Golden States Run

Details Itinerary Tour Map Photos Dates and Prices

Details

8 days

Duration

2/3

Difficulty level

USA

Location

1650 km/1032 mi

Distance

Golden States Run

Welcome to an exhilarating 8-day tour featuring the finest attractions and stunning national parks in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, relax by the shores of Lake Havasu, explore the historic Oatman miner town on Historic Route 66, try your luck at the casinos in Laughlin, and immerse yourself in the scenic wonders of Mohave National Preserve and Big Bear Lake. Throughout this journey, we’ll traverse exciting roads like Pines to Palms Highway, Oatman Highway, the spectacular Angeles Crest Hwy/CA-2 (ranked as the US #10 best motorcycle road), and the breathtaking Pacific Coastal Highway 1 (ranked as the US #5). The tour is also enriched with entertaining stops in San Diego, Santa Ysabel, the charming miner/cowboy town of Oatman, and the iconic Santa Monica. The Golden States Run promises an unforgettable vacation experience!

INCLUDED IN BASIC TOURS:

Motorcycle/Car rental w/unlimited milage
Shared room in biker-friendly hotels/motels (+ 2-3 stars)
Welcome meeting
Transport to the rental company
Half shell helmet
Multi-lingual Tour leader
Tour leader on MC in front of cortege
Loss Damage Waiver
State min.SLI Insurance

NOT INCLUDED IN BASIC TOURS:

Airfare*
Support van with your luggage
Fuel
Security deposit for LDW
Entrance fees Nat. parks
Roadside assistance
Vehicle model guarantee
LDW Zero and insurance upgrades
Security deposit for LDW
Optional attractions
Food and beverages
Anything not listed in “Included” above

*NOTE: Tour dates are subject to change. Kindly verify that your tour is scheduled on the preferred date before making flight arrangements.

“At JoyRides Tours, we understand that good experiences and camaraderie are as crucial as the tour itself. Our objective is to enrich your tour bag with a plethora of positive memories, ensuring you return home with a radiant smile on your face and newfound friendships that began with the commencement of your adventure tour.”

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure - Arrival Los Angeles, California

Upon the arrival of all tour participants, we gather for a warm welcome and refreshments, facilitating introductions. The evening’s agenda includes a delightful American-style dinner, fostering an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted. For those still brimming with energy after the long journey, there’s an option to explore a nearby local bar.

Day 2: Los Angeles - San Diego, California

(Driving day 1: 212 km/132 miles)

Once everyone is geared up and ready on their bikes, we set out on our Golden States Run tour, leaving the bustling cityscape of LA behind. Heading south, the first driving day promises a mix of urban landscapes, highways, and a delightful journey along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 1 toward vibrant San Diego. To ensure a smooth start, our first stop in Long Beach includes an additional check for bike safety, equipment, and driver readiness.

A delectable lunch awaits at Ruby’s Diner in Laguna Beach, offering classic milkshakes that come highly recommended. Following our gastronomic pitstop, we make our way to San Diego. Upon arrival, we drive to Historic Old Town, complete the check-in at the hotel, and dedicate the remainder of the day to exploring the city’s attractions, including the USS Midway, Maritime Museum, Little Italy, and Old Town.

Day 3: San Diego – Palm Springs, California

(Driving day 2: 231 km/145 miles)

Our journey today leads us into the desert oasis of Palm Springs, renowned as the playground of the rich and famous. Departing San Diego via Ramona, our first delightful pause is in Santa Ysabel, celebrated for its renowned homemade pies. Indulge in these delectable treats, and resist the temptation to overindulge—you might even want to purchase some to savor for the remainder of the tour.

Continuing our adventure on the entertaining Pines to Palms Hwy, we’re treated to spectacular views along the way, prompting you to keep your cameras at the ready. Our day concludes in the vibrant atmosphere of Palm Springs, promising an exciting evening for all to enjoy together.

Day 4: Palm Springs – Lake Havasu, Arizona

(Driving day 3: 390 km/242 miles)

Our journey today promises a day of desert riding, commencing with a drive through the breathtaking landscape of Joshua Tree National Park, characterized by its striking rock and desert formations. Following this scenic route, we head to Lake Havasu, treating ourselves to a delightful ride along the lake shores before reaching Lake Havasu City. The evening offers the opportunity to explore the iconic London Bridge—a fitting end to a day filled with diverse landscapes and scenic wonders.

Day 5: Lake Havasu – Laughlin, Nevada

(Driving day 4: 164 km/102 miles)

Our journey north takes us to Kingman and the renowned Historic Route 66, affectionately known as “The Mother Road.” Following the footsteps of countless pilgrims who’ve traveled this iconic route, we embark on a spectacular drive westward. Our destination is Oatman, a historic miner’s village established in 1915, nestled amidst narrow, curvy roads that wind through mountain and desert landscapes. The scenic drive provides an ideal filming opportunity, perhaps the best on the entire tour.

Upon reaching Oatman, be sure to secure your bikes and stay alert for donkeys and the occasional “outlaws” roaming the streets. Continuing our Route 66 adventure, we proceed straight to Laughlin—a haven for casinos and entertainment, turning the evening into a delightful playground experience.

Day 6: Laughlin – Big Bear Lake, California

(Driving day 5: 416 km/259 miles)

Prepare for a day of desert driving as temperatures rise. Our route takes us through the “Mojave National Preserve,” famed for its singing sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, expansive Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers in the spring. Continuing our journey, we head towards the Calico Ghost Town, enjoy lunch in Barstow, and then make our way to the picturesque vacation resort of Big Bear Lake. This charming destination marks the culmination of our adventure, and we’ll spend our final magical evening together on the road.

Day 7: Big Bear Lake - Los Angeles, California

(Driving day 6: 256 km/159 miles)

Concluding our tour with a thrilling finale, today is dedicated to the magical roads and breathtaking views of one of the US’s best motorcycle routes—Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). This promises a once-in-a-lifetime riding experience, capturing unforgettable moments for the history books. Ensure your cameras are ready and fully charged!

Taking our time, we make several stops along Angeles Crest Highway before heading back towards Los Angeles. Upon returning our bikes and checking into the hotel, we embark on a journey to Santa Monica Pier, marking the end of Historic Route 66, where our Farewell party awaits.

Day 8: Los Angeles & Home Travel

Bidding farewell to the Golden States Run, Los Angeles, we express our gratitude for the fantastic ride, memorable moments, and your choice to tour with JoyRides. Wishing you a safe journey home and looking forward to the possibility of welcoming you on one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or Europe. Safe travels!

Note: Due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date/day after departing the US.

This program serves as a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. Deviations may occur, but we assure you that our enthusiastic tour leaders will make every effort to follow the program as described, to the extent feasible and considering the circumstances.

We are dedicated to enhancing the program continually, so you may encounter delightful surprises along the way.

Tour Map

Photos