If you’re looking for the best scenic motorcycle routes in West Texas, you’re in the right place. This region offers some of the most wide-open, visually stunning riding in the country—where highways stretch to the horizon, mountain curves keep you engaged, and traffic is almost nonexistent.
Whether you're heading out for a day ride or a full-blown Big Bend adventure, these routes are built for real riders who want open roads, great scenery, and zero guesswork.
Why West Texas Is One of the Best Places to Ride a Motorcycle
West Texas isn’t just another riding destination—it’s a completely different experience.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Low traffic: Ride for miles without seeing another vehicle
- Massive landscapes: Desert basins, mountains, and endless sky
- Variety of roads: From long straightaways to tight mountain switchbacks
- Unmatched sunsets: The kind you actually pull over for
Outside of Midland and Odessa, the roads are quiet, the pace is yours, and the ride becomes the destination.
For a list of new models ready to handle these roads, check our new inventory.
Best Time of Year to Ride in West Texas
Timing matters out here more than anywhere else.
- Spring (March–May): Ideal temps + wildflowers
- Fall (September–November): Best overall riding conditions
- Summer: Brutally hot (plan early morning rides)
- Winter: Mild days, occasional cold snaps
👉 Pro tip: Pavement temps in summer can exceed 130°F—hard on both you and your tires.
7 Best Scenic Motorcycle Routes in West Texas
1. Abilene to Big Bend (US 277 & TX 118)
Best for: Bucket-list ride
Distance: ~700+ miles round trip
This is the ride most West Texas riders talk about, and one our local HOGs take every year. Stop by the shop if you’re interested in joining us.
You’ll roll out of Abilene through:
- San Angelo
- Ozona
- Sanderson
…and eventually into the dramatic desert landscapes surrounding Big Bend National Park.
Expect:
- Long sweepers
- Huge elevation changes
- Endless desert views
⚠️ Fuel stops are limited—never pass gas without topping off.
Directions (Outbound)
From Kent's Harley-Davidson:
- Head south on S Clack St → merge onto US-277 S
- Continue through:
- San Angelo
- Sonora
- Ozona
- Stay on US-277 to the Del Rio / Comstock area
- Turn onto TX-118 S toward Alpine
- Continue south into Big Bend National Park
Return Route Options
- Reverse the route
- OR loop back via Marathon → Sanderson → US-90 → US-277 N
2. Big Bend National Park Loop
Best for: Scenery + curves
Distance: ~70 miles
Inside Big Bend, two roads steal the show:
- Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Chisos Basin Road
You’ll climb from the desert floor into the mountains, where temps can drop 15–20 degrees.
Advanced riders:
Take FM 170 (River Road) from Presidio to Lajitas—arguably one of the best motorcycle roads in Texas.
Directions (Getting There)
Follow Route #1 above to reach Big Bend.
Loop Ride
Inside Big Bend National Park:
- Take Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
- Then ride Chisos Basin Road
Optional Extension (Advanced Riders)
- Exit toward Presidio
- Ride FM 170 (River Road) → Lajitas
Return to Abilene
- Head north via TX-118 → Alpine → US-277 N → Abilene
3. Davis Mountains Scenic Loop (TX 118 & TX 166)
Best for: Mountain riding in Texas
Distance: ~75 miles loop
Starting in Fort Davis, this loop delivers:
- Elevations up to ~6,700 feet
- Tight curves and smooth sweepers
- Pine-covered mountains (rare for Texas)
Don’t miss:
- McDonald Observatory (incredible views + stargazing)
Directions (Outbound)
From Kent's Harley-Davidson:
- Take US-277 S → San Angelo
- Continue toward Sonora
- Connect to I-10 W
- Exit toward Fort Davis via TX-17 S
Arrive in:
- Fort Davis
The Loop
- TX-118 → TX-166 → TX-118
- Stop at McDonald Observatory
Return Route
- Reverse route OR
- Loop through Alpine → Marathon → US-90 → US-277 N
4. Trans-Pecos Run (I-10 → TX 17 → TX 118)
Best for: Solitude + distance
Distance: ~400 miles
This route cuts through some of the most remote parts of Texas.
