Even if you live in a big city, you’re probably not far from a place where you can ride a dirt bike. From OHV parks to indoor motocross trails, dirt bikes are everywhere. Still, if you’ve got the urge to ride a dirt bike in the best locations across the United States, there are some great places with completely unique conditions to explore.
Located in the middle of Death Valley National Park, Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) is bordered by steep volcanic hills and the Amargosa River. The dune system rises to over 400 feet above the surrounding desert floor, and is comprised of virtually every type of common active sand dune. It’s an area of great scenic beauty and amazing riding opportunities. Sand dunes present unique challenges for dirt bikers of all levels, and a relatively soft landing when things get hairy.
Some of the most famous off-road trails in the world are near the town of Moab, Utah. The most challenging and popular trails travel through sandstone hills, known to the locals as “slickrock.” The surface is gritty and grippy, and pretty unforgiving, but well-marked trails and many alternate routes for riders of different abilities make this a great venue for riders of intermediate and advanced skills – though beginners should probably observe from the sidelines.
Covering over 1.2 million acres, the Ozark National Forest nestles in the northern part of Arkansas. The Ozarks are lush and diverse, with the tallest mountain in the state, Mount Magazine, and an incredible living underground cave, Blanchard Springs Caverns, as highlights for exploration and discovery. There’s no better way to explore forest trails than on a dirt bike, and there are more than 1,000 miles of designated routes for OHV use in the forest.
For dirt bike riders who have been bitten by the competition bug, trails may fall second to tracks. Arizona Cycle Park is a year-round motocross track that is also a supercross/motocross/trials park and training center, open to the public for open practice on a regular schedule between races. This is the place to get your feet wet in open sessions, to try the jumps, moguls, corners and other obstacles before cutting your teeth in live competition. There are multiple tracks and schedules for various ages and skill levels, including Pee Wee. You can join the ACP Club, and you’ll get discounts on each session as well as on tickets for the professional events at the venue.
The early settlers who came to California from the East had a tough journey, with perhaps the toughest stretch coming at the end. The trail from western Nevada through eastern California went through the Mojave Desert – hot, inhospitable terrain that took its toll on already exhausted travelers. It’s remarkable that anyone made it through. So, of course, dirt bike riders love to recreate the journey, following the 138-mile dirt road through the desert. Conditions aren’t much different than they were 150+ years ago, which is to say unspoiled nature reigns. It’s a beautiful, brutal, beguiling ride that can be accomplished by riders of all skill levels, as long as they are prepared with the right bikes, safety gear, emergency supplies and communications equipment. This is not a ride that should be attempted alone or without advance planning.
Dirt bike riding can be a great adventure for the whole family. Why not plan a trip with a stay at Best Western Hotels & Resorts? Check BestWestern.com for the lowest rates guaranteed in locations near the best places to ride a dirt bike in the United States, and ride safely!
