Mountain biking in Alaska will open up the states secrets to you in a way that’s only possible on two wheels. Epic trails are scattered all over the last frontier. You can take a mountain bike where you would never think to drive or even hike. From a vast network of old logging roads in the southeast, to miner two tracks, dirt roads, and everything in between. Alaska is an absolute haven for mountain bikers. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world off road biking in Alaska. We’ll explore mountain biking, fat-tire biking, and Heli-biking!
Mountain Biking in Alaska Quick Guide
My Experience Mountain Biking in Alaska
While I grew up on bikes, it wasn’t till I moved to the pacific northwest that I really learned how to maintain bike. A fellow tv friend of mine sold me his old bike and showed me the ropes. He took me riding in the Colombia gorge, on Mt. Hood, and in the forests that surround Mt. St. Helens. I feel in love with it. I appreciate any adrenaline pumping activity that gets me outdoors, but beyond that I love the blinders mountain biking puts on me. When you’re barreling down a single track trail on the side of a mountain, it demands a hundred percent of your attention. There are very few things left in my life that can provide that kind of escape.
While the majority of my biking adventures has been done in the lower 48, I’ve taken advantage of my time working in Alaska. I was introduced to fat tire biking on the beaches of Homer. I’ve plotted future routes on old logging roads in the southeast. I’ve built up knowledge and local tips for the past decade for when I can put the camera down and focus on a proper mountain biking excursion in Alaska. The following article is a culmination of all my first hand experience and research.
The Basics
Mountain biking in Alaska can be a thrilling adventure that takes riders through rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes, but it’s crucial to be prepared for the challenges of the wilderness.
With Alaska’s unpredictable weather, a light waterproof jacket is good to have on hand. Additionally, riders should carry ample food and water to sustain themselves during long rides in remote areas. Basic bike repair skills, like changing a tire, are invaluable for handling an unexpected flat on top a mountain or 40 miles down the Denali road.
Something else that makes mountain biking in Alaska unique, is its abundant wildlife population. While I’ve filmed bear hunts where we don’t even see the bears we want to see, they’re unpredictable creatures and you don’t want to come upon one while mountain biking in Alaska. It’s not a bad idea to carry bear spray and know how to react in the event of an encounter. Make noise, be loud, and don’t f*ck with their cubs.
Alaska’s mountain biking season typically runs from late spring to early fall, depending on snowmelt and trail conditions. Alaska’s breakup season can be brutal on trails, leaving them muddy slogs that are a pain in the ass to navigate. However, Once summer is in full swing mountain bikers can explore a wide variety of trails that range from beginner-friendly routes to technical and demanding terrain. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you hit the trail
Mountain Biking Trails in Alaska
There are an endless amount of mountain biking trails in Alaska, most if not all are suitable for fat tire bikes as well. Here’s a who’s who list of mountain biking trails and areas throughout Alaska:
Anchorage & surrounding area
Anchorage is the best base for mountain biking in Alaska, the city has more trail miles within its boundaries than almost any comparably sized city in North America. Kincaid Park and Far North Bicentennial Park are both within city limits. Chugach State Park is a 20-minute drive and opens up serious alpine terrain. Hatchers Pass is 90 minutes north and worth the drive.
Bird to Gird Trail (Beginner)
The most popular cycling route in Southcentral Alaska. A 12-mile paved trail one way (24 miles round trip) running along Turnagain Arm between the communities of Bird, Indian, and Girdwood. Flat, paved, and suitable for any bike including mountain bikes and fat tire bikes. Spectacular views of the inlet and Chugach Mountains the entire way. Wildlife sightings, whales in the water, moose along the trail, are common. Perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants a stunning ride without technical demands. Parking at either end: Bird Creek or Girdwood.
Eklutna Lakeside Trail (Beginner)
Meandering along the picturesque Eklutna Lake, this 13-mile trail offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountains.
Kincaid Park, Anchorage (Beginner to Intermediate)
Enjoy mountain biking in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska. With trails catering to all skill levels, from gentle paths to challenging singletracks, riders will enjoy panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains.
Far North Bicentennial Park (Beginner to Intermediate)
Just east of Anchorage this mountain biking haven in Alaska offers diverse trails catering to all levels, from wooded paths to open meadows. Super beary so carry spray.
Powderline Pass Trail (Intermediate)
This 13 mile mountain biking trail is just outside of Anchorage, Alaska in the Chugach State Park. It’s an old jeep trail that stretches from the Flattop Trailhead to the town of Indian, Alaska. Initially wide-open with gravel doubletrack, it becomes steeper and rockier as it ascends to the saddle, a popular turnaround point for most riders. While the trail continues to Indian, its a steep downhill only suitable for experienced cyclists.
