5 Best Outdoor Motocross Tracks
There’s a lot that goes into making a motocross track a good one. There’s the track itself, the surrounding area, and even the atmosphere for fans that all go into making a simple track one that’s a must-see destination. The sport of motocross has a lot of great tracks around the world, especially outdoors.
Out of all of those tracks, though, which ones stand out as the best of the bunch? If you’re a motocross enthusiast, here are five outdoor tracks that you have to see whether you’re riding or simply there to watch the best in the world.
5. Unadilla
Located in Central New York, Unadilla MX is the longest-running AMA facility in the United States with the first event occurring in 1972. There have been a couple of short breaks since then, but for the most part, it has been a staple of professional motocross. The track known simply as “Dilla” to fans is home to the Pro National MX Weekend in mid-August and started offering spectator camping in 2022 to really make it a party.
The track has remained largely the same as it heads over vast terrain and challenges even the most experienced racers. In the 450 Class, Ricky Carmichael has won at Unadilla six times while Bubba Stewart leads the 250 Class with three wins.
4. Hangtown
Another one of the “OG” tracks on the AMA Tour is the Hangtown Motocross Classic which takes place in Rancho Cordova, California. With the exception of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual race has taken place every year since 1974. The track was founded six years prior by the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club and started holding professional races with small purses.
Since then, Hangtown has grown into one of the most popular tracks in the world. With challenging jumps and a massive landscape, Hangtown is a great place for amateurs to see if they’re ready for the next level.
3. Glen Helen
Another track from California, Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino is the motocross jewel of the inland empire and had its first AMA event in 1993. Since then, Glen Helen has held an event in most years, with its most recent run coming from 2014 to 2018. Glen Helen is home to a lot of major events each year, including the Red Bull Day in the Dirt each November.
Glen Helen is a great track for riders of all experience to get some practice in, and the long track makes for plenty of great spectator spots throughout the course. There’s just one thing that they ask you to do at Glen Helen, and that’s “feel the speed.”
2. Washougal
Heading up the Pacific coast you’ll find Washougal MX Park in the state of Washington, a mainstay for the AMA schedule since 1980 with a couple of rare exceptions. For those that love nature, it doesn’t get much better than spending the weekend at Washougal each year, with the Pro Motocross Championship taking place each July.
The track is one of just three natural terrain tracks in the United States and was established in 1970. Once known only by local racers, Washougal has become a worldwide favorite for fans and professionals alike.
1. Red Bud
At the top of the list is the small city of Buchanan, Michigan where you’ll find Red Bux MX. Red Bud has been home to the AMA’s biggest party every year since 1976 with Michiganders getting their first taste of the action in 1974. Over Fourth of July weekend every year, tens of thousands make their way to Red Bud where you’re certain to hear people yell the track’s name over and over again.
If you ask any professional motocross rider, Red Bud is likely in their top three with many selecting it as their overall favorite. The track is known for having some of the best dirt and the sheer size of it allows racers to showcase their entire skillset. Red Bud is also home to one of motocross’s most notorious jumps, LaRocco’s Leap which stretches for more than 120 feet.