Alaska isn’t for the faint of heart, especially those that want to take in its top flight mountain biking trails. Between high altitudes, different weather conditions and the prospect of wildlife, it’s a mountain biking experience unlike anything in the Lower 48. It’s also got incredible scenery and is some of the most challenging bike terrain in the country.
For beginners, there’s the Eklutna Lake trail, about 14 miles of rolling terrain going around a beautiful lake. Fair warning – it’s up in the mountains, so it can still be cold, even in late summer, when the sun goes down (finally). Keep your camera handy for bears and other wildlife, and the lake is gorgeous!
A slightly more challenging trail is the Gull Rock trail, near Hope. This is a 10 mile track with some large boulders and roots that you may need to port your bike past, but otherwise, it’s a nice, gentle ride. It’s best before the height of summer, as it gets overgrown later in the year.
Closer to Anchorage is the Centennial Park Trail, that runs from Muldoon to the ever so inviting Stuckagain. It’s got a 12 mile area with lots of trails to go through, and it caters to every skill level, from the novice to the extreme. Look for the old rope swing off the hill, and Sheep Creek Dam. You will want to check with the Army because there’s a military training camp near North Muldoon. It’s usually clear, but when an exercise is running, they’ll want to close off access. Call ahead before packing the bikes out.
The other major mountain biking locale in the Anchorage area is the Hilltop Ski Area. It’s got 9 miles of steep climbs and awesome descents. While it’s close to Anchorage, keep an eye out for wildlife and other trail users. Side trails may be better for beginners, but the main trails are great for adrenaline seekers.
The Resurrection Pass Trail near Hope, Alaska is for the biker with endurance. It is a wooded 40-mile track at a high elevation. There are steep, technical sections, as well as some challenging downhill areas. Watch out for rocks, roots, and mud as they can be hazardous. Because of the length and remoteness of the trail, always bring plenty of water, first aid supplies, and always ride with a friend or two. There are places to camp in the area, but keep an eye out for bears.
Going a little farther north to the Matanuska-Susitna valley is Silver Creek Trail, outside of Wasilla. Mostly for ATVs, the trail is 4 miles of challenging course, that will take you over the tree line. It’s got a great view, but keep an eye out for inclement weather; like in the Rockies, weather can change fast.
With all the opportunities that we’ve presented here, we’ve barely touched the surface; Alaska is a huge state, and this will just whet your appetite for adventure as a mountain biker.
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Tags: Anchorage Area, Beautiful Lake, Centennial Park, Centennial Park Trail, Descents, Eklutna Lake, Experience Unlike Anything, Faint Of Heart, Fair Warning, Gull Rock, Hilltop Ski Area, Hope Alaska, Mountain Biking Trails, Muldoon, Resurrection Pass, Rope Swing, Sheep Creek Dam, Technical Sections, Trail Users, Weather Conditions
