Alaska - Bike & Beer
United States Bike Tours
Alaska Craft Beers & Roadhouses Road Bike Tour
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from$4620 Rates
Overview
Welcome to the last frontier! This guided bike tour in Alaska combines two of cyclists' favorite past times into one grand adventure: cycling through awe-inspiring landscapes and relaxing and refreshing with extraordinary craft beer.
This one-of-a-kind bike tour rolls along some of the most scenic roads in the world, taking cyclists to historic roadhouses and quiet, remote log cabin resorts. All along your way, you will discover beer-making, Alaska style.
What better way to finish your cycling day than with a nightly tasting of craft beers brewed in the 49th state! Mealtimes is an adventure as well, so eat to ride and ride to eat!
If you are not into microbrews, that is okay! We can offer a very similar itinerary without the beer theme on other dates. See dates and prices and itinerary sections for details.
Highlights
- Denali National Park
- Matanuska Glacier
- Walking tour of old salt mine
- Epic scenery
- Epic brews
- Eclectic accommodations
Also, if Alaska is not your thing, take a look at our other bike tours in the USA!
Itinerary
Bike & Beer
Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage, Anchorage - Palmer, 20 mi. (35 km)
Day 2: Palmer - Talkeetna, 70 mi. (112 km)
Day 3: Talkeetna - Denali SP, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 4: Denali SP - Denali Village, 75 mi. (120 km)
Day 5: Denali Village
Day 6: Denali Village - Paxson, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 7: Paxson - Gakona, 68 mi. (109 km)
Day 8: Gakona - Louise Lake, 55 mi. (80 km)
Day 9: Louise Lake - Sheep Mountain, 56 mi. (90 km)
Day 10: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday.
Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage, Anchorage - Palmer, 20 mi. (35 km)
You will meet your fellow biking and beer aficionados at the Puffin Inn Hotel at 9 am, then head north to the Old Glenn Highway, where you get the bikes out for a leisurely warmup ride to the historic town of Palmer. Please note that the overnight accommodations at Puffin Inn are not included and since the group meets early, it is highly recommended that you fly in before 7 am to Anchorage Alaska (ANC) to allow you enough time to arrive by 9 am. Too early? We suggest that you book accommodation at the Puffin Inn before your official tour start. An airport transfer is provided by the hotel so be sure to make your arrangements.You have a short cycling day ahead of you and once you arrive in Palmer, you have some free time wandering around this town, established during the Great Depression as an agricultural community. Your hotel was built as part of the original township. Your first round of tastings takes place at the town's brewpub. Dinner provided! (D)
Overnight accommodation: The Colony Inn
Terrain: FlatDay 2: Palmer - Talkeetna, 70 mi. (112 km)
Let the real riding begin! Today's route leads north first along some nicely paved bike paths from the charming village of Willow. The route then continues through thick forests of aspen and poplar trees, a lush blanket of green, to the eclectic town of Talkeetna, the overnight town. This historic rail town is thought to be the inspiration for the town of Cicely in the TV series, Northern Exposure, and is home to Denali Brewing. (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Latitude62 Lodge
Terrain: Rolling hillsDay 3: Talkeetna - Denali State Park, 50 mi. (80 km)
The dramatic landscapes of the Alaska range lure you further north today, as the group pedals past Denali State Park. You cycle "up and over" Broad Pass into the heart of the Alaska Mountain Range but don't worry, it is a gentle climb following the rail line with nothing steeper than 2%. You will end your ride in Cantwell, then shuttle into Denali Village, to stay for the next two nights. This evening you head out to the 49th State Brewing for dinner and a tasting. The lodge this evening is simple and comfortable, built as a homestead before roads went to Denali National Park, providing dramatic views of Denali. (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Mckinley View Lodge
Terrain: Rolling hillsDay 4: Denali State Park - Denali Village, 75 mi. (120 km)
Denali National Park is on the agenda today. The last ride along the Parks Highway, takes us "up and over" Broad Pass into the heart of the Alaska Mountain Range. But don't let the name fool you, it is a gentle climb, as you follow the rail line with nothing steeper than 2%. Yo will end your ride in Cantwell, shuttle into Denali Village, to stay for the next two nights. We'll head out to the 49th State Brewing for dinner and a tasting. (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Denali Crows Nest
Terrain: Rolling hills
