A state this vast and geographically diverse offers incredible rides in every direction. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of convenient fuel stops, scenic overlooks, and countless opportunities for adventure beyond the road. Here are four outstanding motorcycle routes across Texas that every rider should experience.
Winnie to Texas City (Galveston)
This ride will have you hugging the southern shoreline and enjoying the serenity of unspoiled views. Start by heading south from the little town of Winnie. You’ll roll through High Island, one of the top migratory bird viewing areas in the United States. When you see the Gulf, turn west to enjoy the sea breezes. Then roll your wheels onto the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry, the link between Bolivar Peninsula and the historic town of Galveston. Tankers, large ships, shrimp boats, and the Bolivar lighthouse can be viewed from an upper observation deck. Watch for dolphins and seagulls as you and your bike take the short ferry journey across the bay. Galveston awaits on the other side, with its miles of beaches and historic architecture. Fresh seafood abounds, so try a shrimp po’boy or get some fresh catch to go. Hop back on to Texas City to grab a cold one or tuck into a plate of crawfish or shrimp at any of the several seafood restaurants found here.
Palo Duro Canyon Loop (Amarillo area)
With the old Route 66 (“Main Street of America”) rolling through it, the Panhandle has been as American as it gets, but unlike any other place on Earth. And one of the best ways to experience this part of Texas is from the open road. From Amarillo, head southeast through Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Explore the depths of the 800-foot-deep canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., or enjoy TEXAS Outdoor Musical, a live performance held outdoors in a scenic canyon amphitheater. As you loop back to Amarillo, dig into a steak at Big Texan Steak Ranch where the famous “72-ounce Steak Challenge” tempts many a hungry visitor. Also, don’t miss Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field, located about 12 miles west of downtown Amarillo.
The Big Bend Experience (Big Bend)
Beauty and peace are just two reasons to visit Big Bend National Park. Surrounded by the Chisos mountain range and a portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, the largest and most biologically diverse North American desert, the scenery and unmatched vistas here make for memorable rides. Elevations range from 2,000 feet along the Rio Grande River to more than 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. An array of plant and animal species are found here, so plan to pull off the road for pictures as you ride. Riding options include The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, a 30-mile paved road that leads to the Castolon Historic District, the Sotol Vista Overlook, Mule Ears Viewpoint, and Santa Elena Canyon. From Marathon, Texas, you can ride seemingly endless paved roads that wind through wide open spaces and breathtaking rugged scenery to the park entrance. In the nearby ghost town of Terlingua, relax overnight in a luxury yurt or stop for a round of golf in Lajitas. Don’t miss the enchanting and artsy town of Marfa, where you can sometimes catch the famed mysterious Marfa lights at a roadside viewing area. The splendid experience of Big Bend is worth the time it takes to get here, so plan to stay a few days and explore!
Texas’s long and winding roads will have experienced motorcyclists blissing out. And these are just a few of the many great rides in Texas!
The Twisted Sisters (Hill Country)
Appearing like a giant lasso on the map, the Twisted Sisters consist of Texas Ranch Roads (RR) 335, 336, and 337. The “Sisters” cover roughly 130 miles, taking riders into beautiful and rugged terrain in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Besides the miles of stunning views, we’re talking about lots of “twisties” to make the ride technically challenging for two-wheeled explorers. In one 15-mile section, there are approximately 65 curves! Riding west out of Medina, bikers roam through a picturesque valley framed by steep hills. Ranch sites here are panoramic, and you are likely to see exotic game, such as antelope, ostrich, and llamas. In spring, the hills are awash in bluebonnets and other Texas wildflowers. Visit with other motorcyclists and grab a burger at the Bent Rim Grill here. Check out the unique collection of 90-plus vintage bikes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s at the Texas Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Johnson City, then grab a burger and brew or sip a glass of wine at any number of appealing local restaurants. Riding all three of the Twisted Sisters in a single day is a lot, which is why many motorcyclists choose to stay overnight in cozy cabins and cottages located along the routes.
