- Off-Road
When to Choose a Guided ATV Tour or ATV Rental in Alaska
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.
As an avid off roader you may want to explore Alaska’s trails and you might be wondering if you should go on a guided tour or simply rent machines to hit the trails? It all comes down to the kind of experience you are looking to have!
Regardless of which option you choose, getting out on the trail is sure to be a highlight of your visit.
Why Go Off Roading When Visiting Alaska
Alaska is best experienced out in the wilderness – the state has 665,400 square miles of wilderness to explore! You can imagine there’s many spots to explore by ATV. Choose from riding around the Denali Highway, exploring along Eklutna Lake, or riding around, our favorite, the Jim Creek Area out towards the Knik Glacier.
Off roading offers more freedom to get up close to glaciers and ride with mountain views. You can have more opportunities to spot wildlife and have some fun while out riding on the trails. You won’t get these sights from a paved road!
The Benefits of Choosing a Guided Tour
A guided tour can bring ease to your trip and is best for those who are new to off roading or have no experience. It’s a great way to learn more about riding and have some fun out on the trail!
Your guide knows the trail like the back of their hand and can safely take you on an adventure. They are also more familiar with Alaska’s weather and wildlife – experience that is very important to have while out in the backcountry.
Guided tours take away the stress of knowing the trails and having to transport machines to trailheads. It’s great for those who love off roading – while you may not be able to ride like you would on your own machines back home, you can relax and enjoy your trip without having to plan all the logistics.
While you will have more of a structure with a guided tour, it’s important to choose one that gives you the time you want to explore. Our Full Day and Half Day tours will give you more time out on the trail!
Go On a Guided Tour with 49th State
We love taking folks out to the Knik Glacier and along the trails in the Knik Valley to explore. Come along for a muddy, splashy ride for mountain and glacier views. This valley is beautiful rain or shine – so you won’t want to miss out on exploring it!
Our Full Day Tour gets you up close to the Knik Glacier. Explore along the shore of the glacier lake, take in the amazing views, and enjoy a hit lunch while watching icebergs float by. This adventure is a ton of fun no matter your experience level.
Don’t have the whole day to explore? Come along on our Half Day tour for all the fun along the trail and incredible views. You’ll enjoy splashing through the creek crossing and riding through birch forests.
When to Rent an ATV
Renting an ATV is a great option for those with off roading experience who want more flexibility for their adventure. With some logistical planning you can find rental locations closest to the trails you plan to go on.
Be sure to find trip reports and check current trail conditions. You’ll want to be prepared for all the Alaska backcountry may have in store!
Renting ATVs allows for a lot more flexibility, but it does come with more responsibility. Here are a few things to consider when renting:
- Transporting the machines to the trailhead
- Navigating brand new trails
- Being liable for the ATVs
- Making sure you bring enough fuel for your ride
Planning ahead and being prepared for the wilderness will help you have a more successful outing. Be sure to pack snacks, water, bear spray, a first aid kit, extra layers, and any gear you may like to bring when you go riding at home. With some effort you can create a memorable adventure for yourself out on the trails.
Planning to rent an ATV? Check out some of our favorite off roading trails in the state!
See You Out On the Trail!
The trails of Alaska will offer you incredible views and so much fun. Whether you choose a guided experience or rent ATVs and create your own adventure you and your group are going to have so much fun exploring the wilderness. If you ride from Jim Creek we’ll see you out on the trail!
