Salt Lake City is famous for three things—mountains, skiing, and Mormons.
Many people don’t realize that it’s also a motorcycling paradise. Whether you’re looking for smooth highway miles, twisty backcountry roads, gravel adventure riding, or true single track, you’ve got all within just a short drive of the city.
Where to Rent a Motorcycle in Salt Lake City
Motorcycle rental in Utah is a breeze when you use Twisted Road. We have a wide selection of bikes for you to rent from our member community, including Harley touring motorcycles, Ducati sportbikes, and BMW GS adventure bikes are available. It’s entirely up to you.
Fall foliage (courtesy utah.com)
Best Motorcycle Rides in and Around Salt Lake City
Some of the best motorcycling routes near Salt Lake City:
- Utah Lake Loop (including the famous Historic Sinclair stop)
- Nebo Loop
- American Fork Canyon to Sundance
- Trappers Loop
- Pony Express Trail (Gravel road)
- Bear Lake Loop
Utah Lake Loop
This is a smooth cruising ride. Take Highway 68 along the West side of Utah Lake down to Elberta, then turn east on Highway 68. You’ll come across the famous historic Sinclair stop, a local motorcycle pilgrimage site. From the Sinclair, keep heading east until you hit Interstate 15, then turn north back to the city.
There’s a new motorcycle museum opening up in Elberta and another one in Springville. This route takes you right past both of them. This is a good year-round ride, but it’s best from roughly April to October.
Nebo Loop (courtesy utah.com)
Nebo Loop
This is an amazing ride about an hour and a half south of the city. Nebo Mountain is a winding road with incredible twisties towards the end. Reason enough to visit Utah all by itself.
American Fork Canyon to Sundance
The canyon can seem a little busy, especially on the weekends, but if you like a smooth and winding ride through a heavy forest, hand railing a river, you won’t be disappointed. There is a small state fee to enter the canyon.
Trapper’s Loop
A local favorite. It’s a short ride, but fast and winding. Also not well patrolled, the local sport bikers descend on this highway all summer long. Starts on Highway 167 in Mountain Green, about 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City.
Pony Express Trail (courtesy adventuremototouring.com)
Pony Express Trail
This is a gravel road that traces the original pony express trail. It’s maintained by the BLM, making it an easy and fun gravel road ride through the desert. Great views of the Great Salt Lake getting to the trailhead and goes all the way to Nevada.
Bear Lake Loop
About an hour and a half drive north of Salt Lake City, take Highway 89 East through Logan Canyon, stop in Garden City for lunch. Head north to circle the beautiful Bear Lake. Then come home on Highway 16 through Randolph, and turn West on Highway 39 through the Monte Cristo national forest. Gorgeous views of the lake, lots of beautiful winding forest roads. The roads on the East side of the lake are a little rough, so don’t push the speed limit.
Motorcycle Hangouts in Salt Lake City
Utah used to be known for bad alcohol, but recent updates to law have brought things in line with other states.
Cruzrs
On Highland Drive on the east side of Salt Lake City is a great little hangout spot for bikers. You’ll find decent bar fare with a fun atmosphere here.
Historic Sinclair (courtesy atlasobscura.com)
Historic Sinclair
While not technically a hangout spot, if you come here on the weekends, you’ll see plenty of other bikers stopping and taking photos. Don’t just come here for the Instagram fame though, it’s a great place to hear from locals about other rides and up-to-date road conditions.
Barbary Coast Saloon
At 4242 South State Street, Barbary Coast is on the main drag just south of the main city. Biker friendly, this location hosts an annual biker rally. Surprisingly great food, and known for their atmosphere. Say hi to Baloo, one of their bartenders, who has some great stories to share.
Garage on Beck (courtesy yelp.com)
Garage on Beck
Garage on Beck hosts a bike night every Thursday with the Wasatch Riders, a local motorcycle club. They’re always open to having visitors along, it’s a great way to experience the city with local riders.
Bar Named Sue
With a name reminiscent of that old country song, the Bar Named Sue is a classic hang-out full of Johnny Cash memorabilia and character. It gets pretty busy on Friday nights when they have live music. It could be the perfect way to begin or end your Salt Lake City Motorcycle Trip.
