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.
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
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 40 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 26, 41 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Rafting 2 hours
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 38, 60, 87, 101 miles
- 1500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 40, 61 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Ferry Ride - All day
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 20 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 | 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
- 6/29-7/4Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1100 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/27-8/1Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1100 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/10-15Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1100 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 7/20-25Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1100 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/17-22Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1100 for sgl. occ.)
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.- 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