Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Anchorage’s Signature Scenic Bike Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable riding 9–11 miles on paved paths with gentle hills and frequent stops.
Overview
Roll the most photogenic miles of Anchorage on a guided spin along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Expect big Cook Inlet views, living geology at Earthquake Park, and a gentle, mostly downhill route from forested Kincaid Park to Westchester Lagoon.
Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Anchorage’s Signature Scenic Bike Tour
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Morning light slides through spruce and birch as the van crests into Kincaid Park, the city falling away behind the trees. The Cook Inlet breathes in and out beyond the bluff, its giant tides tugging the shoreline. Bikes clink softly while a guide fits helmets and checks brakes. A moose might be browsing willow in the meadow—casual, unhurried—while, to the west, Denali teases the horizon on a rare crystal-clear day. Then the wheels turn, and Anchorage begins to reveal itself at bike speed.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for quick weather shifts
The Inlet’s breeze can drop temps fast—bring a light insulating layer under the provided rain shell.
Mind the moose
Give moose 50 yards of space, avoid riding between a cow and calf, and wait quietly if one blocks the trail.
Time your views with tides
Low tide expands mudflats for dramatic texture; high tide brings mirrored reflections—either way, it’s worth a photo stop at Point Woronzof.
Control on the rollers
Short descents near Earthquake Park can feel quick; brake before corners and call out passes to keep the group smooth.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Moose
- Bald eagles
History
Kincaid Park once hosted Nike missile sites during the Cold War, remnants of which still dot the forest. The 1964 Good Friday earthquake reshaped the coast and birthed Earthquake Park.
Conservation
Stay on paved paths to protect fragile coastal bluffs and vegetation recovering from past landslides. Give wildlife ample space and avoid the mudflats, which are dangerous and habitat-rich.
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Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage, Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe athletic shoes
Required for safe pedaling and footing at stops.
Lightweight rain jacket (provided, bring layers)
Spring showers and coastal gusts are common along the Inlet.
spring specific
Water bottle (bike cage compatible)
Stay hydrated during steady pedaling and photo breaks.
summer specific
Cycling gloves or thin liner gloves
Improves grip and comfort when the breeze turns chilly.
fall specific