It is the diverse, awesome beauty of America's western inland landscape that captures people's hearts and has them returning again and again. This amazing tour guides you through three very distinctive areas- the towering Rockies, the colored sands of the Southwest, and the highs and lows of California.

You will encounter the lush northern Cascades, crystal clear mountain lakes and glaciers, granite rock faces of Yosemite, buffalos of Yellowstone, desert 'sculptures' of Bryce Canyon, the isolation of Death Valley, and the lights of Las Vegas! Every day's ride presents a unique landscape sculptured by 'mother earth'- only available in the U.S.A.!

Visiting over six National Parks, wineries, spas, galleries, and options for ballooning, helicopter rides, river rafting and trout fishing- this is a motorcycle tour that allows you to ride the best roads the west has to offer, as well as immersing yourself in the great outdoor lifestyle.

Days: 17
Ride days: 12
Approx. distance: 3,000mi/ 4,830km
Daily average: 250mi/ 402km
Riding difficulty: Easy
Start – Finish: Seattle – Los Angeles

(click on any of the days below for more detail)

NOTE: indicated ride times and distances do NOT account for time spent sightseeing, poor weather or traffic conditions.

Greeted at airport and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon we will finalize paperwork and familiarize ourselves with the motorcycles. Welcome dinner.

Seattle is an extremely prosperous city being the host to major corporations like Microsoft, Nike and Boeing. It is scenically positioned on Puget Sound and it is definitely worth catching a local ferry to see Seattle and its surrounds from the water. The city's good fortune also provides it with a thriving cultural and gastronomic scene. Of course no visit to Seattle is complete without a stroll down to Pike Place Market- for a Starbuck's (although Peets is a favorite!).

We embark on the north eastern ride over the Cascades on Hwy 20 (opened in 1972) and only accessible during the summer months. Originally the east-west trading route for Native Americans across the seemingly impenetrable mountains, it is now recognized as "The Most Beautiful Mountain Highway in the State of Washington", and a riding haven for motorcyclists. We will follow numerous rivers, cross passes and generally meander east through the remote and beautiful North Cascades National Park.

We continue today through Washington's remote northern region. There are few towns, and those that do exist are relics from logging and gold eras. We wind our way through the mountains, and ever so briefly travel across the top end of Idaho, before crossing in to 'the big blue skies' of Montana. Sit back and 'cruise' because the "Crown of the Continent" awaits our arrival.

The town of Whitefish, MT is only 40mi/64km from Glacier N.P. aka "Crown of the Continent". This charming town is perfect to stroll around and purchase locally made gifts. However, today is really all about the national park that crosses the continental divide. For our one-day visit to the area, the 100mi/80km ride through the Glacier N.P. on the "Going-to-the-Sun Road" is a must. This spectacular ride will provide breathtaking scenery either way. Even the shortest of hikes are well worth the stop to really appreciate the alpine-zone plant and wildlife. If you are up for a much longer rider, rather than returning via "Going-to-the Sun Road", you could continue down the east and then southern park borders, returning to Whitefish (190mi/306km, 4h 30m), but there are so many sights to soak-in, you will find yourself stopping to gaze at the Park's scenery. Alternatively, you can spend the day on a wildlife tour, fly fishing, rafting, or just looking at the glaciers!

Today will be another lovely ride through the remote areas of Montana. Officially within the Rockies, we ride south alongside the deep, alpine waters of Flathead Lake and National Park to Bozeman. Bozeman is Montana's outdoor capital and launching point to our next American icon- Yellowstone N.P. When we arrive in Bozeman, some of us might like to indulge in one of their famous microbrews.

Scenically, this may be the most amazing day of the tour. Period. From Bozeman we ride to America's oldest National Park, Yellowstone, then on to the towering Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole.

Riders will be able to choose from a few different options for our route in to Yellowstone - all are scenic, it is more a mater of riding time.