Expect:
- Minimal traffic
- Fast highway sections
- Quiet backroads near Alpine
Perfect if you want to feel like you have the entire state to yourself.
Directions (Outbound)
From Kent's Harley-Davidson:
- Take US-277 S → San Angelo
- Connect to I-10 W
- Exit at Balmorhea
- Head south on TX-17 → Fort Davis
- Continue to Alpine via TX-118
Return Route
- Alpine → Marathon → Sanderson
- Take US-90 → US-277 N → Abilene
5. Guadalupe Mountains & White Sands Ride
Best for: Multi-day adventure
Distance: ~500 miles
Ride west toward Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the highest peak in Texas.
Then continue to:
- Salt flats near Salt Flat, TX
- White Sands National Park
The contrast in landscapes alone makes this ride worth it.
Directions (Outbound)
From Kent's Harley-Davidson:
- Take I-20 W → Midland/Odessa
- Continue to Pecos
- Head west on US-62/180
Arrive at:
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Continue to:
- White Sands National Park
Return Route
- Reverse OR
Loop south via El Paso → I-10 → Fort Stockton → US-285 → Abilene
6. Permian Basin Highway Run (US 385 / US 87)
Best for: Long-distance cruising
This is classic West Texas riding:
- Straight roads
- Big skies
- Oilfield landscapes
It’s not technical—but it’s peaceful, meditative, and perfect for logging miles.
Directions (Outbound)
From Kent's Harley-Davidson:
- Take I-20 W → Midland
- Head north on US-385
Optional:
- Take TX-176 → Sand Hills
Return Route
- Reverse via US-385 → I-20 E → Abilene
7. Hill Country to West Texas Combo (US 83)
Best for: Variety in one ride
Distance: ~350 miles
Start near Abilene, head toward Brady and Junction, and watch the terrain shift from:
- Rolling hills
➡️ to - Wide-open plains
Great for riders who want a little bit of everything without committing to a multi-day trip.
Directions (Outbound)
From Kent's Harley-Davidson:
- Take US-83 S
- Ride through:
- Ballinger
- Brady
- Continue to Junction
Return Route Options
- Reverse route
- OR loop west → Sonora → US-277 N → Abilene
West Texas Motorcycle Trip Tips (Don’t Skip This)
Riding here is different. Preparation matters. For more on keeping your bike road-ready, visit our service department page. We offer pre-trip inspections and can schedule an appointment quickly.
Fuel Strategy
- Stations can be 50–100 miles apart
- Always fill up early—not when you “need to”
Hydration
- The desert will drain you fast
- Drink water at every stop
Wildlife Awareness
- Deer, javelinas, and birds are common
- Be extra alert at dawn and dusk
Weather Reality
- Wind can be relentless
- Dust storms happen fast
- Heat can be dangerous
Navigation
- Cell service is unreliable
- Download offline maps before you go
Must-Stop Destinations Along the Way
Make the ride even better with these stops:
- Santa Elena Canyon – iconic canyon views
- Marathon, TX – historic hotel and food stop
- Alpine, TX – fuel + lodging hub
- Lajitas, TX – quirky desert town on the Rio Grande
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to ride in West Texas?
Spring and fall—hands down.
How long does it take to ride from Abilene to Big Bend?
About 5–7 hours one way, depending on stops.
Are these routes beginner-friendly?
Mostly yes—just avoid FM 170 until you’ve got some experience.
What type of motorcycle is best?
Any well-maintained bike works, but touring bikes are ideal for long distances.
Ready to Ride?
West Texas isn’t just a place you ride—it’s a place you experience.
From the mountains of Fort Davis to the desert roads of Big Bend, every mile offers something different. If you’re craving open roads, big views, and zero traffic, this is where you’ll find it.
So fuel up, gear up, and point your front wheel west.