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BDR Routes Overview

On a BDR® you will see rural America, and get a taste of the trails that shaped early American history. From the Western slopes and mining towns of the Gold Rush era, to the battlefields of the American revolution — you can explore America’s magnificent public lands by motorcycle. Enjoy towering mountain vistas, expansive desert solitude, and sounds of wildlife, while riding incredibly fun terrain by motorcycle. You’ll explore remote dirt roads and tiny towns that most people will never see.

Making this adventure motorcycling dream is easier than you think.

The non-profit organization, Backcountry Discovery Routes, has made it easy with free GPS tracks and helpful trip planning resources for each BDR and BDR-X route so that anyone yearning for a motorcycle adventure (who knows how to work their GPS, and has some off-road training and/or off-pavement riding experience) can ride and enjoy for free. There are also fly & ride opportunities with motorcycle rentals and guided, or self-guided tours available from a variety of tour and rental companies around the country.

BDR ROUTES

Classic BDR routes that travel cross-state, vary in length from 600-1300 miles, and can usually be completed in 5-9 days.

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BDR-X ROUTES

Shorter, BDR-style routes that loop, and can typically be completed in 3-5 days.

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BDR Connectors

A BDR-style way to ride from the beginning or end of one BDR to another on enjoyable off-highway terrain.

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Rating the Routes by Difficulty

We are often asked if we rate BDRs by difficulty. We don’t officially rate the difficulty level of our routes as it varies daily due to current weather, road conditions, and other unpredictable factors. Difficulty also depends on individual skill and fitness level, bike and tire selection and load carried.

Some riders find sand to be most challenging, some find mountain passes difficult. Each rider’s perception is unique.

While we can’t provide a standardized rating like ski resorts, we can provide some basic guidance on difficulty level. These groupings do not include optional harder sections and imply favorable road and weather conditions:

BDR ROUTES:

Moderate: Idaho, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast

Challenging: California North, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Northeast, Oregon, Wyoming

Difficult: Arizona, California South, Utah, Washington

BDR-X ROUTES:

Moderate: PA Wilds, Texas Hill Country

Challenging: Black Hills, Chattahoochee, Lost Coast

Difficult: Big Bend, Ozarks, Red Desert, Steens-Alvord

Review the FAQs for each route before your trip.

Backcountry Discovery Routes is a 501c(3) non-profit corporation. © 2026 Backcountry Discovery Routes, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.