The Amazing Grand Canyon
We kick off this epic tour in Portland, where, after a welcome dinner and collecting our rental bikes, we hit the road in style, riding the famed Pacific Coast Highway. For several days, we follow this beautiful, winding coastal road, with stunning views of the turquoise sea, stopping at quaint little seaside towns along the way. As we ride through the Oregon Dunes, we also stop at a famous cheese factory to enjoy some amazing grilled cheese and visit the sea lions at the Sea Lion Caves.
Leaving the picturesque coast behind, we journey on to the foreboding Avenue of the Giants and stay in the of Redwood National Park in true American style. Here, we have time to explore the trails through these colossal trees, with the chance for a photo op riding through one of them! After leaving the Giants, we head to San Francisco, where we enjoy a day off to visit Alcatraz, go whale watching, take a seaplane flight, ride the iconic tram cars up and down the hilly streets, or snap a photo at one of our favourite character’s digs, Mrs. Doubtfire’s house.
This tour is truly riding the States at its best, with forests, cities, deserts, canyons and coastal roads the riding is immense! An adventure of a lifetime...For the ultimate trip why not combine it, as many riders do, with our Pacific Northwest tour as they run back to back?
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The Amazing Grand Canyon
Crossing the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, we head east onto the winding roads towards Yosemite National Park, with a stop at Castle Air Museum, home to the historic Air Force One presidential plane. We then enjoy a two-night stay near the park. You can take the planned rideout to visit Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Three Brothers, and more. Alternatively, if you fancy a day out of the saddle, you can go hiking, rent a jet ski, or simply soak up the sun by the lake.
Riding south from Yosemite, we start heading towards the ultimate Sin City – Las Vegas – but not before crossing the stunning Sierra Mountains into Death Valley National Park to explore an old oasis. Las Vegas marks our final “rest day,” where you can immerse yourself in the many sights and sounds of this iconic city. Take to the skies with a sunset helicopter flight over the bright lights of the Strip, or get lost in the endless casinos and all-you-can-eat buffets that make the city so famous. If you really want to get into the American spirit you can head to one of the many shooting ranges or even try your hand at a supercar or dune buggy experience out in the desert.
From the bright lights of Vegas, we ride across the Hoover Dam, which separates Nevada from Arizona, before visiting the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Here, you can take a nerve-wracking stroll on the Skywalk observation deck, which hangs a dizzying 500 feet over the rim. We then continue to Laughlin, getting our kicks on a section of the legendary Route 66, with some amazing desert switchbacks leading us to the historic town of Oatman. In Oatman, we stop for a coffee and are likely to be greeted by the wild donkeys that make this small town so famous.
After more miles on Route 66, we cross the Mojave Preserve, and our penultimate night is spent just south of Joshua Tree National Park, in Palm Desert, where we enjoy some good ol’ Southern hospitality. The next morning, we ride the epic Ortega Highway, bringing us into Los Angeles. After dropping off our bikes, we stay in style in the heart of Long Beach and enjoy our final dinner together before parting ways the following morning to fly home, taking with us the memories of a tour of a lifetime.
Ride Route 66, marvel in the bright lights of Las Vegas, stand right on the edge of the Grand Canyon and more on the ultimate road trip of the United States.
Ride Pacific Highway 1: This iconic road is a series of glorious coastal bends and cliffside views, with minimal traffic along its entire length. Stop to visit quaint coastal towns, abandoned lighthouses, and the Sea Lion Caves.
Redwood National Forest: Cruise through the majestic redwoods and the Avenue of the Giants, and ride your motorcycle through the famous drive-through tree in Leggett.
San Francisco: Take a boat trip across the harbour, visit Alcatraz prison, ride a tram, go whale watching, take a seaplane tour, or simply spend the day exploring this multicultural mecca.
'I’ve always wanted to do a classic American roadtrip and this tour exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The roads were sublime and nothing beats making your way from one famous area to another on your own motorcycle. The whale watching tour in San Francisco and Helicopter flight in Vegas were memories that will stay with me for ever. I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough, totally hassle free touring on all fronts, the guide, support team and driver were the best, thanks Magellan!'Naomi S
Yosemite National Park: Spend your ride-out day visiting Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls, and take in views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks and Spires, Three Brothers, North Dome, and more. For a more relaxed day, rent a jet ski or a dayboat from the lakeshore at Bass Lake.
Death Valley and Sierra Mountains: The below-sea-level basin, relentless drought, and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, these contrasts are a joy to ride through on the way to the Sierra Mountains, which straddle California’s Central Valley and the Great Basin.
Las Vegas: Sin City needs no introduction. Spend your free day in the wealth of casinos, restaurants, bars, and shops along the Strip, take a sunset helicopter flight over the city, or drive a selection of supercars or dune buggies in the desert.
Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam: Ride across the Hoover Dam and into the Grand Canyon National Park, where layered bands of red rock reveal millions of years of geological history. Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped bridge with a glass walkway extending over the rim.
Old Route 66 and Oatman: Live the American dream by riding sections of Route 66. We’ll take the historic old route and visit the town of Oatman, a once-thriving gold-mining centre and now famous for its “wild” burros.
Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave Desert, and Ortega Highway: Joshua Tree is a vast protected area characterised by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park spans the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. You’ll finish your day riding Highway 74, one of California’s most renowned roads and a hidden biker’s paradise.
Speak to a tour specialist to start planning your holiday….
Speak to a tour specialist to start planning your holiday….
Day 1
Arrive in Portland, Oregon. Check in to your hotel this evening and get to know your fellow riders.
Day 2 113 Miles
Portland, Oregon to Astoria: Collect your bikes and ride scenic back roads, following the Columbia River on your way to Astoria, home to the amazing “Bridge of the Gods”.
Day 3 186 Miles
Astoria, OR to Florence, OR: Visit the historic reconstructed Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis & Clark expedition spent the winter. See the Umpqua Lighthouse and more as you travel to Florence, Oregon.
Day 4 234 Miles
Florence, OR to Trinidad, CA: Ride through old-growth forests, the Oregon Sand Dunes, and Redwood National Park.
Day 5 300 Miles
Trinidad, CA to Miranda, CA: Travel through Shasta-Trinity National Forest and along the Avenue of the Giants.
Day 6 243 Miles
Miranda, CA to San Francisco, CA: Pass through the Chandler Drive-Through Tree in Leggett, followed by a long stretch of winding Highway 1 to San Francisco. Stop in Bodega Bay, where the famous film The Birds was made.
Day 7 Explore Day
Take the day off to explore San Francisco—visit Alcatraz, go whale watching, or simply relax by the pool.
Day 8 222 Miles
San Francisco, CA to Yosemite National Park area: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and ride along some fantastic back roads to Yosemite National Park.
Day 9 Explore Day
Spend the day exploring Yosemite National Park.
Day 10 223 Miles
Yosemite, CA to Kernville, CA: Ride twisty mountain roads and explore Sequoia National Park on the way down to Kernville.
Day 11 314 Miles
Kernville, CA to Las Vegas, NV: Cross the Southern Sierra Mountains, ride through Death Valley National Park, and arrive in Sin City for a night on the town.
Day 12 Explore Day / Rideout Day
Spend the day in Las Vegas—soak up the sights and sounds of Sin City.
Day 13 254 Miles
Las Vegas, NV to Laughlin, AZ: Visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, offering a breathtaking view of the canyon. Ride Historic Route 66 and visit Oatman, Arizona, famous for its donkeys!
Day 14 273 Miles
Laughlin, AZ to Palm Desert, CA: Enjoy more of Route 66 and cross the Mojave Desert.
Day 15 164 Miles
Palm Desert, CA to Long Beach, CA: Ride through Joshua Tree National Park and along the twisty mountain roads of the Ortega Highway. Arrive in Long Beach and prepare to say your farewells.
Day 16
Fly home with memories of a tour of a lifetime!
| Bike Option | Single Rider Price (Total for 1 rider, 1 bike) |
Rider & Passenger (Total for 2 riders, 1 bike) |
Two Bikes, Shared Room (Total for 2 riders, 2 bikes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own Bike | £7995 | £11590 | £14390 |
| BMW R1300GS | £11075 | £14670 | £20550 |
| BMW F850GS | £10515 | £14110 | £19430 |
| BMW F750GS | £10375 | £13970 | £19150 |
Rental prices calculated based on 14 rental days (minimum required for this tour). All prices are total.
For this table, the "Two Bikes, Shared Room" prices assume rental of two of the same model, which isn't required and in some cases may not be possible.
All bikes come with luggage included. Top boxes can be rented, subject to availability, for an additional charge. Riders need to bring their own navigation equipment, which we can help fit on bike collection.
I see you run a number of tours in North America; can I combine this one with others?
Yes! This tour and our Pacific Northwest tour are designed to run consecutively, so you can easily ride one after the other. If you book these tours together, you’ll receive £1,000 off your total.
What level of insurance is included with the bike rental?
At Magellan, we include a Level 1 Damage Waiver and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) as standard.
Are flights included?
We don’t include flights with any of our tours, but we’re happy to offer advice on where to fly into and the best options for trips that start and end in different locations.
Can you help me sort my Visa?
Yes, of course. We provide full details on how to arrange a visa in the pre-trip documentation and tour pack.
Is there a support vehicle on this tour?
Yes, we have a support vehicle on this trip and also limited spaces for partners to travel in it so they can join us on the tour without having to ride on the back of a bike. Contact us for availability on this if it is something you are interested in.
Do I need a SatNav, and what is the riding style on this trip?
We ride this trip in the same style as our European tours. Everyone will have the full route, with designated stops, and will be free to ride solo, with fellow riders, or with the guide. You will need to bring a SatNav with the correct map coverage for the trip. Full details on SatNav preparation and setup are provided in the tour pack.
Can I do this trip on my own motorcycle?
Of course! If you have your own motorcycle in the States, we can price the tour without bike hire. Alternatively, we can help arrange for your motorcycle to be shipped from abroad to the start point and returned to you after the holiday. Just drop us an email, and we’ll provide a quote for either option.