Alaska Biking
The Vast Southern Wilderness
Explore Alaska's rugged untamed wilderness by land, water and air, and come face-to-face with nature's grandeur. Pedal through forests of quaking aspen and cottonwood, pass creaking glaciers and glimpse 16,000-foot peaks in the country's largest national park. While the biking is challenging, with long distances and hills, the routes are breathtaking and well worth the effort. It’s no wonder the Aleuts call this "the Great Land." Prepare to experience how vast and undeveloped Alaska really is.
Trip Planning Links
- 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 icy waters of Matanuska River with glacier views
- Feel the immensity of Alaska’s interior
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Wasilla
Meet in Anchorage and shuttle north to Palmer 
Get your legs moving with a beautiful ride up and back down Hatcher Pass, enjoying expansive views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet.
Day 2 sheep mountain
Ride over rolling hills and beside the icy waters of Matanuska River, fed from the dramatic Matanuska Glacier Gather for a home-cooked meal and take in stunning vistas of the untouched wilderness.
Day 3 copper river
Gear up for a big day of biking along the scenic Glenn Highway into a wilderness of spruce forests and alpine meadows, perhaps spotting a moose or bald eagle Descend into the rugged and remote Copper River Valley in the shadow of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, often referred to as "the mountain kingdom of North America" for its collection of peaks over 16,000 feet.
Day 4 Valdez
Follow the Tiekel and Tsaina Rivers on a gorgeous route featuring views of pristine forests, mountains and the Worthington Glacier Climb Thompson Pass before an incredible descent through Keystone Canyon past thundering waterfalls and into Valdez 
If you pedal every mile today, add an epic Alaskan century to your list of accomplishments!
Days 5-6 Girdwood
Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Prince William Sound Keep an eye out for orcas, seals, bald eagles and puffins Spin to Turnagain Arm and the breathtaking Bird Point, looking out for the famous bore tide and native beluga whales Return to Anchorage.
- 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/Grand Canyon 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 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. 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
Mountain Comforts: Casual Inns*
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn
Wasilla (1 night) Simple but comfortable guest rooms feature vistas of picturesque Lake Lucille and snowcapped peaks.
Sheep Mountain Lodge
Sheep Mountain (1 night) Co-owned by two-time Iditarod competitor Zack Steer, this inn offers individual wooden cabins in a beautiful wooded setting.
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
Copper River (1 night) Enjoy views of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park through the two-story-high picture windows of this blufftop lodge.
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
Valdez (1 night) Watch the harbor activity from this very basic but comfortable waterfront hotel, the best option available in Valdez.
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood (1 night) Located at the base of Mount Alyeska, with a pool, hot tub and an aerial tram to the top of the peak, this stylish hotel ensures an incredible night's rest with its amazing beds.
* Premiere Inn
Alaska Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
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
- 1500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 35, 68, 87, 107 miles
- 1000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Ferry Ride - All day
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 34 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain