Article Overview: Cycling in Alaska

Folks that think snow machining or dog sledding is the only way to recreate in Alaska, might be surprised to learn the last frontier has a small but passionate bike culture. With a slew of fantastic urban cycling trails and epic long distance routes, cycling in Alaska is an adventure like no other. In this article, we’ll delve into the two wheeled world of biking in Alaska. We’ll explore paved trails and road routes throughout the state, as well as how to bike in Denali National Park. Get ready to experience unparalleled beauty as you spin your wheels cycling in Alaska.

Why Trust Us

AlaskaExplored is THE DESTINATION for all things Alaska. Whether you’re planning an epic cycling tour in Alaska, or you’re just curious about the last frontier, we’ve got you covered. Here at AlaskaExplored.com you’ll find expert tips, detailed guides, stunning photographs, and so much more.

Together AlaskaExplored has more than twenty years of experience traveling, working, and exploring the beautifully rugged, 49th state. Working in television has taken us all around the world, and no place more than Alaska. During our time in Alaska we’ve documented countless stories from every corner and crevasse of the state. 

We’ve helped showcase the grandeur of this wild place for National Geographic, Discovery, Disney, Animal Planet, and more. Now we want to share our knowledge and real life experiences with you!

My Experience Cycling in Alaska

I don’t own a car, so when I’m not working my daily driver is a 1980’s fuji road bike. I love scooting around on two wheels. In my opinion it’s one of the greatest ways to experience the world around you. It sounds cliche, but riding a bike, feeling the wind in your face, and using your own power to do so; it’s nourishing for the soul. It’s something most of us learn at a young age and few of us continue to do throughout our lives.

While most of my time working in Alaska is spent in the remote regions of the state, huge expanses with few or no roads, every now and again I’ll get lucky enough to be assigned to a town where I can go cycling in Alaska. One of my favorite places to ride a bike in Alaska, is Homer. I worked in Homer, Alaska and lived at the end of the spit, 5 or 6 miles from town. With more crew members than trucks, it was very common to get trapped in our hotel without a way to enjoy an off day. Eventually we learned, a few crew members bought bikes, and would we would ride them into town along the beautiful coast trail.

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Cycling in Alaska

Table of Contents: Cycling in Alaska

Table of contents

• Why Trust Us
• My Experience Cycling in Alaska
• Cycling in Alaska 101
• Cycling Trails in Anchorage, Alaska
  • Cycling Tours and Rentals in Anchorage
• Cycling Trails in Juneau, Alaska
  • Juneau Cycling Tours and Rentals
• Cycling Trails in Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Cycling Tours and Rentals in Fairbanks
• Other Notable Cycling Trails in Alaska
• Cycling the Denali Park Road
  • Denali Bike Rentals
• Cycling in Alaska Map
• Cycling in Alaska Conclusion
• Cycling Resources in Alaska
  • More Alaska Articles

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Cycling in Alaska 101

Wether you’re commuting, long hauling, or just enjoying an afternoon bike ride on the weekend, there are pro’s and cons to cycling in Alaska. First of all, we’ll state the obvious. Road cycling in Alaska is breathtaking, even in urban areas. You’ll be hard fought to find a prettier place to pedal. Another perk to spinning your wheels on 49th state pavement, is the lack of interstate highways, which can be treacherous to navigate while cycling.

In addition to scenic routes free from heavy traffic, summer weather in Alaska is perfect for bike riding. The long cool days that extend well into the evening, allow cyclists to enjoy long rides, soaking up all the steller views of rugged mountains and salmon streams.

While cycling in Alaska can be a dream, theres always another side of the coin. If you’re going off trail, the main concern you should have while cycling in Alaska is the lack a shoulder on many roads. This paired with bumpy poorly maintained section of road, can make cycling in Alaska kind of sketchy. Additionally, if you’re planning to ride your bike outside of the mild summer months, be prepared for fast changing weather that can be brutal.