Day 5: Denali Village
Today is a free day to do as you please. There are informative tours deep into the heart of Denali National Park, shuttle buses that can take you and your bike to the park for a ride back out, white water rafting, and just plain relaxing with a stroll around town. No organized tastings tonight, but the hotel's bar has a great selection to wet your whistle. (No meals provided)Overnight accommodation: Denali Crows Nest
Day 6: Denali Village - Paxson , 45 mi. (72 km)
Back on the bikes, it is mostly a downhill ride today. The route leads back to Cantwell to pick up Denali Highway, traversing across the southern foothills of the Alaska Range. This highway has been voted one of the top 5 most scenic highways by many different groups and it does live up to those accolades. But alas, it does turn to dirt, so the portion of the day's itinerary will be by shuttle to the lodge, surrounded by 160 acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness. (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Meiers Lake Lodge
Terrain: Mostly downhillDay 7: Paxson - Gakona, 68 mi. (109 km)
The day starts with the Richardson Highway, the first road built in Alaska. The ride is a cruise as it is mostly downhill throughout the day. To your right vast tundra dotted with lakes, to your left, the impressive volcanic peaks of the Wrangells start peeking over the treetops. Alaska's oldest operating roadhouse is home tonight, the Gakona Lodge constructed in 1929! (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Gakona Lodge
Terrain: Mostly downhillDay 8: Gakona - Louise Lake, 55 mi. (80 km)
Leaving Gakona, you roll through Glenallen, a dry community at the junction of the Richardson and Glenn Highways, but fear not, because there is a combination stationary and beer store just outside the city limits. Today's ride highlights the vast tundra of Alaska, flatlands dotted with numerous lakes. You will overnight on the shores of Louise Lake, encircled by distant mountain ranges, forming a delightful 360-degree landscape masterpiece. You will sample brews from the Kenai Peninsula on the porch overlooking the lake. What better way to end the day! (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Lake Louise Lodge
Terrain: Rolling hillsDay 9: Louise Lake - Sheep Mountain, 56 mi. (90 km)
Your last day of riding takes you further along the Glenn Highway, working your way over Eureka Summit, but again, in true Alaska style, it is a long gradual uphill, not an alpine-type climb. But with the Chugach Mountain Range to the south and the Alaska and Talkeetna Ranges to the north, the grandeur will keep your mind off your legs. From the summit, it is a rolling downhill to the tour's finish at Sheep Mountain. With the Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier at your doorstep, you will try some more brews from the Kenai Peninsula this evening. (B, L, D)Overnight accommodation: Sheep Mountain Lodge
Terrain: Slow climb and rolling downhillDay 10: Last day of the tour, 5 mi. (8 km)
Your cycling adventure has come to an end. After a relaxed breakfast, you are transferred back to Anchorage. You will enjoy a side trip high into the mountains to visit Independence Mine Historical Park, for a bit of insight into the gold rush days. You will arrive to Anchorage Airport in the mid-afternoon, however, you can also opt to spend this night in Anchorage. The Puffin Inn is a great option that you can book yourself and you can be dropped off here. It is advised if you are flying out today, that you book your flight after 5 pm. (B, L)Best of Alaska
Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage, Anchorage - Palmer, 20 mi. (35 km)
Day 2: Palmer - Talkeetna, 70 mi. (112 km)
Day 3: Talkeetna - Denali SP, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 4: Denali SP - Denali Village, 75 mi. (120 km)
Day 5: Denali Village
Day 6: Denali Village - Paxson, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 7: Paxson - Gakona, 68 mi. (109 km)
Day 8: Gakona - Louise Lake, 55 mi. (80 km)
Day 9: Louise Lake - Sheep Mountain, 56 mi. (90 km)
Day 10: DepartureAsk us for a detailed day-to-day that features all the same riding (without the beer)!
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Lodging on this trip is unique, a mix of historic roadhouses, homesteads, boutique log cabin resorts and modern hotels. All feature Alaskan style architecture and atmosphere, plus provide all the expected amenities for your comfort (hot showers, en suite bathrooms, wifi). Do note, that some are simple and down to earth. On each day’s details, you will find the preferred hotel.
Bicycles
Fuji Sportif Road Touring
Designed for versatility and performance, the Sportif takes geometry cues from our top-level endurance model to give you a comfortable, affordable bike.