Yellowstone N.P. is an American icon, esteemed for its wildlife and geothermal activity (Old Faithful Geyser a popular feature). The park is centered over the largest caldera or super-volcano, on the continent, and there is plenty of evidence of lava flows. The park is abound with wildlife, it is not uncommon to see herds of bison and elk by the roadside- you can also go in search of Grizzly Bears and wolves!

After taking your time to explore Yellowstone, we follow the J.D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway along the imposing Grand Tetons. The prominent jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons (13,770ft/4,197m) are a prime example of fault-block mountain formation. These crystalline rocks are a favorite for climbers in the summer, and offer skiers the most grade of any ski resort in America. With Jackson Lake at their feet, the Grand Tetons reflection are an awesome photographers image.

This tour is all about enjoying the best of America's natural beauty. So lets take a day to immerse ourselves in this spectacular wilderness. You are free to explore the area on your own, but here are a few suggestions- a) take the aerial tram up Rendezvous Mountain (10,450ft/3,185m) for a 360 degree views of the Snake River and Grand Teton National Park. Enjoy a waffle at the café or head off on a day hike with the possibility to see moose, deer, marmots and pikas. (b) Launch yourself on an adrenaline filled tandem paragliding flight from the summit down to the village- breathtaking views & one of the highest vertical drops in the U.S. (c) A scenic or whitewater raftering trip down the Snake River. (d) A guided fly fishing trip in the crystal clear river waters (e) 4WD eco/wildlife tour.

A day of Rocky Mountain riding! We head to Utah via Hwy 89 and through the Cache National Forest, where the mountain scenery is only interrupted by the intense turquoise-blue water of Bear Lake.

Salt Lake City is the first major U.S. city we encounter since departing Seattle. SLC is a beautiful city with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west. Given the city's cultural/ religious Mormon heritage, it has some unique places to visit around Temple Square. However, we spend the evening in Park City- a hub for outdoor mountain activity, shopping and dining. Wonderful restaurants abound! Enjoy wandering the main street of this quintessential American gold mining-era town.

A wonderful ride out of Park City towards Heber Valley offering spectacular views of the Tipanogo Mountain and range. A very scenic day of touring ensues as our mountain landscape becomes mixed with a more arid environment. We ride Highway 12 which passes through Red Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and over Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest and Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park exists within three distinct climatic zones, and this diversity of habitat provides a high level of fauna diversity- over 100 species of birds, dozen of mammals and thousands of plants species. However, it is the uniqueness of the rocks that make Bryce so visually stunning. Thousands of rock spires, called "hoodoos," are formed when ice and rainwater wear away the weak limestone rock

It is a short but very scenic ride over to Zion N.P. along Hwy 9 and past many of the Park's features. A short ride enables you time to explore the park's natural beauty. Walk among the towering cliffs or squeeze through incredible canyons that have attracted canyoneers from around the world. Or swap your motorcycle for an ATV tour or horseback ride around the surrounding area, or just sit with your feet cooling in one the many beauty emerald pools.

We follow the picturesque (and appropriately named) Virgin River Valley as we descend in to 'sin city'. We ride a side-route to Lake Mead that is the largest reservoir in the U.S. (as a result of damming the Colorado River and the formation of Hoover Dam). Now it is time to relieve yourself from desert dust, and sprinkle yourself with some Vegas gold!

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" There is so much to see and do in Vegas from shows, 'the Strip', to shopping! There is something happening 24/7. We can certainly advise you on shows, assist you with bookings and other activities. However, if you have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon National Park, then taking a sightseeing flight from Vegas over the Canyon is a must. Expect to pay around US$200, bookings should be made in advance. Vegas is a world of entertainment- the hardest decision will be what to do first!