Iditarod and Flathorn Lake Winter Trail (Intermediate)
This 40 mile fat tire biking trail follows the Iditarod Trail to Flathorn Lake. Recommended to be done as a shuttle.
Gold Mint Trail, Hatchers Pass (Intermediate)
Initially gravel, the trail transitions into singletrack, occasionally shared with hikers. Gradual climb outbound, descent on the return, short technical rocky sections. Expansive valley vistas views.
Other Hatchers Pass Trails (Intermediate to Expert)
Hatchers Pass is an excellent place to go mountain biking in Alaska. Archangel Vally, Craggie Creek Trail, and Eska Falls Trail are all wonderful.
Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is two hours south of Anchorage and offers some of the most dramatic backcountry mountain biking in the state. Resurrection Pass is the marquee trail — 39 miles of genuine wilderness singletrack connecting Hope to Cooper Landing. The peninsula also has excellent beginner options around Seward and Cooper Landing for riders who want scenery without the commitment.
Lost Lake Trail, Seward (Intermediate)
Breathtaking views of mountains and a mix of forest and tundra, it’s an unforgettable ride. Many opt for an out-and-back route, or it can be part of a larger loop with the Primrose Trail. The trail starts at the Lost Lake trailhead.
Johnson Pass Trail, Portage (Intermediate)
While the 24 mile trail is typically ridden from north to south, both ends offer enjoyable descents.By mid to late June, expect some overgrowth, downed trees and shallow water crossings. Fast and flowy sections, interspersed with rocky and rooty gardens. Limited riding above the tree line.
Upper Russian Lake, Cooper Landing (Intermediate)
Embark on a stunning 22 mile backcountry mountain biking adventure in Alaska with this trail on the Kenai Peninsula. While long, the ride boasts spectacular views without technical challenges. Enjoy a mostly downhill journey from Cooper Lake to Russian River Campground.
Resurrection Pass, Cooper Landing (Intermediate to Expert)
This 39 mile epic mountain biking trail in Alaska links the town of Hope to Cooper Landing. It offers stunning backcountry single track both above and below the tree-line, passing by lakes, rivers, and cabins along the way. While mostly non-technical, there’s one notable climb from Swan Lake to Devil’s Pass that presents some rocks and elevation gain.
Fairbanks & Surrounding Area
Fairbanks is Alaska’s interior mountain biking hub — a completely different landscape from Anchorage or Southeast. Open boreal forest, long ridgelines, and access to the Denali Road make it worth the trip specifically for cycling. The riding here is more remote and less developed than Anchorage but the scenery and solitude more than compensate.
Denali Road to Wonder Lake Campground (Beginner to Intermediate)
This iconic route offers cyclists the opportunity to pedal through the heart of Denali National Park, surrounded by towering peaks, vast tundra, and abundant wildlife. The journey covers approximately 92 miles round trip, providing ample opportunities to soak in breathtaking views of Denali, North America’s tallest peak.
McKay Creek Trail (Intermediate to Expert)
Starting at milepost 42.5 on the Steese Highway, this 27.5 mile mountain biking trail in Alaska ascends steeply to a ridge. It passes through spruce forests and open meadows to meet the Lower Nome Creek Trail. The trail concludes with a climb to its junction with the Trail Creek Trail.
Stampede Trail (Intermediate to Expert)
This 49 mile mountain biking trail in the heart of Alaska is also great for fat-fire biking. Starting at the end of Stampede Road, this OHV trail leads into Denali National Park, passing numerous campsites and stream crossings. Expect wet feet as you navigate Fish Creek and traverse boggy sections. Crossing the Savage River at mile 7.5, the trail eventually reaches the Teklanika River at mile 10, which may be passable with low water levels.
Southeast Alaska & Girdwood
Southeast Alaska is criminally underrated for mountain biking. The old growth Tongass rainforest, the coastal topography, and the network of old logging roads in Prince of Wales Island and on Chichagof Island give riders access to terrain that feels completely wild and is almost entirely uncrowded. Expect mud, roots, and rain.
Alyeska Bikewood, Girdwood (Intermediate to Expert)
Alyeska Resort in Girdwood opens its trails to mountain bikers in summer. Lift-accessed downhill runs, flow trails, and singletrack through old growth forest at the base of the Chugach Mountains. The tram gives access to alpine terrain at 2,300 feet. This is the most developed mountain bike destination in Southcentral Alaska and genuinely excellent. Check the Alyeska Resort website for current trail status and lift ticket pricing.
