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Alaska Biking

Alaska Biking

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, raft the rapids, pass creaking glaciers and fly into 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.

Day 1 wasilla

Meet in Anchorage  Shuttle north to Wasilla, headquarters of the 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race  Enjoy views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet on a warm-up ride to our hotel.

Day 2 sheep mountain

Ride over rolling hills and beside the icy waters of the Matanuska River, fed from the dramatic Matanuska Glacier  Grab an oar and head for an adrenaline-filled raft adventure down the river  Gather for a home-cooked meal this evening and take in beautiful views of the untouched wilderness.

Day 3 copper river

Gear up for our biggest ride of the trip 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

Pass Wrangell-St. Elias' mountains, glaciers, rivers and forests on a challenging ride Climb Thompson Pass and up to Worthington Glacier before an incredible descent past thundering waterfalls and into Valdez.

Days 5-6 Girdwood

Enjoy a scenic cruise across Prince William Sound  Keep an eye out for orcas, seals, bald eagles and puffins  Pedal out to Turnagain Arm and the breathtaking Bird Point, looking out for the famous bore tide and native beluga whales.

big map Alaska Biking

Mountain Comforts : Casual Inns

Lake Lucille Inn (1 night): Guest rooms feature vistas of picturesque Lake Lucille and snowcapped peaks.

Sheep Mountain Lodge (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 (1 night): Enjoy the views of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park from the picture windows of this blufftop lodge.

Valdez Harbor Inn (1 night): Watch the harbor activity from this comfortable waterfront hotel.

Alyeska Resort (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.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Alaska Biking
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

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.
Sandy Stevens - Wichita, KS
Loved the activities and locations! The opportunities were unlike any other Backroads trip—biking, rafting, ice climbing, fishing. Overall, more than I could have hoped for or expected. I would recommend this trip to anyone.
Matthew Hershey - New York, NY
This was the best trip we have ever taken. The leaders were awesome. The group dynamics clicked. The riding was challenging. It was just plain fun.
Laura Brookfield - Pittsburgh, PA