BDR ROUTES

Backcountry Discovery Routes are off-highway, big-bike-friendly adventure motorcycle routes designed to traverse public roads through the backcountry. The classic routes include county and national forest roads, seasonal dirt roads, and paved byways as they travel from state border to state border.

Free GPS tracks, interactive map, waterproof printed map, travel information, condition updates, documentary videos, and other resources are available on each route-specific page on ridebdr.com.

BDR’s are designed to run south to north but can be ridden in reverse.  Be aware that motorcycle traffic will be traveling in both directions so always ride right whenever possible.

Routes vary in length from 600-1300 miles and can usually be completed in 5-9 days. They are designed for riders with off-highway experience on fully loaded adventure motorcycles. Difficulty varies by route, and there are optional more challenging sections for advanced riders seeking more technical terrain.

While not formally rated, BDR provides basic guidance on route difficulty of our main sections during favorable road and weather conditions:

Classic BDR Routes (from Harder to Easier):

CABDR-South -> ORBDR -> AZBDR -> WYBDR -> UTBDR -> COBDR -> NVBDR -> NEBDR -> WABDR -> NMBDR -> CABDR-North -> IDBDR -> MABDR

For more information on how to RideBDR, check out the ‘Top 10 Things to Consider Before You RideBDR.”

ARIZONA BDR

Rocky, remote and hot are three words that come to mind for Arizona. Blessed with a surprising number of mountain ranges, the Arizona BDR is more green and mountainous than many people expect. Starting on the US/Mexico border, the 750-mile route stays east of Tucson and Phoenix with options to see the Grand Canyon from vantage points most people never see.

Best time of year: May, June, September, October.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BDR

Starting in Mammoth Lakes, CA atop Minaret Vista, this 940-mile route traverses the Great Sierra Nevada Range’s forests, meadows, and gentle slopes, concluding in the high desert of the Modoc Plateau just north of Alturas, CA at the Oregon border. Riders will enjoy blissful forested two-tracks, tackle rugged canyon and mountain roads, ascend peaks to fire lookouts with unparalleled views, and explore quaint towns nestled in the High Sierra’s folds.

Best time of year: The route can be ridden starting in May but depending on winter snowfall, late June is the safer bet. Much of the route can be ridden until the first significant snowfall, normally in late October.  There may be a gate closure on the route on November 1st after Bear Valley on Winton Road, which would require a lengthy paved bypass if riding that late in the season.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BDR

A spectacular, yet challenging 820-mile ride across the south-eastern region of California. Rugged two-track and remote dirt roads lead riders through majestic canyons, rocky riverbeds, and sandy washes of California’s famous deserts and national preserves, including a dream ride in the Mojave Preserve.

Best time of year: Mid-October until mid-April. This is a wintertime route, but winter storms may hamper some times and elevations may see some snow. Although parts of this route can be ridden in winter, storms and bad weather may prevent some sections from being available and higher elevation terrain may be unavailable due to winter snowpack.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

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COLORADO BDR

With several passes over 12,000 feet, there is no shortage of views on this ride. Beginning in the four corners location where, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah intersect, the 675-mile route winds its way north through the Rocky Mountains to the Wyoming border. The terrain includes dirt roads with rocks, sand and even a few water crossings to keep it exciting.

Best time of year: July through September, and sometimes October if no early snow storms have occurred.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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IDAHO BDR

If you’ve ever wanted to ride endless twisty mountain roads, the Idaho BDR will throw corners at you for days on end. It’s a true off-the-grid ride that is long enough, at 1,250 miles, that you might just use up an entire rear knobby tire.

Best time of year: July through October, if no early snow storms have occurred.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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MID-ATLANTIC BDR

A scenic ride that uses dirt, gravel and paved roads to wind through remote parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. This 1,080-mile route primarily uses forest roads and rural country lanes, to lead riders through the Appalachian mountains, majestic forests, bucolic farming landscapes, Amish country, and locations that played pivotal roles in early American history.

