The Northern-California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-North) is a 965-mile, off-pavement route designed for adventure motorcycles. Starting in Mammoth Lakes, CA, atop Minaret Vista, you’ll traverse the Great Sierra Nevada Range’s conifer forests, mountain meadows, and gentle slopes, concluding in the high desert of the Modoc Plateau just north of Alturas, CA, at the Oregon border. Ride blissful forested two-tracks, tackle rugged canyon and mountain roads, and ascend peaks to fire lookouts with unparalleled views. Explore quaint towns nestled in the High Sierra’s folds, with historic inns dating back to the 1880s. Beyond the thrill of the twisty roads and scenic vistas, you can delve into California history, discover relics of mining towns, and witness geological wonders. The route caters to riders of varying skill levels and offers optional challenging sections plus three expert segments. Immerse yourself in Northern California’s appealing blend of adventure, history, and epic scenery.

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: Challenging