CALIFORNIA BACKROADS & SIERRA ROADS · OCTOBER 20–30, 2027
California Backroads & Sierra Roads 2027
11 days through the California that doesn’t show up on postcards.
Sierra Nevada, Yosemite, Death Valley, Big Sur and Malibu — from the mountains to the Pacific.
California isn’t a coastline — it’s a country. It has its own mountain range (the Sierra Nevada), its own desert (Death Valley), its own national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia), and a coast that looks engineered to be ridden. This is the California that doesn’t show up on Hollywood postcards: backroads through interior counties, Highway 4 and Highway 108 weaving through forests above 2,000 m, the Tioga Pass crossing Yosemite at altitude, the Mono Lake tufa formations that look extraterrestrial, the lunar landscape of Death Valley.
And then — when you think the trip has already given everything — the Pacific. Big Sur in the afternoon light, Highway 1 over the cliffs, Malibu, the legendary Neptune’s Net biker stop, and the finish line in Los Angeles. Eleven days, a premium BMW under you, an UpSerra bilingual guide ahead and a support vehicle behind. From the high mountains to the Pacific edge in one ride.
October is the month. The Sierra is still passable (Tioga Pass closes in winter), Death Valley has dropped from its August inferno, the coast is at its clearest. It’s not a beginner’s tour: high-altitude curves, variable temperatures, long days. But for riders who already know what they want on a motorcycle, this is the California you came to see.
IN MOTION
UpSerra Mototurismo in motion
THE ROUTE
San Francisco → Napa → Sierra Nevada → Yosemite → Death Valley → Big Sur → Malibu → Los Angeles
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
11 days across California’s best riding
UpSerra team welcome in San Francisco. Technical briefing, premium BMW bike fitting and first taste of California. Special opening dinner — the UpSerra expedition kickoff ritual.
Departure across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. We head toward the Napa Valley vineyards before starting the gradual entry into the Sierra Nevada. Gentle curves, perfect roads and classic interior California landscapes. The transition between the Pacific and the first Sierra mountains.
The first big UpSerra day. Intense riding along the secondary roads of the Sierra Nevada — Hwy 4 and Hwy 108 — through mountains, forests and practically infinite curves. Little traffic, pristine asphalt, pure riding. Some of the best motorcycle roads in the United States.
We cross legendary Yosemite National Park — but here the focus goes beyond the tourist stops: the road is the protagonist. We cross the Tioga Pass, one of the highest and most impressive alpine routes in California. Cinematic landscapes and high-altitude riding. Descent to Lee Vining.
Into the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada: drier, emptier and absurdly scenic. Stop at Mono Lake — tufa formations that look like another planet. Open straights mix with technical accesses to alpine lakes and snowy mountains. The surreal contrast between desert and mountain.
Radical change of scenery. Down into Death Valley — one of the most extreme places on Earth. Rolling roads, landscapes that look like another planet, and the experience of crossing the most famous desert in America by motorcycle. Overnight inside the park.
Out of the valley on legendary Hwy 190 — an epic sequence of curves and altitude climbs. Gradually we leave the desert behind and return to the southern Sierra mountains. Kern River Canyon with its red gorges. One of the most enjoyable roads of the expedition.
Down from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. UpSerra strategy: explore Big Sur at the ideal time, avoiding the traditional morning coastal fog. Curves over cliffs, open sea and one of the most beautiful roads on the planet. Overnight in Big Sur.
Last big riding day. We follow the southern California coast to Malibu, ending at legendary Neptune’s Net — one of the most classic spots in American motorcycle culture. The true West Coast spirit. Arrival in Los Angeles.
Day to explore LA: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, or just rest in Santa Monica watching the sunset on the Pacific. You crossed mountains, deserts and ocean — you earned it.
Premium BMW return in Los Angeles. Transfer to LAX airport and flight home. For those who want to extend, you can stay in LA, head to San Diego, Las Vegas or Cancun on the way home — UpSerra advises options.
THE PACKAGE
What’s included
✓ INCLUDED
- UpSerra-prepped BMW R1300GS / R1250GS rental
- 10 nights in superior-category hotels (3★/4★)
- Breakfast at every hotel
- Specialized UpSerra guiding
- Support vehicle with luggage and mechanical assistance
- Professional photo and video coverage
- Initial briefing in San Francisco
- Complete route and accommodation planning
✗ NOT INCLUDED
- International flights (home country ↔ USA)
- International travel insurance (mandatory)
- Fuel during the tour
- Meals beyond breakfast
- California tolls and ferries
- Motorcycle deposit and liability during the trip
- Optional activities (Yosemite entry fees, wineries)
- Personal expenses
RESERVATION
Reserve your seat — California Backroads & Sierra Roads 2027 · Oct 20–30, 2027
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp to arrange payment and send documentation. Reply within 24 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
What motorcycle will I ride?
Premium BMW — the exact model is confirmed close to departure, always within BMW’s adventure/touring line. The partner rental shop accepts standard Category A motorcycle licenses.
Do I need a US visa?
Most international riders need a B1/B2 visa or ESTA to enter the US, depending on nationality. The consulate interview process can take months — plan well in advance. UpSerra advises on the full process in the included pre-trip assistance.
What’s the weather like in California in October?
Excellent for motorcycles. San Francisco in October has temperatures between 14–20°C / 57–68°F. The Sierra Nevada at altitude can drop to 5–15°C / 41–59°F — bring layers. Death Valley in October is milder (25–35°C / 77–95°F, without summer’s extreme heat). Big Sur and LA: 20–28°C / 68–82°F, clear skies.
Is it a hard tour? What riding level is required?
Intermediate to advanced. The roads are all high-quality asphalt, but the variety of situations is large: altitude, technical mountain curves, desert sections with heat. The prerequisite is prior experience with large motorcycles (1000cc+).
Does the route pass through Big Sur during the day or at night?
During the day, at the ideal time. The UpSerra strategy is to schedule Big Sur for the afternoon, when the typical morning fog has dissipated and the light is right for photos and safe riding.
Where are the bike pickup and drop-off?
Pickup in San Francisco on Day 1 (Oct 20). Drop-off in Los Angeles on Day 11 (Oct 30), the same day as the return flight. UpSerra coordinates the full process with the partner rental shop.
PRICING
Investment
Complete package with premium BMW, accommodations and UpSerra logistics — payment in USD
| Modality | Price |
|---|---|
| Solo rider — single room | US$ 11,500 per person |
| Twin (two riders — shared double room) | US$ 10,900 per person |
| Couple (rider + passenger — double room) | US$ 18,900 per couple |
Prices in USD. International wire, credit card or installments — check options with our team on WhatsApp. Limited seats to keep the rhythm and full attention of the UpSerra team.
From the mountains to the Pacific.
Reserve your seat on California Backroads & Sierra Roads 2027. Oct 20–30.
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