Alaska Cycling & Craft Beers

This 10-day tour rides out from Anchorage into Alaska's wild interior, following gentle railway-grade roads that rarely climb steeper than two percent. Riders pass through poplar and aspen forests along the Parks Highway and into Denali State Park, with expansive views of the Alaska Range and Denali itself. A free day in Denali Village allows time to explore Denali National Park before the route heads south along the remote, partly unpaved Denali Highway and the historic Richardson and Glenn Highways.

Each riding day ends with a stop at a local craft brewery, and overnights are spent in a mix of historic hotels and remote roadhouse-style lodges, including Gakona Lodge and Sheep Mountain Lodge. The route also passes through quirky towns such as Talkeetna and Palmer, with wildlife sightings possible along the highways, before returning to Anchorage via Independence Mine.

Highlights:

• Sweeping views of Denali and the Alaska Range while riding through Denali State Park
• A free day to explore Denali National Park
• Craft beer tastings at a local brewery at the end of each riding day
• Historic roadhouses and remote lodges, including Gakona Lodge and Sheep Mountain Lodge
• Quirky Alaskan towns en route, including Talkeetna and Palmer, plus wildlife-spotting opportunities along the highways
• Wildlife sightings possible along the highways (especially spring and fall) but not guaranteed

Surface and terrain:

Riding is mostly on paved highways in good condition with wide shoulders (Parks, Richardson and Glenn Highways). The Denali Highway on Day 6 starts paved and transitions to a well-maintained dirt surface. Terrain is rolling throughout, following gentle grades originally built for the region's railways, so long climbs rarely exceed two percent. Daily distances range from 20 to 75 miles (35-120 km).

Weather:

Interior Alaska weather is changeable: daytime temperatures range from crisp to surprisingly warm, cold Arctic fronts can arrive at almost any time, and wetter systems can move in from the Gulf of Alaska. Mornings and evenings can dip near or below freezing. A day or two of rain is likely during most tours. Layering, including a rain jacket, is recommended. Daylight lasts roughly 16-22 hours depending on departure dates. Season runs May to September.

Suitable for:

Moderately fit cyclists comfortable with daily rides of 43-75 miles (69-120 km) and remote, lodge-based touring. Well suited to wildlife watchers and craft beer enthusiasts wanting an active but not extreme itinerary.