6 Dream Destinations for Dirt Bikers
The cool thing about dirt bikes is that they’re at their best pretty much anywhere there isn’t pavement. It might seem like a bold and broad claim, but their generally light weight, nimbleness, all-terrain traction, and suspensions that can take a pounding mean dirt bikes can take riders to places few other modes of transport can.
Recognizing that off-road riding means different things to different people, we’ve assembled a varied list of dream destinations for those who like a little dirt (or sand, mud, or gravel) under their tires. Of course, the planet is covered in incredible places to explore, so this list merely scratches the surface.
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1. Mojave Desert
Countless centuries ago, the Mojave natives beat paths into the harsh desert landscape that’s taken their name. These trails were based on the need for water between points, and not necessarily the straightest, smoothest, or most direct route, which makes them all the more fun to ride and explore in a modern era that’s typically focused on destinations rather than journeys.
It’s a massive region that includes national park lands, as well as 1.6 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that runs north of Joshua Tree Park between Barstow and Needles, California. The spiderweb of trails carved through the desert is extensive, giving riders of all skill levels the opportunity to get out for some great riding that can mean everything from easy-access trails, to dunes, to multi-day overland adventures.
2. Swing Arm City, Utah
With a bike’s back end being part of the name here, you just have to know it’s going to be good. Swing Arm City, near Caineville, Utah, is a rider’s paradise. Like an open-world video game, dirt lovers have the opportunity to simply go wild in this massive freeride area that includes expanses of flat land to kick up dust. There are some short trails that take riders to the top of buttes and mountains, where you can ride across the top of geological spines, too. If you do so, be sure to stop and take in the incredible moon-like views from time to time.
There are also canyon narrows that can test a rider’s skills, riding between rocky walls. While we can’t imagine ever growing tired of this playground, in the unlikely event boredom sets in, southern and central Utah are covered with endless trail networks to explore.
3. Alpine Loop, Colorado
Like most of the Southwest United States, Colorado spoils riders with an incredible wealth of riding opportunities. For those looking to get out of the dusty desert and up into the thin mountain air, the Alpine Loop features a network of roughly 65 miles’ worth of high-altitude motorized vehicle trails, with peaks in both Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass that can top 13,000 feet. Needless to say, the terrain is rocky, steep, and quite challenging in spots, but beyond the fragrant evergreens, the views can be truly breathtaking.
4. Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, UK
Of course, the U.S. isn’t the only place for epic off-road rides. Those into motocross riding should have Hawkstone Park on their bucket list. Since the 1950s — long before motocross came to America — the Grand Prix races were held at Hawkstone Park. For more than 70 years, the world’s top off-road riders have fought for titles on Hawkstone’s dirt, with annual races still seeing upcoming riders compete with somewhat smaller crowds cheering them on.
But even decades before the track was set up, the surrounding rocky, woody terrain was the site of hill-climb events and “scrambles,” with the British Trials Grand Prix still utilizing the rugged surroundings for its event. Hawkstone is a private facility, so would-be riders should organize any potential visits in advance.
5. The Alps, France
This one’s a bit of a cheat. To get the best full experience of riding the French Alps, a dual sport or adventure bike may be a better choice than a dirt bike — if only because it’ll enable a rider to carry more and go farther, and because some of the best routes here are technically roads. Still, this region better known for skiing and hiking also plays host to some sensational alpine rides, with rocky paths and countless switchbacks that rise and fall through the mountains near the Italian border.
Fresh air, incredible views, quaint villages, and, of course, sensational food are the rewards for tackling these mountain routes. A rider could stitch together a route that includes the Col de l’Iseran (the highest pass in the Alps) and the Col de la Bonette (the highest road in the Alps), while continuing all the way down to the French Riviera and Mediterranean coastline.
6. Northern Vietnam
For a ride that’s a little more exotic, northern Vietnam has grown increasingly popular with adventurous riders looking to brave the heat, humidity, jungles, and mountain passes to see the gorgeous sights and to visit the local villages. With small motorcycles and scooters being a prevalent means of transportation throughout much of southern Asia, it’s no surprise that Vietnamese tour operators and promoters have started pushing this means of transportation for adventure travelers, too.
Typically topping out at only 250 cc’s, most of the rental and fleet bikes available are small, lightweight, and manageable even for novice riders — which is appreciated when climbing switchbacks that can sometimes be slick with mud.
These are only a handful of the limitless off-road riding opportunities that await around the world, and the best part is that each one of these regions has a well-established network of rental machines and even tour packages available. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to hop on that dirt bike and check some destinations off your must-do list!
Jeff Wilson
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