- Off-Road
8 Scenic Alaska Off Roading Trails
Plan your trip with our off-road reports. You’ll find articles about everything from the best trail food to activities in Alaska that are worthy of the 49th State.
Alaska is full of beautiful sights and epic adventures. While you can see a lot of these landscapes from the highway, the real adventure begins when you get off the paved road and into the backcountry. See which scenic off roading trail will be your next adventure!
Why You Should Go Off Roading in Alaska
Alaska is an off road enthusiast’s paradise. There are tons of trails to ride for any experience level, lots of spots to camp in beautiful locations, and plenty of room for adventure without the crowds. Alaska has 57.7 million acres of wilderness. That’s a lot of ground to cover! Getting off road allows you to travel through so much more of this incredible state while adding in more fun.
From the trail you can see wildlife, spend quality time outdoors, and get the adrenaline rush of crossing creeks and climbing hills. Whether you’re in a 4×4, ATV, side by side, or riding on a dirt bike, there are so many trails in Alaska that you can travel down and explore.
When to Off Road in Alaska
Off roading trails are best accessed in the Summer months. In early Summer trails can be muddy as snow continues to melt. By July and August, alpine trails are more accessible, the days are longer, and the temperature is perfect for riding. Come mid September the weather starts to cool and turn to rain and snow.
In Winter most roads are impassable, closed, or require a lot more planning and local knowledge. Try riding a snowmachine in the winter instead!
Plan your trip when trails are open and accessible. Expect any type of weather conditions, even in Summer, and pack rain jackets, layers, and rubber boots so you can ride comfortably.
Where to Go Off Roading in Alaska: Top 8 Trails
1. Knik Glacier Via Jim Creek Trail
The Knik Glacier Trail is a 40 mile out and back trail that is full of exciting trails, dynamic terrain like sand dunes, the chance to see wildlife, and up close glacier views. Access the trail from the Jim Creek Trailhead where trails lead out into the forests, through creek crossings, and along the Knik River to the glacier.
Don’t have your own offroad vehicle, join us on a tour? Book Your ATV Adventure!
The Knik Glacier is the closest glacier to Anchorage. Ride right up to the glacier lake to see icebergs, or stop along the trail for glacier views without a full day of riding. You will need to be skilled at river crossings and have knowledge of reading maps – you can get lost with so many trails to follow. If you are new to off-roading consider going with a guide to learn the trail and have some fun!
Be prepared to kick up some dust and mud on your ride! Rubber boots and safety glasses are a must for this trail – that’s why we provide them for our guests. We also recommend some rain gear and layers and a dust buff so you stay comfortable on your ride.
2. Eklutna Lakeside Trail
Eklutna Lakeside Trail offers beautiful views of the glacier fed Eklutna Lake. Just a short drive from Anchorage, the trail leads you 26 miles out and back along the shore of the lake and to the moraine of the Eklutna Glacier. Enjoy views of the turquoise water, the Chugach Mountains, and of the glacier as you get further into the trail.
This trail is only open to ATVs from Sunday through Wednesday, April 1st to November 30th. Be sure to abide by park rules and look out for hikers as you ride.
3. Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is popular for its hiking trails, backpacking routes, alpine lakes, and blueberry picking. It is also known for some fun and challenging off roading trails on the western side. Head over to Willow to access these 2-10 mile ATV trails!
Be sure to follow posted signs as ATVs are not allowed everywhere in Hatcher! The trails you do find will talk you through forests, across rivers, up mountainsides, and can even offer views of Denali on a clear day. Enjoy your exploration of the Talkeetna Mountains and look out for hikers you may share the trail with.
4. The Denali Highway
Before the Parks Highway was established, the Denali Highway was the only way to visit Denali National Park. This gravel road stretches 135 miles from Paxton to Cantwell. Go overlanding in an off road vehicle, or pack up your ATV or UTV to go explore some of the trails that lead from this gravel highway and into the wilderness.
The highway itself offers incredible views of the surrounding areas. See the Wrangell Mountains, explore lakes, overlook the Delta River, see MacLaren Summit, and so much more. Turn your journey into a camping trip or stay at some of the lodges along the way.
5. Bald Mountain Trail
Bald Mountain Trail outside of Anchorage offers technical riding, forest and mountain views, and a lot of mudding. Ride along this 22 mile trail to reach overlooks of the Bald Mountain Range. This trail will test you and your vehicle as you climb up hills, around mud holes, and splash through water crossings.
This spot is open to all types of off road vehicles and is a very popular trail. The trail can get rutted out and be very, very muddy in the summertime so be prepared to get yourself out. Be sure to check trail conditions before riding.
6. Crown Point Mine Road
Crown Point Mine Road is a 10.7 mile out and back trail on the way to Homer or Seward. This trail climbs up through the forest for incredible mountain views. See hanging glaciers up in the peaks and overlook multiple turquoise blue lakes. Enjoy this steep ride with small mud holes, creek crossings, and switchbacks.
You may encounter hikers, off road vehicles, ATVs, or UTVs while on this trail. Passing one another can be difficult, so be on the lookout for pull outs.
7. Petersville Road
Explore along Petersville Road for views of Denali, gorges, rivers, and gold mining history. This old wagon road takes you on a bumpy ride through gold mining country. Imagine what it was once like to live along this road and pan for gold in search of fortune.
This gravel road is outside of the historic gold mining town of Petersville. It is open to bikers and other off road enthusiasts and is best ridden in July and August when the snow has fully melted. Stop in Trapper’s Creek for fuel and a meal after your scenic ride.
8. Eureka Trails
The Eureka Trails are made up of over 150 miles of trails, see a trail map here, with several access points from Glacier View to Glennallen. The most popular access point for this trail system is just two miles from the Eureka Lodge so you can go grab a hot meal after your ride! Ride through miles of dirt, mud, and tundra for breathtaking mountains, lake, and river views.
These are great moderate trails with a few trails designated for the more expert rider. Enjoy steep hill climbs, river crossings, mud holes, and large rocks to traverse. Choose a few trails to explore in a day or camp out for a multi day expedition.
See You On the Trail!
Alaska is full of off roading trails with impressive views and all the thrills that make riding such an enjoyable experience. Start planning your adventure to Alaska and get off the beaten path to explore. Both seasoned off roaders and new hobbyists will enjoy the trails that can be found in this wild state.
Looking to learn more about off roading or don’t want to have to pack all your gear? Book a tour with us to have some fun and explore the Knik Glacier and surrounding valley!
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