Best time of year: Mid-May until the first snow fall in late fall

Difficulty: Beginner Plus, but becomes Intermediate depending on bad weather and road conditions.

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NORTH EAST BDR

Crossing more state lines and covering more mileage than any other BDR makes the NEBDR one of the most diverse routes in the BDR series. Every state delivers a unique experience unto itself and while sections can be done over an extended weekend, riders who commit to the entire 1,300-mile route will truly feel as though they had an adventure of a lifetime.

Best time of year: The NEBDR uses seasonal roads that open as early as April 30th in NY and as late as May 30th in VT, NH & ME. The earliest the route can be ridden in entirety would be June 1st. Depending on the winter snowfall, the route can be very muddy and slippery in some places during the spring time and early summer. The best time to ride the NEBDR is mid-June to mid-October.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

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NEW MEXICO BDR

Hot springs, and lakeside camping can be found on your way into the mountains of the Gila National Forest of New Mexico and you’ll even be a stone’s throw from Arizona before heading back to the north east toward Colorado. Highlights of this 1,200 mile backcountry adventure includes Chloride Canyon, long stretches between towns, wild horse sightings, and endless dispersed camping options.

Best time of year: June and September.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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NEVADA BDR

Nevada’s 900-mile south-to-north route leads riders on miles of meandering two-track roads through Nevada’s expansive deserts, open sagebrush valleys, and seemingly endless mountain ranges. You’ll visit ghost towns, quirky taverns, see desert sculptures, murals, and the world’s largest car forest.

Best time of year: Sections in the South are ridable April, May, October, and November, and in most cases throughout the winter. Northern sections are best June to October. We suggest: Ride from the North to the South in the summer until you can’t stand the heat; and ride from the South to the North until you can’t take the cold.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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OREGON BDR

The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) is a 750-mile, multi-day off-pavement ride designed for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles. Starting in the high deserts of the southeast and exploring north through ancient pine forests and into the rugged mountains of the Cascade Range, challenges include lava rocks, silt, sand, and arduous mountain roads. From sagebrush steppe and hot springs, to caverns and glaciated volcanoes, riders are guided into remote territories that reveal many of the state’s natural wonders, providing prime sightseeing and recreational opportunities. With stunning views throughout and terrain that is certain to test your riding skills and endurance, the ORBDR is one of the best ways to discover the backcountry of Oregon.

Best time of year: The best time to ride the ORBDR is July to September. We do not recommend riding the route before July 1st due to seasonal road closures and impassible roads at higher elevations prior to July.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

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UTAH BDR

This 871-mile route will take riders to some iconic places like Valley of the Gods, Moab, the Abajo and La Sal mountains, Onion Creek, 9 Mile Canyon and the Wasatch Mountains. Utah is unpredictable with mud that is impassable when wet. Deep sand also challenges riders in places, and a few expert-only options provide excitement for those who seek adrenaline.

Best time of year: August through October depending on early snow storms and weather.

Difficulty: Intermediate Plus to Advanced

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WASHINGTON BDR

Thoroughly exploring the Cascade Mountains, this 575-mile route has stunning views of the massive volcanoes from the dense forest in the southern part, and the open arid pine forests of the central part of the route, showcasing the diversity of Washington.

Best time of year: July through October depending on snowpack and weather.

Difficulty: Intermediate

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WYOMING BDR

This 1,000-mile route through the most dramatic and rugged landscapes in Wyoming traces the mountain ranges to the east through the Sierra Madre and Medicine Bow Ranges, crosses west to the Wind River Range, then goes back east and north through the Bighorn Mountains. Riders will experience expansive views from the summit of two different 11,000-foot mountains, cross two major rim escarpments, see abundant wildlife, and pass through seldom visited areas and historic mining towns.

Best time of year:The best time to ride the WYBDR is mid-July to mid-September. We do not recommend riding the route before July 1st due to seasonal road closures in the national forest, and the impassible roads at higher elevations prior to July.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

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