Cycling Trails in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska boasts a solid network of paved cycling trails that wind through the scenic urban landscape. Here’s a list of some paved cycling trails in Anchorage, Alaska:

• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: The beloved 19.7-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, is traces Anchorage’s coastline from downtown to Kincaid Park. The cycling trail offers stunning views of Mount Susitna and Denali on clear days, with chances to spot moose, beluga whales, and local wildflowers. Don’t miss Earthquake Park and Point Woronzoff for memorable photo ops.
• Campbell Creek Trail: The 7.5-mile Campbell Creek Trail is Anchorage’s southern cross-city pathway, linking Far North Bicentennial Park to Campbell Lake in the southwest. It offers scenic views and wildlife sightings along the Campbell Creek watershed.
• Ship Creek Trail: Snaking along Downtown Anchorage’s northern edge, this short trail offers a nice little route for exploring the city’s natural and cultural heritage. Beginning near the Alaska Railroad depot, the 2.5 miles trail passes by the ship creek salmon latter, a fish hatchery and railroad yards.
• Chester Creek Trail: Linking Westchester Lagoon to the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, this cycling trail offers a historic and scenic path for cyclists and pedestrians. Stretching 4 miles through green spaces and neighborhoods its flat, paved surface, it’s perfect for family outings, passing playgrounds and parks like Valley of the Moon Park.
• Moose Loop Trail: The grand jewl of paved cycling trails in Anchorage, Alaska. This 32-mile loop around Anchorage connects the Coastal, Chester Creek, Campbell Creek, and Ships Creek trails. Access points are available throughout the city, with parking at Taku Lake Park and Campbell Park off Elmore Road.
• Glenn Highway Trail: This paved 17.5 mile cycling trail connects downtown Anchorage, Alaska to its neighboring city of Eagle River. It runs along the you guessed it, Glenn Highway, passing parks, the Alaska Native Heratige Center, and views of the Chugach Mountains.

Cycling Tours and Rentals in Anchorage

• Alaska Trail Guides: They do it all. E-bike rentals, Mountain biking clinics, winter fat-tire bikes, even a Brew and Bike tour. Phone: (907) 317-5707 Email: info@alaskatrailguides.com
• Downtown Bicycle Rental: Great bike shop in the heart of the city. They run a mountain bike shuttle to Flattop mountain, rent, and sell all sorts of bikes. Phone: 907-279-3334
• Pablo’s Bike Rentals: Located right off the Tosdfsdf Pablo’s has a large selection of bikes, including tandem options. Phone: (907) 277 BIKE (2453) Email: hello@pablobicyclerentals.com

Cycling Trails in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska is a stunning setting to cycle. And the town has done a good job cultivating bike culture. In 2011 it was awarded Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community status with the League of American Bicyclists. Here’s a list of some great cycling trails in Juneau, Alaska.

• Juneau to Mendenhall Loop Road: Start in downtown Juneau and follow the Glacier Highway along a marked bike lane up to and around Auke Lake. This cycling route will take you right past Mendenhall lake and the glacier, one of Alaska’s finest.
• Auke Lake to Eagle Beach: Continue along the Glacier Highway another 20 miles or so to get to Eagle beach State Recreational Area. Camp here and make this an epic two day cycling trip in Juneau, Alaska.
• Douglas Island: Cross the Juneau-Douglas Bridge and explore the beautiful island. While cycling on this Alaska island you’ll enjoy epic coastal views, a sandy beach, the Treadwell Mine, and views of the iconic Mendenhall glacier.

Juneau Cycling Tours and Rentals

• Cycle Alaska: They have two shops that do it all. Full service repair shop, rentals, and tours. Dock shop only open in the summer. Phone: (907) 780-2253 Email: rentals@cycleak.com

Cycling Trails in Fairbanks, Alaska

With a handful of multi use trails that run through town and a bus transit system that allows you to mount your bike on the front; Fairbanks, is a solid place to go cycling in Alaska. While there are a ton of options to cycle around Fairbanks, the roads can be bumpy and poorly maintained.

• Chena River Greenway: This 7.5 mile out and back trail, meanders alongside the Chena River, offering a serene route through downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm of Alaska’s second-largest city. Start near Pioneer Park at the edge of Fort Wainwright.
• The Farmers Loop: A valuable asset for Alaskan cyclists. This dedicated path encircles the “Farmer’s Loop,” offering a peaceful 15-mile cycling route through the agricultural area north of downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. Which provides a safe and enjoyable ride away from vehicle congestion.
• Sheep Creek to Goldstream Road loop: Start at the Nenana Parking Shuttle station and embark on a 26 mile loop cycling around north central Fairbanks, Alaska. Take Sheep creek road over the Goldstream creek bridge and follow the Goldstream road before looping back to town on the old Steese highway.
• Fairbanks to North Pole: Start in downtown Fairbanks and cross the Steese Highway Bridge over the Chena River. Pass Fort Wainwright and then take a right and follow the Nordale road 12 to get cycle to North Pole, Alaska

