town famous for its arts and music scene as well as numerous little eateries and motorcycle-friendly inns and hotels. Idyllwild Bakery & Brew is a must-stop lunch place where you’re guaranteed to meet other motorcycle riders also taking a break on their Palms to Pines ride.

Palm Springs

Past Idyllwild, the road will continue throwing some serious twisties at you until it begins to descend and level out at Lake Hemet. Lake Hemet has several secluded campsites and picnic spots on its shores, and if you’re looking for a quiet place to take a break, jump on the Forest Route 6S15 and do a quick detour to the lake.

Soon after Lake Hemet, the road will begin twisting and turning again, unfolding under your tires in sweeping, high-speed curves and crossing the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Park. More remarkable mountain scenery and generous bends are yet ahead, and as you approach Cahuila Hills and Palm Desert, the landscape will suddenly turn into colorful desert country.

You can either choose to overnight in Palm Desert or continue north to Palm Springs where the Joshua Tree National Park is just a stone’s throw away. You can also ride back to Los Angeles via The Rim of The World Scenic Byway, another fantastic forested mountain route at high elevations.

Scenic ride length: 67 miles
Ride duration: 1h 40 min

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