Cycling is a great way to see Denali National Park and get some exercise at the same time. Visitors are allowed to bike all 90 miles of the park road. Concessionaires of the park offer shuttle bus service into the park, and camper buses have spots for a maximum of two bikes on a space available basis. Using the camper bus allows you to travel deep into the park for a day trip.

The park road is paved to Mile 15 (Savage River Bridge) and is graded gravel beyond. Much of the roadway beyond Mile 31 is narrow and there are no shoulders. Travel restrictions for motor vehicles begin at Mile 15 so traffic volume will ease up after this point. Motorists generally show courtesy to cyclists and do their best to avoid "dusting" them by driving very slowly. You can return the favor by slowing down or stopping when you meet a bus on a narrow section of road.

Some former mining routes originate in the Kantishna area. Most routes cross private lands. Because of the need to get permission from the landowner before using these routes, you may be able to use only a portion of them.

Cyclists need to keep in mind some special considerations -- there are no repair stations along the way so please plan to fix your own flats and other common problems. Also, make sure you carry water or have a filter or potable aqua tablets to make water from streams and rivers safe to drink. Obey all area closures and treat wildlife the same as if you were on foot. Plan for many types of weather at any time in the park. Sun, rain, hail, wind and even snow are all possible in the summer.

BIKING AND OVERNIGHT TRIPS

If you plan to stay in the park overnight you must secure a campsite reservation or a backcountry permit before you leave the park entrance area. Bicycles must be stored at designated bike racks, which are located at all established campgrounds, Wonder Lake Ranger Station, Eielson Visitor Center, and Toklat Rest Stop. Bicycles may not be left on the roadside while camping.

For information on where you can rent a bike in the Denali Park area, call the Healy-Cantwell Chamber of Commerce at 907-683-4636.