Cycling Tours and Rentals in Fairbanks

• Goldstream Sports: A great cycling resource in Fairbanks, Alaska. In addition to a speedy repair shop and they carry the latest line of road, mountain, and fat bikes that Trek builds. Phone: (907) 455-6520
• Bankstown Bike & Ski: Bankstown rents Fat-tire, Gravel, mountain, and E-bikes. Phone: (907) 947-2453
• Canoe Alaska: While their focus might be on water sports, this Fairbanks bike rental company offers a slew of different rental options. Or pair a bike rental with a paddle trip! Phone: (907) 457-2453

Other Notable Cycling Trails in Alaska

• The Bird to Gird Trial: Cycling the Bird to Gird trail is an unforgettable experience in Western Alaska. This 12-mile one-way or 24-mile round trip paved route follows Turnagain Arm, linking Girdwood, Bird, and Indian communities. Perfect for cyclists of any skill level, the shared trail offers encounters with wildlife and stunning views of glacier-covered mountains and the ocean. With convenient amenities like picnic tables and eateries along the way, it’s an ideal adventure for cyclists seeking both beauty and convenience.
• Seward Bike Path: Begins at the Alaska Sea-life Center and extends through town, reaching Bear Lake Road around Mile 7, where visitors often rent bikes to witness the fish weir. Here, salmon congregate in the creek, attracting bears in search of a snack.

Cycling the Denali Park Road

Biking Denali Park Road offers a unique way to experience the park’s beauty under your own power and pace. Start cycling day trip at Mile 15, where vehicle access is restricted from mid-May to mid-September. You’ll encounter less traffic beyond this point. Park at the Mountain Vista Trailhead if Mile 15 is full. The road features challenging climbs and thrilling descents, making a round trip to Sanctuary River (Mile 22) a rewarding 14-mile ride.

For a longer cycling trip in Denali, Alaska, use the transit bus system to travel farther west with your bike. Reserve your bus ticket in advance and plan your turnaround point accordingly. Consider riding back to the park entrance for a full-day excursion. During spring and fall, when buses aren’t running, personal vehicles can drive to Teklanika River (Mile 30), offering an excellent starting point for an 18-mile ride with stunning views from Sable Pass (Mile 39).

Furthermore, its important to remember that cycling in Denali, and really anywhere in Alaska, carries extra risk. Biking the Park Road is best suited for experienced riders familiar with wildlife encounters. While a lot of the joy of riding a bike comes from being exposed to the elements, a car at least offers some protection to a charging moose or grizzly bear. In addition to wildlife encounters, keep in mid you’ll be sharing the single park road with tour buses and other travelers.

Denali Bike Rentals

Bike Denali: If you’re planning a trip to bike through Denali National Park, talk to these guys. Not only are they super knowledgeable about everything related to cycling in Denali, Alaska; they offer a wide selection of rental packages, including bike-packing and gravel bikes. Phone: (907) 378-2107 Email: bikedenalirentals@gmail.com

Cycling in Alaska Map

Here’s a map of some major cycling trails, tours, and tracks in Alaska.

Cycling in Alaska Conclusion

Cycling in Alaska offers a diverse and exhilarating experience for enthusiasts of all disciplines. Whether it’s road cycling along scenic highways, fat tire biking through snowy landscapes, mountain biking on rugged trails, or BMX riding at local tracks and skate parks, Alaska provides unique opportunities for cyclists to explore its vast and stunning wilderness. The state’s long summer days, breathtaking scenery, and relatively low traffic make it an ideal destination for cyclists seeking adventure and solitude.

Cycling Resources in Alaska

• Bike Anchorage: A great resource for anyone cycling in Anchorage, Alaska. They have a list of tool stations, an event calendar, and alot more resources. “Our mission is to make Anchorage more bicycle-friendly. We advocate for a vibrant, livable, and healthy city where it is safe and practical to go by bike.”
• Juneau rides: “Juneau Rides mission is to actively promote a bike commuter friendly city through trail map development, bike advocacy through city planning, enhancing bike safety and education, actively encouraging state of the art digital bike registration, and upgrading community wide efforts to prevent bike theft in Alaska’s Capital City.“
• Juneau Bike Doctor: Bike repair shop servicing all of Southeast Alaska. “we serve all types of cyclists, including new and veteran riders, road and mountain aficionados, and recreation and transportation cyclists.”
• Fairbanks Cycle Club: They hold a number of races and events throughout the year, such as bike swaps, group rides, and more.

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