Winner Creek Trail, Girdwood (Beginner to Intermediate)
A 4.5-mile each way trail through old growth forest to a hand-powered tram over a gorge. The lower section is rideable and fast. Roots, wooden bridges, and dense rainforest. The hand tram is one of the more unique trail features in Alaska. Access from the Hotel Alyeska parking lot in Girdwood.
Prince of Wales Island (Beginner to Expert)
The third largest island in the United States has an extraordinary network of old logging roads that make for exceptional mountain biking, hundreds of miles of gravel and dirt roads through old growth Tongass rainforest, connecting small communities, lakes, and coastline. Almost no other cyclists. Access via ferry from Ketchikan. See our Prince of Wales Island guide for more on getting there.
Juneau Trail Network (Beginner to Intermediate)
Juneau has a surprisingly robust trail network for a capital city accessible only by air and sea. The Dredge Lakes trail system is the most popular mountain bike area, flow trails through old mining country with good signage and multiple skill levels. Montana Creek Trail and the Dan Moller Trail are also worth noting for more technical riding.
Mountain Biking Rentals and Tour Companies in Alaska
There are a ton of tour companies and bike shops throughout Alaska that cater to mountain bikers. These companies can provide valuable expertise and local support on current trail conditions and recommendations. Here’s a list of some trusted mountain, fat-tire, and e bike, rental/tour companies in Alaska.
- Alaska Trail Guides: (Anchorage) 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: (Anchorage) 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: (Anchorage) Located right off the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Pablo’s has a large selection of bikes, including tandem options. Phone: (907) 277 BIKE (2453) Email: hello@pablobicyclerentals.com
- Cycle Alaska: (Juneau) 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
- Goldstream Sports: (Fairbanks) 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: (Fairbanks) Bankstown rents Fat-tire, Gravel, mountain, and E-bikes. Phone: (907) 947-2453
- Canoe Alaska: (Fairbanks) 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
Fat-Tire Biking in Alaska
Fat tire biking in Alaska is an excellent way to bike Alaska during winter or shoulder months when mountain biking isn’t an option. Fat tire biking involves riding specialized bicycles that are equipped with super wide tires that are designed to traverse tough terrain like snow, sand, mud, and gravel. Shit you wouldn’t normally stand a chance in on a regular bike.
Depending on who you ask and how far back you go, some folks will tell you that fat tire biking originated in Alaska. The first fat tire bikes were developed by Steve Baker in the 1980’s to help traverse the snow landscapes. Since then there’s been a lot of innovation and it has evolved into a super popular year round sport. Glide over snowy trails and frozen lakes in the winter or tackle muddy sandy terrain in the summer. Or you could always just use the established mountain biking trails in Alaska.
Heli-Bike Alaska
Heli-biking or Helicopter biking in Alaska is the ultimate mountain biking experience. It combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with epic mountain biking in remote backcountry locations. It’s an exhilarating adventure sport that offers access to rugged terrain inaccessible by traditional means. While some folks like to say they prefer a “full ride”, tough inclines that payoff with long downhills, we have the need. Sometimes you don’t wanna work hard to get to the top, you just wanna speed down!
Popular heli-biking locations include the Chugach Mountains near Anchorage and the Talkeetna Mountains. Guided tours led by experienced local guides ensure safety and provide insights into the region’s ecology. Participants are flown to high-elevation drop-off points, where they begin their descent down challenging trails. This type of mountain biking in Alaska is usually for riders with at least an intermediate skill level.
Heli-Biking Tours
Talkeetna Gear Shop: Talkeetna Gear shop is a great resource for mountain biking in Alaska. For their heli-biking tour they use fat tire bikes to explore the Denali foothills. You’ll pass by historic gold mining claims, mountain views, and creek crossings. They offer an 11mile tour and a 26 miles tour. Both are for Advanced riders. Phone: 907-733-3618. Email: talkeetnagearshop@gmail.com
AK HeliBike: This ones for riders that really want an extreme experience. Excursions try to get in 5-7 runs with elevation drops ranging from 1000-3000 feet. They’re based out of Glacier View and do custom trips in the Chugach Mountains and Talkeetna. Advanced riders only. Book on their website.
Icy Strait Aviation: These folks offer a helicopter-biking and hiking tour, the only one in Southeast Alaska. the tour takes riders to a secluded mountain peak on Chichagof Island. An experienced guide will take you down a wide gravel road. This is a nice Heli-biking tour for beginners and intermediate riders. Phone: 907-830-2599. Email: info@icystraitaviation.com
What to Bring Mountain Biking in Alaska
Alaska mountain biking has specific gear requirements beyond a standard riding kit. Here’s what matters:
- Rain Gear: Non-negotiable in Southeast Alaska and useful everywhere else. A packable waterproof jacket that fits over your riding gear, not a cycling-specific rain jacket which won’t hold up in sustained Alaska rain. I like the North Face’s Alta Vista Jackets. They’re lightweight, breathable, and have the pit zips, essential for active riding.