- A2-SL alloy with full carbon fork
- Shimano Tiagra gears
- Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 28c tires
Accessories
- Waterbottle cages
- Seat bag with repair kits and pumps
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 9 nights in boutique lodges
- Meals from dinner on Day 1 until lunch on Day 10 (except as noted in the itinerary). This tour is not vegetarian-friendly. The remote lodges used have very limited menus which focus on meat & fish.
- Pre-dinner beer tasting on most nights
- Rental bike (Fuji Sportif road touring bike with 28 or 30 cm tires)
- Cycling Guide(s)
- Full Van Support
- Daily route directions & maps
- Airport pick up & drop off on Day 1 and Day 10 (if you are booking extra nights before and/or after your tour in an establishment other than the Puffin Inn, your Day 1 meeting location) you will need to make your way there by 9 am on Day 1.
What’s Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Gratuities for guides & support staff
- Meals not indicated on daily itinerary
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
Bike & Beer Tour
Scheduled group tour dates: July 14 & August 25, 2024Best of Alaska
Scheduled group tour dates: May 26 & June 30, 20242025
Best of Alaska
Scheduled group tour dates: May 25 & June 29, 2025Private tour dates are possible for groups of 4 or more. Just ask!
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Bike & Beer
Scheduled group departures Twin/double $ 7497 £ 3804 $ 6,866 € 4523 Ft 1852991 kr 675759 ₪ 18449 ¥ 752332 Mex$ 99718 NZ$ 8243 kr 54391 zł 19797 S$ 6519 kr 52117 CHF 4252 $ 4,820 Single supplement $ 1548 £ 785 $ 1,417 € 934 Ft 382516 kr 139498 ₪ 3808 ¥ 155305 Mex$ 20585 NZ$ 1702 kr 11228 zł 4087 S$ 1346 kr 10759 CHF 878 $ 995 Best of Alaska
Scheduled group departures Twin/double $ 7186 £ 3646 $ 6,582 € 4335 Ft 1776104 kr 647719 ₪ 17683 ¥ 721115 Mex$ 95580 NZ$ 7901 kr 52135 zł 18976 S$ 6249 kr 49954 CHF 4076 $ 4,620 Single supplement $ 1548 £ 785 $ 1,417 € 934 Ft 382516 kr 139498 ₪ 3808 ¥ 155305 Mex$ 20585 NZ$ 1702 kr 11228 zł 4087 S$ 1346 kr 10759 CHF 878 $ 995 Prices are subject to change.
Extra Options
Please ask us for pricing for extra nights before or after your tour.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
The ride is mostly on paved roads, but can involve dirt roads on some optional rides. Traffic is moderate and very bike friendly. The route is suitable for performance road, sport road, and tbikes. Terrain is hilly and on a couple of days, involves a long gradual climb. Remember that this ride is fully supported! You can always hop in the support vehicle at any time.
Airport Info
Fly into Anchorage (ANC) before 7 am on Day 1 and out of Anchorage (ANC) after 5 pm on Day 10 or arrange an extra night before or after the tour. The Puffin Inn is a very practical and convenient option since the group will meet here on Day 1. You can take advantage of the airport shuttles provided from the airport to the Inn.
Local Travel
The tour meets at 9 am on Day 1 at Puffin Inn, Anchorage. The trip ends on Day 10, mid afternoon. Departure transfers are provided to the airport, Puffin Inn, or other hotels nearby the airport (Spenard Road addresses). Return flights should not be booked earlier than 5 pm.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your departure. The climate in and around Anchorage, Alaska is considered subarctic due to its short, cool summers. Summertime regularly sees temperatures in the low 70s (20s C).
Recommended
Don’t forget your helmet!
Remarks
Extra nights before or after are recommended and can be arranged by you. The Puffin Inn where the group will gather on Day 1 at 9 am is the perfect choice! Another option is Booking.com for arranging your pre and/or post-tour overnight accommodations. Be sure that airport transfers are included or be prepared to use taxi services. The departure transfer can be arranged for drop off at the Puffin Inn or other hotels close to airport (Spenard Road addresses) Those staying at the Puffin Inn can take advantage of the included hotel airport transfer when your stay is complete.
Important to know
For US citizens, documents for travel to/from Alaska are the same for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Alaska within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
Non-U.S. citizens do require a passport, and all the same documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America at any other port. Please check the list of required documents below to ensure you are ready to travel.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Pedalers Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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