When most people think of Nevada, they picture the glittering lights of Las Vegas, a desert wasteland, and perhaps a quick drive through the state to get to somewhere else. But if you ride, and I mean really ride, you know Nevada is hiding a two-wheeled (or three-wheeled, in my case) paradise of open roads, high-desert landscapes, and some jaw-dropping views that make you want to ditch your phone and just be present. Trust me, it’s not all slot machines and dry heat—though the latter does make for a comfortable jacket-free ride season most of the year.

Having ridden traditional cruisers and adventure bikes for years, and now proudly owning a Can-Am Spyder RT (because my knees deserve to enjoy the ride too), I’ve come to appreciate roads that blend stunning views with manageable terrain. Nevada delivers both in spades. Whether you're a day-tripper like me and my husband or planning to conquer some serious mileage, this state has a mix of both well-loved highways and lesser-known gems.

Let’s hit the throttle and dig into some of Nevada’s best motorcycle adventures—starting with Vegas and working our way toward the infamous “Loneliest Road in America.”

Red Rock Canyon Loop – A Desert Jewel Just Outside Vegas

Scenic Rides Near Las Vegas

Not every great motorcycle ride in Nevada has to start with a gas station burrito and miles of nothingness. Just west of the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive is a stunning 13-mile one-way loop that feels worlds away from the neon and chaos. The road winds through dramatic red sandstone cliffs, rugged desert hills, and wide-open vistas that practically beg for throttle control and a camera strapped to your handlebars.

It’s not long or technical, but it’s the kind of ride that reminds you why you ride. If you’re visiting Vegas, renting a bike for this short ride is more than worth it.

Eats & Sleeps:

• Honey Salt – Located in Summerlin (just east of Red Rock), this farm-to-table bistro delivers fresh, seasonal dishes with a cozy, upscale feel. A favorite among locals and visitors who want a quality meal away from the Strip.

• Stay at the Red Rock Casino Resort for upscale biker-friendly lodging without the Strip madness

Valley of Fire State Park – Mars on Earth, With Curves

Highway 169 & Moapa Valley

If you've never ridden through Valley of Fire State Park, go ahead and slap it on your list now. It’s about an hour northeast of Vegas, and the ride there—especially via Highway 169 through the Moapa Valley—is like floating through layers of color, from coral red to burnt orange to golden brown.

The roads inside the park are smooth, twisty, and surrounded by towering rock formations that look like something out of a sci-fi flick. You’ll want to stop every five minutes to snap a photo—just remember, snakes sunbathe too, so keep your boots high and your camera ready.

Eats & Sleeps:

• Inside Scoop in Overton: A quirky, delicious stop for sandwiches and (surprise!) killer ice cream

• North Shore Inn: Basic, biker-friendly, and right where you need it in Overton

• Pack a picnic—there are shaded rest areas perfect for mid-ride breaks

Great Basin Highway – Riding into Nevada’s Wild Heart

U.S. Route 93 North to Ely

Leaving the Vegas sprawl behind, head north on U.S. Route 93, aka the Great Basin Highway. This stretch takes you deep into the wide-open soul of Nevada—where you’ll pass ghost towns, old mining camps, and long stretches of highway that make your throttle hand twitch with anticipation.

The route takes you through Pioche, a once-wild mining town known for its gunfights and (allegedly) more than a few unmarked graves. From there, ride into Ely, where the mountains seem to rise up out of nowhere and the air cools to that perfect “no-jacket, no-sweat” temperature.

Eats & Sleeps:

• Silver Café in Pioche: Tiny, quirky, and full of history

• Cell Block Steak House in Ely: Located in a former jail and surprisingly upscale

• Stay at the Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall in Ely—historic charm and safe bike parking

The Loneliest Road in America – U.S. Route 50

Fallon to Ely to Austin to Eureka

Now for the big one. U.S. Route 50, dubbed the Loneliest Road in America, spans central Nevada and offers a ride like no other. It’s not just the lack of traffic—though, yeah, you may not see another soul for an hour—it’s the eerie beauty of it all. This road has the kind of solitude that clears your mind, and the kind of scenery that makes you question how this isn’t a national park.

Heading east from Fallon, you'll pass Sand Mountain Recreation Area, the Toquima Range, Austin (not Texas, the original wild west version), and eventually end up back in Ely. It’s pure, uninterrupted freedom, the kind that makes you forget about your inbox or the fact that you haven’t had cell service for hours.

I’ll be honest—this ride reminded me a little of motherhood: long stretches of calm, occasional bumps in the road, and moments of complete awe. Also, you’ll want to bring snacks and gas up early. There's a reason it's called lonely.

Eats & Sleeps:

• Middlegate Station: Middle of nowhere saloon with great burgers and weird décor. Do not skip.

• Sundown Lodge: This locally owned, biker-welcoming motel in the heart of Eureka offers clean, comfortable rooms with easy parking and walking access to restaurants and the historic downtown area. It’s a great no-frills option with charm and convenience for road-weary riders.

Bonus Detour: Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway

Ruby Mountains Ride Worth the Effort

If you’re willing to detour way north to Elko, the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the most underrated motorcycle rides in the state. Twisting up through glacier-carved valleys and alpine forests, this road feels like the Sierra Nevadas' secret cousin. It’s only about 12 miles long, but the ride up into the Ruby Mountains is pure magic—especially if you're itching for some elevation change and a chill in the air.

This isn’t a “burn up the curves” type of ride—it’s more of a “slow down, breathe, and marvel at how lucky we are” route. Bring a hoodie. Trust me.

Eats & Sleeps:

• The Star Hotel in Elko: Family-style Basque dining with steak so good it should come with a warning

• Shilo Inn Elko: Affordable, clean, and has room for your bike and your road-weary self

Nevada: A Rider’s Dream You Didn’t See Coming

Nevada might not be the first place you think of when planning a bucket-list motorcycle trip—but it should be. The state is a sprawling mix of neon cityscapes, ghost towns, canyons, alpine byways, and open desert highways that beg to be explored on two or three wheels. Whether you're a Vegas local, a cross-country traveler, or just someone who needs the road to shake off life’s chaos, Nevada has a ride for you.

From twisty loops near Red Rock Canyon to the vast, soul-soothing loneliness of U.S. Route 50, these roads offer freedom in its purest form. And as someone who’s ridden through phases of life—from cruiser to adventure bike to a Can-Am Spyder RT—trust me when I say, you don’t have to be young or fearless to ride Nevada. You just have to be ready to feel alive.