Salt Lake City Weather for Motorcycle Riding
Salt Lake City is known for its winters, but the summers here are fantastic. Very low humidity and summer heat in the low 90s means it’s probably the best motorcycling weather in the galaxy. Spring can be rainy and cool in the morning and evening, so bring your waterproof gear and gloves. Fall weather in Utah is like a dream—lots of foliage to see and temps that hang in the mid-sixties.
Snow is possible from October to May, even later in the mountain passes. Winter riding in Salt Lake is possible, but temps get below 20 degrees F (-7C) in January and February, so you don’t see many riders in those months.
Because Utah has a high desert climate, weather changes can seem sudden and dramatic. Always check the weather before you head out on a ride, especially in the Spring and Fall months.
Salt Lake City Motorcycle Laws and Tips
Utah is very motorcycle-friendly. There are no helmet laws, but we always recommend wearing one. The legislature recently passed a law allowing lane filtering—Motorcycles are allowed to lane filter when car traffic is stopped and b: the posted speed limit on the road is 45 MPH or less.
Motorcycle lane splitting, or sharing a lane with a car, is not allowed. There aren’t many motorcycle-specific parking spaces, and parking on the sidewalk will get you a ticket, so just use the spaces the cars use. Most of the state is free parking, but downtown Salt Lake City enforces its parking meters.
Outside of the city, the interstate speed limit is 80mph, but locals routinely exceed that. There is a major HOV lane that runs from Ogden to Provo, motorcycles are welcome, and can use it for free.
Preparing for your Salt Lake City Motorcycle Trip
Desert weather can change rapidly, so bring layers that you can take off or add as necessary. A good vented jacket and a quality helmet are appropriate. Some of the recommended rides start in the valley and go through the mountains, so expect the temperatures to drop by 20 degrees or more as you climb elevation.
Riding boots that breathe will make you more comfortable, but you can get by just fine with any quality boot. Be sure to reach out to us with any gear questions, often we can work with the Owner to find local options for you.
Here's Some Added Information Ahead of Your Salt Lake Motorcycle Rental
Booking Made Simple: Our booking process is designed to be as smooth as your ride through Utah's scenic landscapes. From selecting your motorcycle to finalizing the rental details, we guide you every step of the way. Detailed instructions on deposits, pick-up, and return protocols ensure you're ready to hit the road with ease. For peace of mind, our transparent cancellation policy outlines potential fees and timelines, ensuring you can confidently plan your adventure.
Transparent Pricing for Every Ride: Each motorcycle listing provides detailed pricing to help you budget your trip effectively, including any additional fees for gear rental or insurance options. Whether you're eyeing a sportbike for its agility or a cruiser for comfort, you'll find clear, upfront costs, so there are no surprises along the way.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Your safety is our top priority. Every Twisted Road motorcycle rental includes basic insurance coverage, but we also offer options for enhanced protection. Our platform details what's covered, from damage to theft, allowing you to enjoy Utah's roads worry-free. Our team is just a message away for any specific insurance queries or additional coverage needs.
Gear Up for the Ride: For those traveling light or needing extra gear, we connect you with owners offering helmets, jackets, gloves, and more for rent. Availability and sizes are listed, ensuring you're fully equipped for the journey ahead. This service, directly arranged with the bike's owner, adds convenience and safety to your rental experience.
Ride Requirements Clearly Defined: We outline exactly what you need to hit the road, from age restrictions to licensing requirements. Whether you're a local resident or an international visitor looking to explore Utah's beauty, our platform ensures you meet all the necessary criteria, making your rental process as smooth as the roads ahead.
Support On and Off the Road: In the unlikely event of a mechanical issue, we'll provide information on handling breakdowns, including who to contact for immediate assistance. This support system, available throughout your rental period, ensures you're never left stranded.
Explore Like a Local: Discover Utah's hidden gems with personal recommendations from our bike owners. From breathtaking routes that skirt the edges of national parks to the best local diners for a mid-ride snack, these insider tips promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American West.
Live in or Near Salt Lake City, Utah? Earn Extra Money Renting Out Your Motorcycle
As one of the leading peer-to-peer motorcycle rental marketplaces, Twisted Road makes it easy for owners and riders to connect and negotiate rental terms on a bike with one another.
Plus, all owners earn 70% of profit, which means accruing total earnings of $1,000 will return $700 to your pocket. It's an excellent deal in a world where it's often 50/50 or worse.