- Helmet: Non-negotiable. A full-face helmet for technical downhill and heli-biking, a standard trail helmet for everything else.
- Bear Spray: Carry it, know how to use it, keep it accessible not buried in your pack. Most holster-style mounts attach to a frame bag or hip pack.
- Navigation: Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent on most Alaska trails. Download trail maps on or AllTrails before you go. I have a Garmin InReach and love it, you can pair it with your phone to send txts.
- Repair Kit: Basic kit: spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, patch kit, mini pump. For longer remote rides add a chain breaker and spare chain links. A flat 40 miles down the Denali Road is a very different problem than a flat in Kincaid Park.
- Bug Protection: Interior Alaska in summer is genuinely brutal for mosquitoes. Ben’s bug wipes are what we use on shoots. A head net is not overkill on Interior trails in July.
- Hydration: Carry more water than you think you need. Alaska trails can be deceptively long and resupply points are rare on backcountry routes. A hydration pack with at least 2 liters capacity for any ride over 10 miles.
Mountain Biking in Alaska Map
Here’s a map of some popular mountain biking tails, rental shops, and tour companies in Alaska.
Mountain Biking in Alaska FAQs
When is the best time to mountain bike in Alaska?
June through September is the prime mountain biking season in Alaska. July and August offer the best trail conditions — snowmelt is complete, trails are dry (relatively — this is Alaska), and daylight is virtually unlimited. June can be muddy from late snowmelt especially at elevation. September brings fall colors and fewer bugs but also earlier darkness and the possibility of early snow at high elevations.
Do I need a permit to mountain bike in Alaska?
Most trails on national forest, state park, and BLM land are free to access without permits. Denali National Park requires a road vehicle permit for the Park Road — cyclists can ride the road but should check current NPS rules. Some private land trails require permission. Always check land management status before heading out on unfamiliar trails.
Can beginners mountain bike in Alaska?
Yes. Anchorage has an excellent beginner-friendly trail network. Kincaid Park, Far North Bicentennial Park, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail all offer well-maintained trails suitable for newer riders. The Eklutna Lakeside Trail is an easy 13-mile trail on flat gravel suitable for almost any fitness level. Most rental shops in Anchorage can recommend appropriate trails based on your skill level.
What trails are closest to Anchorage?
Kincaid Park, Far North Bicentennial Park, and Powerline Pass Trail are the most accessible from Anchorage. Kincaid and Far North are within city limits — you can ride there from downtown. Powerline Pass is a 20-minute drive to the Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park. Hatchers Pass is about 90 minutes north and offers excellent intermediate to advanced riding in spectacular alpine terrain.
Is the Denali Road rideable by mountain bike?
Yes. The 92-mile dirt road through Denali National Park is one of the great Alaska cycling experiences. Private vehicles are restricted beyond Mile 15 so cyclists have the road largely to themselves. The route passes through some of the most spectacular wilderness in North America with regular wildlife sightings. Plan for a multi-day trip with camping — Wonder Lake Campground at Mile 85 is the classic turnaround point. Check NPS regulations before going as rules can change.
Do I need to bring my own bike to Alaska?
Not necessarily, rental shops in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks all carry quality mountain bikes and fat tire bikes. Alaska Trail Guides in Anchorage is the most comprehensive option for mountain bike rentals with guided tour options as well. If you’re planning a multi-week trip with specific trail goals, bringing your own bike is worth the airline fee, most airlines charge $50-$150 each way for a bike box.
What should I know about bears while mountain biking in Alaska?
You’re moving quietly and quickly on a bike which increases the chance of surprising a bear. Make noise on blind corners, call out, use a bell, or just talk loudly. Carry bear spray in an accessible holster not buried in your pack. If you encounter a bear: stop, don’t make sudden movements, talk calmly, and give it space to move away. Don’t run. See our Black Bear vs Grizzly Bear guide for more on bear behavior and safety.
More Alaska Adventure Guides
- Prince of Wales Island — Southeast Alaska logging road riding
- Cycling Alaska — road and gravel cycling across the state
- Snowmobiling in Alaska — winter alternative to fat tire biking
- Girdwood Restaurants — fuel up after Alyeska Bikewood
- Denali Helicopter Tours — if you liked heli-biking you’ll love this
- Surfing in Alaska — another unexpected Alaska adventure sport
- Rafting Alaska — combine with a biking trip on the same visit
- What to Pack for Alaska — full gear list including outdoor adventure essentials
- Black Bear vs Grizzly Bear — know what you’re sharing the trails with