Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is allowed along the entire park road, and no permit is required for day trips. The first 15 miles of the road are paved. Beyond the Savage River checkpoint the road is dirt and gravel, and during the day the road is busy with the park buses, which can leave bikers choking on dust. The road can get really sloppy in the rain, too. The best time to bike is late evening, when the midnight sun is shining and buses have stopped shuttling passengers for the day. When biking on the road, you need to be aware of your surroundings and observe park rules. Do not try to outride bears, moose, or wolves as it's a race you won't win. Off-road riding is forbidden, and some sensitive wildlife areas are closed to hiking and biking. The Sable Pass area is always closed to off-road excursions on foot or bike because of the high bear population, and other sites are closed due to denning activity or recent signs of carcass scavenging. Check current conditions at the visitor center before heading out. Denali Outdoor Center rents mountain bikes by the hour, half day, or full day. They also conduct guided 2- to 2½-hour tours on trails near the Otto Lake center, which come complete with bike, helmet, water bottle, and shuttle service.

To bike deep in the park, take a transit shuttle to Eielson Visitor Center at Mile 66, one of the highest points along the park road. From here you can ride downhill to Wonder Lake at Mile 85, and then catch another bus to the top of the hill. Private vehicles aren't allowed this far into the park, minimizing dust and traffic.