- Off-Road
The Best Time of the Year to Go ATVing in Anchorage
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.
Are you planning a trip up to Alaska for the Summer? See what month may be the best time for you to visit and choose which ATV tour you would enjoy the most! Your trip up to the 49th State is going to be a wild and unforgettable adventure.
Why You Should Go ATVing in Alaska
Because it’s fun! Get off the highway and into the wilderness to truly experience Alaska and all the beauty it has to offer. Whether you have 90 minutes to fit another activity into your busy trip schedule, or you carve out a whole day to ride to the Knik Glacier, we are going to show you a fun and muddy time!
ATVing is a fun and accessible way to reach places that would take days to hike out to. Reach jaw dropping viewpoints in minutes and get up close to a glacier in just a few hours!
ATVing is fun for any age and skill level, requires no prior experience, and allows you to get out and explore! Enjoy beautiful views and look for wildlife along the way. You never know what you may find.
When to Book Your ATV Tour
Which month should you visit Alaska? It really depends on what other type of adventures you want to have, if you are looking for shoulder season or don’t mind peak tourist season, and what kind of weather you are willing to embrace.
May
Our offroad adventures begin in May, and we think it’s a great month to get out and ride! May brings low creek crossings as the snow is just starting to melt up in the mountains, brisk days with sun or rain, and lots and lots of mud!
Greenery starts to return to the mountains and the valley seems to be waking back up. Spot moose calves early in the morning, and baby Dall Sheep playing up on the cliffsides. The days start to get longer and the sun has returned. May is a great time to visit Alaska for less tourists (especially early-mid May) and fun adventure experiences just beginning for the season.
June
June has some of the longest days of Summer so you can really make the most of your trip. Enjoy the sunshine and warm temps (for Alaska!), go on any type of adventure you are looking to have, and celebrate the solstice.
Tourism is in full swing, but don’t let that deter you. There is so much wilderness to explore in Alaska you are bound to find some quieter places to enjoy.
July
July is the height of summertime. Enjoy the wildflowers that are in full bloom, see salmon starting their migration back to where they were born, and cross high water on your ATV tour with us! This is a great month for bear viewing and salmon fishing too.
July tends to have great weather, but can be rainier than June depending on the year. This is the height of the tourism season, so be sure to start your trip planning early if you have your dates set in July!
August
August is perfect for those wanting to catch summer but don’t mind some rain. You’ll have a mix of weather conditions as the month goes on and turns to Fall. The sun starts to set again, so you may have some luck and spot the Northern Lights towards the end of the month.
Start searching for blueberries in the mountains, look for wildlife preparing for hibernation, and visit the Alaska State Fair for some fun!
September
This shoulder season offers unpredictable weather and the prettiest Fall colors! Come and explore through golden birch forests, see the mountains covered in shades of orange, and even spot fall foliage out around the glacier. The mix of gold, orange, and glacier blue is a sight to see. Plus, you can pick blueberries up in the mountains!
Our season ends the last week in September, so this is your final chance to come along on a ride with us!
The Best ATV Tour Near Anchorage
Come along with 49th State on one of our ATV tours for an incredible experience! We’ll show you around the Knik Valley – a beautiful spot in Alaska with glacier views. Spend the full day with us and ride out to the Knik Glacier, or come along for a quick tour.
You’ll meet us at the Jim Creek Trailhead to get geared up and learn how to drive your machine. Be sure to pack some layers, snacks, and water for the trail! Once we are ready to go, we’ll weave through the trees and search for some jaw dropping viewpoints.
Have the chance to spot moose, Dall Sheep, eagles, and more along the trail! If you stick around for the full day tour, we’ll enjoy some reindeer dogs and explore along the glacier lake before riding back through splashy creeks and up sand dunes.
You’re going to get muddy and dusty on your ride. Embrace the elements and have some fun with it!
Start Planning Your Summer Trip to Alaska!
Are you feeling inspired to start planning your trip up to Alaska? Now that you know what month you want to visit in, you can look for flights and book your ATV Tour!
Want some more inspiration for your trip? Check out our favorite adventures in the Anchorage area!
