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, 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.
Day 1 Wasilla
Meet in Anchorage and shuttle north to Palmer 
Enjoy expansive views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet as you pedal up Hatcher Pass on a challenging warm-up ride.
Day 2 sheep mountain
Spin through the lush Matanuska River Valley, taking in dramatic glacier views
Gather for a home-cooked meal this evening and hear first-hand accounts of winning the Iditarod.
Day 3 copper river
Gear up for a big day 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 boat ride 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 Return to Anchorage.
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 very basic but comfortable waterfront hotel, the best option available in Valdez.
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
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 35, 45 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 41, 60 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 38, 60, 74, 87 miles
- 1500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 43, 62, 87, 106 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
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. |
||
| 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 |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/28-7/3Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/12-17Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/26-31Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/9-14Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/23-28Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
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
Loved the activities and locations! The opportunities were unlike any other Backroads tripbiking, 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.- Pittsburgh, PA