The Best Bike Trails in Alaska to Pedal Away the Afternoon (or the Whole Day)

1. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (Anchorage)

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a classic Anchorage ride—a local favorite that runs 11 miles from downtown to Kincaid Park. Along the way, you’ll take in views of Cook Inlet, Denali, Sleeping Lady, and the Chugach Range. The sounds of rustling alders and the occasional plane overhead from Lake Hood or the Anchorage International Airport (it might feel and sound as though the jets will touch your helmet near Point Woronzof) make for an only-in-Anchorage backdrop. Past the airport, keep your eyes peeled for moose—especially in winter when the groomed trail draws them in. This paved route is great year-round; rent a fat-tire bike in winter or cruise it in summer on a standard ride.

Gear up: Rent bikes from Downtown Bicycle Rental or Trek Bicycle Rental. Join a tour with Freewheel E-Bike Tours or Alaska Trail Guides.

2. Trail of Blue Ice (Portage Valley)

This mellow, 10-mile ride in Portage Valley is one of Southcentral Alaska’s hidden gems. It winds through birch forests, along ponds and creeks, and under hanging glaciers—a peaceful, family-friendly ride with incredible scenery around every bend. You might spot moose, bears, or spawning salmon (especially in late summer near the Williwaw Campground overlook). If you start near Portage Lake, you can ride 5 miles to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center and even hop on a one-hour glacier cruise before biking the 5 miles back to where you started. The trail is accessible spring through fall, and even rideable in winter with fat tires.

Gear up: Rent a hybrid bike from Powder Hound Ski & Bike in nearby Girdwood if you’re not bringing your own.

3. Hilltop Ski Area Bike Park (Anchorage)

Anchorage’s only lift-served bike park turns the local ski hill into a summer playground. Ride the chairlift to the top and choose from a range of downhill trails—from beginner-friendly runs to advanced jump lines and drops. The views of Anchorage and Denali are hard to beat, and in summer, the lift runs late so you can ride into the golden evening light. Hilltop is also a great spot to build skills with lessons, youth camps, and a dedicated practice area.

Gear up: Grab a rental onsite and make a day of it—it’s one of the best spots in town for mountain bike riders of all levels.

4. Alyeska Bike Park (Girdwood)

Alyeska Resort brings serious adventure to the summer scene in Girdwood. Ride the lift to access fast, flowing trails down Mt. Alyeska. Mountain bikers can rent all the gear they need—helmet, pads, full-suspension bike—and take a clinic if you're looking to up your game. Not into the downhill? Dial things back with a mellow cruise through the valley or along the scenic Bird to Gird Trail. Either way, the views of mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm make this one of the most stunning places to ride in Alaska.

Gear up: Rent mountain bike packages or road cruisers from Alyeska Resort. Or, rent bikes from the local Powder Hound Ski & Bike shop.

5. Bird to Gird Trail (Girdwood)

The Bird to Gird Trail is one of Alaska’s most scenic paved bike paths. It stretches 12 miles along Turnagain Arm, with sweeping views of tidewater flats, the Chugach Mountains, and—if you're lucky—beluga whales or Dall sheep. You’ll share the path with hikers, dog walkers, and even cross-country skiers in winter. It’s mostly flat and easy to ride year-round with the right gear. Pack a lunch in your backpack: The trail offers plenty of covered picnic tables along the way. Or, treat yourself to a cone at The Ice Cream Shop, conveniently located at the entrance to Girdwood.

Gear up: Rent a bike from Powder Hound Ski & Bike in Girdwood and hit the trail.

6. Kincaid Singletrack (Anchorage)

If winding through spruce forests on purpose-built trails sounds like your kind of ride, Kincaid Park is the spot. Just minutes from downtown, this massive park offers over 15 miles of singletrack designed for mountain biking—with banked turns, short climbs, and fast descents. You'll also find wide multi-use trails with big views of Cook Inlet, plus the option to connect all the way to downtown via the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Moose sightings are common, especially early or late in the day. In winter, swap your regular tires for a fat bike with studs and keep riding.

Gear up: Rent bikes from the Downtown Bicycle Rental or Trek Bicycle Store in Anchorage and head straight to the trailhead.

7. Tsalteshi Trails (Soldotna)

The Tsalteshi Trails are a year-round go-to for locals in Soldotna. In summer, you can ride 10 kilometers of singletrack through quiet spruce forest, with options for all skill levels. The trail system is well-maintained, easy to access, and full of fun twists and turns. In fall, the woods are alive with color—and if you like blueberries, you’ll find patches here and there. In winter, fat bikers can ride the singletrack, while cross-country skiers take over the groomed trails.

Gear Up: Beemuns in Soldotna has both mountain and fat bikes, plus helpful staff who can point you to the best loops for your ability and time.

