Biking

For cyclists, the thrill is biking the entire, 92-mile length of the Denali Park Road.

Plan Around Biking

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Biking Details

As with hiking Denali, designated trails are only a small part of the overall picture when it comes to biking in the park. Yes, there is a short, paved bike path from the Nenana River to the Denali Visitor Center in the park entrance area, as well as a designated bike path along part of the George Parks Highway just outside the park boundary. But the real thrill is the ability/challenge of biking the entire, 92-mile length of the Denali Park Road. Bikes are allowed on park roads, parking areas, campground loops, and the designated bike trail, but not on any other trails. But cyclists have a huge advantage over drivers in that they are allowed to go beyond mile 15 of Denali Park Road. The hardy may even go all the way to the end of the road of Kantisha, though if you're venturing past the Savage River you'll need a mountain bike since the road is surfaced with gravel, not paved. The park's shuttle bus service can make your Denali bike adventure options even more ambitious, since you have the option of using the racks on the Savage River shuttle and some other shuttle buses to transport your bike. Considering a bike trip in Denali? Bear these other rules and suggestions in mind: * Keep in single file, stay to the right, and comply with traffic regulations. * Control your speed on downhills. Portions of the park road are steep and narrow, and excessive speed carries the risk of unexpected encounters with vehicle traffic or bears and other wildlife. * Keep your distance from wildlife, including at least 25 feet from caribou and moose and 300 yards from bears. Remember, you can't outpedal a bear any more than you can outrun one. * Pack bike-repair equipment and plenty of food and water. Observe all park rules regarding food storage to avoid bear encounters. * Use bike racks at park campgrounds, and if camping off the park road park your bike at least 25 feet away from the roadside. You also will need a backcountry permit if you plan to bike and then camp outside designated campgrounds, and follow all backcountry rules that also apply to Denali campers. * Don't underestimate the challenge of biking the park road. You will be gaining and losing several thousand feet of elevation along the way and, if you go as far as Wonder Lake or Kantishna, it's a long uphill climb to 3,950-foot Thorofare Pass on the way back.

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Open

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