It's a hot day. Maybe the hottest you will experience as we will be crossing Death Valley National Park. A part from record heat (134F/56.7C), it is also the lowest point in the USA (-86m/-282ft). It pays to get up early and cross the area before the midday sun. When we escape from Death Valley by crossing the Inyo Mountain Range, the imposing Sierra Nevada's will show us some of America's highest peaks, including Mt. Whitney (4,418m/14,195ft). So today you will see America's lowest and highest points!

The road corridor we follow to Bishop, is where most of Hollywood's western movies were filmed (Alabama Hills). The Lone Pine Film History Museum is a fascinating stop. Another interesting historical stop is the National Historic Site of Manzanar, where tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans were forcefully deported during WWII.

We climb out of the hot flats of the Owen Valley in to the Eastern Sierras. Today is an exceptional ride over Tioga Pass in to America's greatest National Park- Yosemite. We will take a short detour around some of the high country's lakes before entering the Park. Then it is a phenomenal ride up Tioga Pass Road in to Yosemite. You will find yourself stopping at staring at the numerous monoliths (and the rock climbers climbing them), and we encourage you to stop and relax in the flower filled meadows filled with birds, dear and bear… yes, this is bear country.

"Yosemite accounts for over 20% of the Sierra regions flora and 250 species of vertebrates- so you can venture out on a trail and see an abundance of nature. This park is so vast and has so many icons (that have claimed World Heritage Listing status), that you will love your day in the park with either a one day hike up to Vernal, Yosemite Falls or Half-Dome, or ride up to Glacier Point or enjoy white water rafting down the Merced River. There are numerous Park activities organized by the Rangers too, or you can sit back and relax at the historic Ahawanee Hotel. This park truly is an American treasure.

Top sites- El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Tuolumne Meadows, Half Dome, May Lake, Giant Sequoia groves.

A lovely twisting ride out of Yosemite through its beautiful dense forest. However, we leave the spectacular mountains and national parks of America, and descend in to the flats of California's agricultural heartland. We could ride all the way in to Los Angeles, but then we would miss the opportunity to take a leisurely ride tomorrow down the Hwy 1 coastal route! So we enter Los Padres National Forest to spend our final night and Farewell dinner in the picturesque town of Ojai- perhaps with a glass of wine from Ojai Vineyard!

This can be a 1.5h ride or an all day ride! There are several routes back in to Los Angeles and things to see. Spend the morning exploring Ojai and its art galleries, go for a scenic hike, enjoy a morning at the spa, or head to the ocean for a swim, or visit Ojai Vineyard… basically there is no rush to get back to L.A. (unless you have a plane to catch!)

END OF TOUR - please consult us for additional nights or activities in Los Angeles, CA

Harley Davidson motorcycle (BMW and Ducati bikes additional rental fees). HD bike model subject to availability at time of booking.

Daily fuel fill and maintenance check.

Support/passenger vehicle with bike trailer to carry luggage and transport non-riders.

Mechanic and basic motorcycle spare parts.

Unlimited mileage

Bike and personal accident insurance (if using own bike, must provide evidence of insurance).

Mostly 5-4 star accommodation.

All breakfasts. Every day we select a location for lunch & dinner but people have the freedom to ride/stop & explore too.

Welcome & farewell dinners.

Professional tour guide.

U.S.A. National Park Annual Pass.

Airport transfer

Deposit of US$2,000 on a major credit card.

Fuel on route (however, every night we fill your tank, check oil).

Lunch, dinner and all beverages.

Medical travel insurance (compulsory requirement for tour participation. We offer insurance for US residents).

Fees in to tourist attractions (however, includes National Park entry fees)

GPS navigation device and mounts rental $17.50/day

US cell phone and sim card rental $70 per tour

All the tours have rest days, not only to rest, but to give you the opportunity to explore an area and enjoy some other activities. Examples include-

Grand Canyon Flight
Shows in Vegas
Dinner at Sundance- UT
Fly fishing- MT, UT, WA
River rafting- CA, MT, UT, WA
Wildlife sightseeing tours
Quad riding in UT