8. Denali Park Road (Denali National Park)

Most visitors experience Denali by bus—but biking the Park Road offers a more personal, open-air way to take in the park’s wild beauty. One of the most popular ways to ride is to load your bike onto a shuttle bus, get dropped off around Sable Pass, and enjoy a mostly downhill cruise back toward the entrance. You’ll pass through open tundra, with sweeping views of the Alaska Range and a good chance of spotting caribou, moose, or even grizzlies. Another great option is to rent an e-bike and ride from the park entrance to Savage River and back—a half- or full-day ride that’s both accessible and incredibly scenic.

Short on time? A quick ride to Horseshoe Lake, just a couple miles from the visitor center, is a great way to stretch your legs and get off the beaten path. Or, cruise the paved bike path near the park entrance.

The seasonal landslide closure at Mile 42 of the Denali Park Road remains in place for 2025 and 2026. Bikes are allowed around the closed portion of the road using alternate routes. If you choose to venture beyond the closure, be prepared to be fully self-sufficient—it may involve walking your bike along gravel bars, securing backcountry camping permits, and possibly getting special permission to ride deeper into the park. But for those up for the challenge, you’ll likely have the Denali backcountry all to yourself.

Gear up: Rent from Bike Denali, which offers full-day gear packages including Trek mountain and e-bikes, helmets, bear spray, panniers, and water bottle holders. Bikepacking packages are also available for multi-day adventures.

9. Homer Spit Trail (Homer)

The Homer Spit Trail is flat, easy, and packed with character. This four-mile paved path runs along the narrow strip of land that juts into Kachemak Bay, offering nonstop ocean views and great people-watching. You’ll pass working boats, coffee stands, seafood shacks, and shops on pilings—plus lots of photo-worthy spots. It’s a great ride for families or folks who want a breezy afternoon pedal.

Bonus option: Head east along East End Road for a five-mile cruise with filtered bay views and a few fun café stops.

Gear Up: For either ride, rent your bike from Cyclelogical in Homer, right at the base of the Spit.

10. Talkeetna Lakes Park (Talkeetna)

Just a mile and a half from downtown, Talkeetna Lakes Park feels like a world away. Ride through quiet birch forest, past glacially carved lakes, and along trails that locals use for everything from birdwatching to berry picking. The X Lake loop is a highlight—a peaceful 3.5-mile trail with benches and views that invite you to slow down and soak it all in.

You’ll reach the park by riding the Talkeetna Bike Path, a paved multi-use trail that stretches 14 miles from downtown all the way to the Parks Highway. Unless you drive to the trailhead, this path is your connector—a smooth, gentle ride that runs alongside Talkeetna Spur Road through forested surroundings.

Prefer to stay on pavement? The Talkeetna Bike Path is also a great ride in its own right. You can head out from town and ride as far as you like before looping back. About a mile from downtown, there’s a short climb to a fantastic Denali overlook on clear days—it takes some effort, but the view is worth it.

Gear up: Rent a bike at Talkeetna Gear Shop, right in town.

11. UAF Trail System (Fairbanks)

This trail system right behind the University of Alaska Fairbanks is one of the best ways to get into nature without leaving town. You’ll find loops big and small, climbs and flats, and peaceful routes that pass by Smith Lake, research stations, and even botanical gardens. Moose are regular visitors, so keep your distance and give them the trail. Summer offers long hours of daylight, while winter brings a network of groomed ski trails (note: no bikes on the ski trails during the snow season). But some singletrack and connector trails remain open to fat bikes in winter.

Gear up: Goldstream Sports offers reliable bike rentals, and the UAF Ski Hut is a good place to start if you want a map or trail tips.

12. Valdez DOT Bike Path & Dayville Road (Valdez)

This is one of Alaska’s top wildlife bike rides—especially from June to early fall, when salmon are running and everything else seems to show up for dinner. Start in town and head out on the paved DOT Bike Path toward the Robe River area. Along the way, you’ll pass the Valdez Duck Flats, a birding hotspot filled with shorebirds, bald eagles, and sometimes even sea otters, and onto the Crooked Creek Information Site where you may see salmon between July and October. Bring binoculars, a camera, and take your time—this ride is all about the scenery. The trail is flat, family-friendly, and easy to access.

Gear up: Valdez Bike Shop has rentals to get you going.

13. Sawmill Creek Road Trail (Sitka)

Sitka was Alaska’s first official bike-friendly community, and rides like this are why. The Sawmill Creek Road Trail runs for about 5.6 miles from Sitka National Historical Park to Whale Park, with great views of the ocean and forested slopes. The path has wide shoulders, mellow grades, and spots to stop along the way, making it ideal for casual riders or families. Younger bikers can cruise the dedicated multi-use section, and there are benches for taking breaks and watching the water.

Gear up: Swing by Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop for a bike rental and local advice—they’ll help you plan a ride that fits your pace and interests.