The best traffic-free bike rides around Anchorage
4.9
(6)
702
riders
7
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Anchorage offer a diverse landscape for cyclists, blending urban greenways with vast wilderness access. The region is characterized by extensive paved trail networks, coastal paths along Cook Inlet, and views of the Chugach Mountains. These routes often traverse wooded areas, pass by lakes, and provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. The terrain is generally varied, featuring mostly flat sections with occasional gentle hills.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Anchorage
- The most popularβ¦
Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(2)
60
riders
29.3km
01:30
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
20.6km
00:51
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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13
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
6
riders
27.5km
01:16
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
43.2km
01:56
190m
180m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
A railed wooden bridge crosses Fish Creek and connects you to the paved Coastal Trail on either side. There is a little rest area here and you get serine views of the estuary. Out across the Knik arm you can see the mountains and towering peak of Denali.
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Once a gravel pit, Westchester Lagoon really is one of the crown jewels of Anchorage. It's also a hub for year-round recreation. It also sits at the intersection of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which runs along the coast, and the Chester Creek Trail that runs east-west through town. Both paved multi-use trails are great for biking.
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This pretty lake feels surprisingly remote, given that it's smack in the middle of Alaska's largest city. Happily, the trail is paved so you don't have to stop to take in the views β unless you want to.
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If you want a break, this pretty little deck is a nice place to rest and look for wildlife. But honestly, your odds of seeing wildlife here probably aren't that much better than when you're running along the trail, because most of the Campbell Creek Trail is surrounded by dense greenbelt.
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As you run past Taku Lake, keep an eye out for kayakers, assorted waterfowl, and maybe even river otters in the lake. The multiuse trail here is paved and has only mild inclines, but you might want to keep an eye out for flying fishhooks from people fishing from the shore. (Most of the time they are pretty good about watching out for trail users before they cast their hook into the water, but not always.)
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This is one of the best spots along the entire Coastal Trail: On one side you have Westchester Lagoon, a gravel pit turned waterfowl sanctuary and public green space, with paved multi-use trails that run in several directions for miles. On the other side is a short walkway across the rushing outflow of Chester Creek, with a quiet-feeling bench where you can enjoy the burble of water or, in the fall, watch for the occasional salmon working its way upstream from the ocean.
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Once an old gravel pit, Westchester Lagoon is now one of the crowning jewels of Anchorage. Locals come here to canoe and kayak, watch the waterbirds that gather in the protected waters of the lagoon, or enjoy the paved, multi-use trails that run along three sides of the lagoon. There is also a rushing creek where you can occasionally see salmon working their way in from the ocean to spawn.
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This bridge is a part of the Campbell Creek Trail and offers a scenic crossing over Campbell Creek. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area as you stroll along the trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free road cycling routes are available in Anchorage?
Anchorage offers a great selection of traffic-free road cycling routes. Our guide features 11 curated routes, providing diverse options for exploring the area on two wheels.
What is the overall difficulty level of these traffic-free routes?
The routes around Anchorage cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 7 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, and 4 moderate routes for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. There are no difficult routes listed in this guide, ensuring a pleasant, traffic-free experience for most cyclists.
What do other cyclists enjoy most about traffic-free road cycling in Anchorage?
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Anchorage, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the abundance of wildlife sightings like moose, and the well-maintained paved trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature right from the city.
Are there easy, family-friendly traffic-free routes in Anchorage?
Absolutely! Many of Anchorage's traffic-free routes are ideal for families and beginners. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, for example, is mostly flat and offers incredible views, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. Another great option is the Westchester Lagoon β Earthquake Park loop, which provides a gentle ride through scenic areas.
Are there any circular traffic-free road cycling routes?
Yes, Anchorage has several excellent loop options for traffic-free road cycling. The Westchester Lagoon β Earthquake Park loop and the Westchester Lagoon β Westchester Lagoon loop are popular choices that allow you to start and end in the same location, offering convenient and scenic rides.
What kind of scenery and wildlife can I expect on these routes?
Anchorage's traffic-free routes offer breathtaking scenery, from sweeping views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains to lush wooded areas and tranquil wetlands. It's common to spot wildlife such as moose, various bird species, and even beluga whales or seals along coastal sections like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or within Kincaid Park.
Can I see any waterfalls or lakes along these routes?
While many routes focus on coastal and forest scenery, you can easily access beautiful natural features. For waterfalls, consider exploring areas near Thunderbird Falls, which is a short detour from some cycling paths. For lakes, the Campbell Creek Trail winds alongside salmon-filled streams and leads towards Campbell Lake, and Westchester Lagoon is a prominent feature on several city loops.
Which routes offer coastal views and opportunities for wildlife spotting?
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is renowned for its panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, with frequent moose sightings. Kincaid Park, at the trail's end, also offers stunning coastal vistas and is part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, where beluga whales can occasionally be spotted.
Are there routes that connect different parts of the city?
Yes, Anchorage boasts an interconnected trail system. The 'Moose Loop' is a grand 32-mile paved route that links several greenbelts and urban trails, including the Coastal, Chester Creek, and Campbell Creek trails, allowing you to experience diverse scenery across the city.
When is the best time of year for traffic-free road cycling in Anchorage?
The best time for traffic-free road cycling in Anchorage is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is milder, trails are clear of snow, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer offers long daylight hours, perfect for extended rides.
Is parking available near these traffic-free routes?
Yes, many of Anchorage's popular traffic-free cycling routes have convenient parking access. For instance, you can find parking near the start of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail downtown or at Kincaid Park. Other trails like the Chester Creek and Campbell Creek trails also have accessible parking areas along their lengths.
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