Texas: Bigger Rides Than You Expected
Most people think of Texas as flat, straight, and boring for motorcyclists. They are wrong. The Lone Star State hides some of the most thrilling motorcycle roads in the country, tucked into the Hill Country, carved along river canyons, and stretched across the vast desert landscape of West Texas. The state is so large that you could ride for days and never repeat a route.
From the legendary Three Twisted Sisters to the remote grandeur of Big Bend, Texas offers terrain that challenges and rewards riders of every skill level. Here are the routes that belong on every rider's bucket list.
The Three Twisted Sisters
The crown jewel of Texas motorcycle riding is the Three Twisted Sisters loop — a trio of ranch roads (335, 336, and 337) that wind through the Hill Country between Leakey and Vanderpool. The route covers roughly 100 miles of continuous curves, elevation changes, and stunning views of limestone canyons. Ranch Road 337 alone packs over 50 curves into 28 miles, making it one of the most technically demanding stretches in the South.
Ride the Sisters on a weekday morning for the lightest traffic. Watch for gravel in blind corners and keep an eye on your fuel gauge — gas stations are sparse in this part of the Hill Country.
River Road and Big Bend
River Road (FM 170) runs along the Rio Grande between Lajitas and Presidio in far West Texas. The road is remote, the scenery is otherworldly, and the solitude is absolute. You will ride through desert canyons with Mexico visible across the river, past ancient volcanic formations, and through the kind of wide-open space that reminds you why you started riding in the first place.
Pair River Road with a visit to Big Bend National Park for a multi-day ride that combines desert riding with mountain passes. The roads inside the park climb through the Chisos Mountains, offering cooler temperatures and alpine scenery that contrasts sharply with the desert floor below.
The Devil's Backbone and Willow City Loop
Closer to Austin and San Antonio, the Devil's Backbone (RR 32) offers a rolling ridgeline ride with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. It is shorter than the Three Twisted Sisters but still delivers satisfying curves and minimal traffic. In spring, combine it with the Willow City Loop north of Fredericksburg, where wildflowers paint the roadsides in blue, orange, and red.
When to Ride in Texas
The best riding season in Texas runs from October through April, when temperatures are moderate and humidity is low. Summer riding is possible but brutal — triple-digit heat and sudden thunderstorms make it less enjoyable, especially in the southern and western regions. Spring is ideal for the Hill Country, when wildflowers are in bloom and the roads are dry.
