The mild weather in Nevada allows motorcyclists to enjoy riding all year. But what roads offer the most fun and the greatest views throughout the state? In today’s Modern Choice Insurance blog, we answer that question with the help of Motorcycle Nerd and Great Motorcycle Roads. Whether you want to explore the area around Reno or Las Vegas, NV, or you yearn for a desert ride, this list offers enough ideas to fill your riding year.
1. Mount Charleston Loop
Nearly 41 million people visit Las Vegas each year, according to Vegas Primer. But there’s more to explore than The Strip. Rent a motorcycle and head north 20 miles to explore the Mount Charleston Loop. The ride lasts one hour and includes NV-156, NV-157, NV-158, and NV-95. This route features the curves of Deer Creek Rd. and views of the Mt. Charleston Mountain range and the pine forest along the roadsides.
2. Red Rock Canyon Road
Before leaving Las Vegas, explore Red Rock Canyon Road. This one-hour ride encompasses 24 miles of natural beauty. Take NV-159 20 miles south of Vegas and enjoy Scenic Loop Dr. You’ll pass through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a perfect place to stop for a hike.
3. Pyramid Lake, Empire, Black Rock Desert
From Reno, drive north on 445 to reach Pyramid Lake. Picnic on its gorgeous shores, then head back out on 446, junctioning with 447. Continue north to explore Empire, a ghost town once a thriving mining town of US Gypsum employees. Heading further north, explore Gerlach, the entry point to the Black Rock Desert.
4. Nelson, Techatticup Gold Mine, and Searchlight
Can’t get enough of ghost towns? Head south from Las Vegas on I-51, then take NV-165 east to Nelson. In this gold mining ghost town, you can still tour the now-defunct Techatticup Gold Mine and what remains of the town. Head north to I-51/NV-95 to traipse further south to Searchlight, another ghost town of merit.
5. Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Washoe Lake
From Reno, head south on 431 to enjoy forested mountain views. Stop for lunch in Incline Village, on the coast of Lake Tahoe. Leaving Tahoe, go south on 28, then head east on US-50 until you reach the Highway 395 Alternate junction. Take 395 Alt North to explore Carson City, then go north to return to Reno, passing by Washoe Lake and going through the desert. Driven without stops, this 101-mile journey takes nearly three hours.
6. Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire
Nearly everyone who visits Nevada visits Hoover Dam. Since you’ll probably visit it anyway, here’s an exciting two-hour ride of 103 miles that departs from Hoover Dam and goes to the Valley of Fire. This breathtaking ride includes Lakeshore Rd., NV-167, and Valley of Fire Highway. Head northwest on Lakeshore Rd. Along Lake Mead’s coastline, then take NV-167 to reach Valley of Fire. This ride provides lake views, Aztec sandstone, and desert.
Contact Our Agency Today
Before pulling out of your Las Vegas, NV, driveway, call or email Modern Choice Insurance for a motorcycle insurance review. Make sure your bike has the coverage it needs before exploring Nevada.