moderate
4–6 hours
Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness to handle a brisk bike ride followed by a moderate hike in varied terrain.
Take on Anchorage’s best with Alaska Trail Guides’ 9.5-mile bike and hike adventure, featuring stunning coastal views and rich forest trails. Experience the rugged heart of Alaska’s urban wilderness on a single unforgettable day.
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, sits where the Chugach Mountains meet the waters of Cook Inlet, offering an unexpected blend of urban edge and raw wilderness. Here, Alaska Trail Guides delivers a distinctive day-trip that reveals the wild character locked inside this northern metropolis. Their Bike and Hike Tour invites adventurers to cover 9.5 miles of dynamic terrain by bike before transitioning to a guided hike through spruce and alder forests rich with Alaskan wildlife. As the tour pedals along coastal paths, riders get panoramic views of Cook Inlet’s shifting tides and the snowy peaks of the Chugach range, a rugged backdrop steeped in geological history shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity.
The transition from biking to hiking opens a quieter world: damp woods where black bears, moose, and eagles make occasional appearances. The guides add depth to the journey by sharing knowledge about native plants, animal habits, and the region’s indigenous Athabaskan heritage, rooting the experience in place and tradition. This combination of an active outdoor workout with interpretive storytelling sets Alaska Trail Guides apart, grounding visitors in both physical challenge and local ecology.
Offering a manageable but invigorating level of adventure, the tour suits visitors who want authentic interaction with Alaska’s natural edge without leaving Anchorage entirely. Prime for mid-summer when daylight stretches long, it’s also a smart choice for shoulder seasons to catch the changing moods of the land. This dual-format trip, weaving urban access with quiet wilderness, places Alaska Trail Guides at the forefront of Anchorage’s outdoor scene, particularly for travelers seeking a layered, engaging introduction to “The Last Frontier.”
Carry enough water for both biking and hiking sections, as natural water sources may not be safe to drink.
Weather can shift quickly; wear moisture-wicking layers and bring a windproof jacket.
Make sure your rental bike is properly sized and adjusted to avoid discomfort on the 9.5-mile ride.
A bear spray canister is recommended as the hike passes through active wildlife habitats.
Anchorage developed rapidly during the 1915 railroad construction, with outdoor trails tracing paths long used by indigenous peoples.
The guides promote Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile habitats and support ongoing local conservation efforts.
Safety first during the bike portion—always wear a proper helmet.
Reliable footwear will support your feet on forest trails and uneven ground.
Protect yourself against mosquitoes and other bugs, especially in warmer months.
summer specific
Weather in Anchorage can change fast, so bring layers to regulate body temperature.
all specific