Alaska Biking
An Epic Bike Journey Through the Vast Alaskan Wilderness
It's the raw immensity of the landscape. As far west as you can go. Youngest state, oldest place. The last frontier: not just a cliché but something you feel in your body. Super-natural things happen in Alaska. Grizzlies roam. Glaciers calve. Moose forage. You ride past rivers named Matanuska, circle volcanoes called Wrangell, stroll through famous towns like Valdez. Follow the trail of fur traders, copper miners, oil diggers and naturalists. One acre for every person. Things get put in perspective.
- A true biking adventure in a remote section of Alaska experienced by few travelers
- Ride in the shadow of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park's 16,000-foot peaks
- Prince William Sound by ferry - watch for seals and bald eagles!
- Pedal beside the mighty Matanuska Glacier and the river of the same name
- Feel the immensity of Alaska's interior
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 A true biking adventure in remote Alaska, where few travelers venture 
Get your legs moving with a beautiful ride from Palmer up Hatcher Pass, and savor expansive views of the Cook Inlet and soaring Chugach Mountains.
Day 2 Feel the immensity of Alaska's interior Pedal over rolling hills and beside the icy Matanuska River, fed by the mighty Matanuska Glacier Your home-cooked dinner is served with vistas of untouched wilderness.
Days 3-4 Ride in the shadow of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park's 16,000-foot peaks, nicknamed "the mountain kingdom of North America" Gear up for a big day of biking along scenic Glenn Highway, passing spruce forests, alpine meadows and possibly a moose! In the rugged and remote Copper River Valley, a challenging route past glaciers, rivers and woods is yours for the taking Climb Thompson Pass and up to Worthington Glacier before an incredible descent past thundering waterfalls and into Valdez.
Days 5-6 Prince William Sound by ferry - watch for seals, bald eagles, orcas and puffins Hear rumbling? The famous bore tide may roll in as you pedal along Turnagain Arm Keep your eyes peeled for native beluga whales from breathtaking Bird Point.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Glacier Biking Bryce/Zion Biking Crater Lake BikingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The experience was beyond my expectations. The leaders were extremely helpful and wanted everyone to have a great vacation. I cannot wait to take my next Backroads trip! I felt a part of the Alaska experience and not just a tourist.- Wichita, KS More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Alaska Biking
Casual Inns*
Lake Lucille Inn
Wasilla (1 night) Enjoy views of picturesque Lake Lucille and the snowcapped peaks from your room.
Sheep Mountain Lodge
Sheep Mountain (1 night) Co-owned by five-time Iditarod competitor Zack Steer, the inn's individual wooden cabins are tucked in a beautiful forested setting.
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
Copper River (1 night) A bluff-top lodge with views of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Valdez Harbor Inn
Valdez (1 night) Watch the harbor activity from this very basic but comfortable waterfront hotel, the best option in town.
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood (1 night) A stylish hotel with an aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska. (pool)
* Premiere Inn
Alaska Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 4
2 Route Options Available
- 37, 46 miles
- 1300 - 3250 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 41, 60 miles
- 1500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 39, 60, 75, 88 miles
- 1300 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 35, 68, 87, 107 miles
- 1300 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Travel Day
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 34 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain