The best traffic-free bike rides around Anchorage
4.9
(110)
1,983
riders
94
rides
Touring cycling around Anchorage offers diverse landscapes, from coastal marshes along Cook Inlet to forested hills and trails alongside creeks and salmon streams. The region is framed by the Chugach Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop to many routes. Cyclists can explore areas featuring numerous lakes and even distant views of glaciers. This blend of urban access and vast wilderness creates a unique setting for no traffic touring cycling routes.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Anchorage
- The most popularβ¦
Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(7)
200
riders
34.0km
02:07
210m
210m
Embark on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a challenging touring bicycle ride along the Alaskan coast. This difficult route spans 21.1 miles (34.0 km) and involves a total elevationβ¦
5.0
(11)
90
riders
52.1km
03:04
270m
270m
Embark on the Moose Loop via Ship Creek Trail for a moderate touring bicycle adventure that showcases Anchorage's diverse environment. This 32.3-mile (52.1 km) route involves an 880-foot (268 metres)β¦
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4.5
(2)
13
riders
20.1km
01:11
80m
80m
Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Ship Creek and Chester Creek Trail Loop, a 12.5 miles (20.1 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutesβ¦
14
riders
16.4km
01:34
110m
110m
Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Eklutna Lakeside Trail, a wide, mostly flat gravel path that traces the edge of the turquoise glacial Eklutna Lake. This routeβ¦
8
riders
14.5km
01:27
220m
220m
Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride along the Powerline Pass Trail, covering 9.0 miles (14.5 km) with a total elevation gain of 708 feet (216 metres). This route offersβ¦
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Tips from the Community
Significant non-motorized trail improvements have been made this summer (no more washed-out segments). Lakeside path is open to just beyond 5 miles as crews continue trail work as of 8/29/24)
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The paved trail makes a sharp bend here, offering some views toward the marshland at the bottom of the bluff. There's also a small, unpaved spur trail near here that leads to a sand beach that isn't rideable, but you can always walk your bike or lock it to a nearby bench.
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This powerline maintenance road is hugely popular and leads to some great side hikes. It's best-suited for mountain bikes, but as long as you're not on skinny road tires the biking is surprisingly decent. Once you get a few miles down the valley, the trail does start to narrow and get rockier, so let your comfort level be the guide for how far you bike. Please also be aware of how to handle encounters with wildlife like bears and moose, as they're pretty commonly seen in this valley.
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This bowl contains the first of two trailside lakes, and it's a really pleasant destination for camping or a picnic. The trail continues on to the pass but at this point is getting really narrow and rocky compared to the way it started out; there may be some little creeks running across the trail, too. So if you're not on a mountain bike, the ride probably won't be much fun from this point onward (and honestly, you might even want to turn around sooner).
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This is a super-popular place to watch for moose, which tend to congregate in the valley during the fall rut. Bring binoculars to help you tell what you're looking at; I've spent long minutes staring at what turned out to be somewhat moosey-looking bushes. You may see people looking for moose here during spring and summer, too; they're just harder to spot.
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This trail is actually a dirt road, and as long as conditions are dry it's surprisingly decent biking as long as you don't have skinny road tires. The trail actually continues to some primitive campgrounds past the far end of the lake and is great for bikepacking, but if you're not on a mountain bike you might want to leave yourself an out to turn around not along after crossing Bold Creek (on a bridge). Watch out for ATV traffic that is allowed on the road/trail Sunday through Wednesday. There are a series of foot- and bike-traffic-only detours from the road that help separate you from the motorized traffic on those days, but those side trails are sometimes washed out, so you if you go that way there could be stretches where you have to dismount your bike and push it.
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This is the gravel shore of Eklutna Lake, which is absolutely lousy for riding on most bikes but wonderful for a pre- or post-ride picnic and marveling at the lake, which really is a gem of the greater Anchorage area. Interestingly, it's also the drinking water reservoir for Anchorage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free touring cycling routes are available in Anchorage?
There are over 90 dedicated traffic-free touring cycling routes in Anchorage. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 60 easy, 23 moderate, and 9 difficult options to explore.
What kind of scenery can I expect on Anchorage's traffic-free cycling routes?
Anchorage's traffic-free routes offer diverse scenery, from coastal marshes and forested hills to trails alongside salmon streams and views of the Chugach Mountains. On clear days, you might even spot majestic peaks like Denali. Many trails provide panoramic views of Cook Inlet, and some pass by scenic lakes like Eklutna Lake.
Are there any family-friendly traffic-free cycling routes in Anchorage?
Yes, Anchorage offers several family-friendly traffic-free cycling routes. The city's extensive network of paved trails, like sections of the Chester Creek Trail, are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for cyclists of all ages. The Ship Creek and Chester Creek Trail Loop is an easy 20 km option that's great for families.
Can I find circular traffic-free cycling routes in Anchorage?
Absolutely. Many of Anchorage's traffic-free routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Moose Loop via Ship Creek Trail, which covers over 50 km and connects several greenbelts and urban trails.
What wildlife might I encounter on these routes?
Anchorage's traffic-free cycling routes are known for wildlife viewing opportunities. Cyclists frequently spot moose, especially in wooded areas and parks. Along coastal trails like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, you might see beluga whales in Cook Inlet and various bird species. Bears are occasionally sighted, particularly in larger parks like Kincaid Park and Chugach State Park.
Are there any waterfalls or natural monuments accessible from these routes?
Yes, you can find natural attractions near some of the routes. For instance, Thunderbird Falls is a notable waterfall in the region. While not directly on a traffic-free cycling route, it's a popular nearby natural monument worth exploring. The Shoreline of Portage Lake is another beautiful natural monument that can be visited in the wider Anchorage area.
What do other touring cyclists say about the traffic-free routes in Anchorage?
The traffic-free touring cycling routes in Anchorage are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.86 out of 5 stars from over 100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the abundance of wildlife sightings, and the well-maintained, dedicated paths that offer a true escape from vehicle traffic.
Which traffic-free routes offer the best views of the Cook Inlet or mountains?
For breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is unparalleled. This iconic route offers panoramic vistas and opportunities to see Mount Susitna. Kincaid Park, accessible via the Coastal Trail, also provides epic views of Cook Inlet and, on clear days, Mount Denali.
Are there any less crowded traffic-free cycling routes for a more serene experience?
While popular routes like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail can see more activity, exploring trails further from the city center or during off-peak hours can offer a more serene experience. The Eklutna Lakeside Trail, located a bit outside Anchorage, provides a peaceful ride along a stunning lake, often with fewer crowds.
Are there any specific points of interest or landmarks along these routes?
Yes, several points of interest can be found along or near Anchorage's traffic-free cycling routes. Along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, you can visit Airport Park (Earthquake Park), which offers historical context of the 1964 earthquake. The trail itself is considered a highlight: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Other nearby attractions include Flattop Mountain and Glen Alps Trailhead, which are popular for hiking and offer stunning views.
What is the best time of year for traffic-free bike touring in Anchorage?
The best time of year for traffic-free bike touring in Anchorage is typically during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is mild, daylight hours are long, and all trails are usually clear of snow and ice. This allows for optimal conditions to enjoy the diverse landscapes and wildlife.
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