Alaska Trail Guides is locally owned and operated providing immersive, guided biking tours that show you the best of Alaska in an active way! When it comes to choosing how you spend your time (and money) on your dream vacation in Alaska, we believe that proven experience, in-depth knowledge, and the reputation of the company you choose to spend your day with are integral to the quality of the experience you will have on your tour. While we can think of countless reasons to come bike with us, we’ve boiled it down to these top 4 reasons why:
While we do require that you know how to ride a bike before arriving for your tour, our biking tours range from leisurely, flat, paved terrain to rides for advanced cyclists on and off-road. When making your reservation, we will ask about your riding ability to ensure you are choosing a trip that best trip for you. Even if it has been years since you’ve ridden a bike, our guides are there to help you feel comfortable and reacquaint you with the equipment. We also have several different styles of bikes to match rider style and comfort level.
For our summer tours that are point-to-point the driver guide meets the group with the vehicle at the halfway point. These are scenic overlooks perfect for pictures, changing layers, and having a quick snack. If you choose, the driver guide will load your bike up and you can continue to tour via vehicle and will meet up with the group at the next scenic stop. To ensure the most enjoyable experience please read the skill and fitness level of the tour(s) you are interested in.
AKTG will begin drop-off/pick-up bike rental service Summer 2020.
We provide Kona hybrid bikes for tours on a paved surface. This bike has an aluminum frame to save weight and is built for a lifetime of miles and comfort. This bike is designed for a day of exploring. (image on the left)
Also for paved surfaces we also offer a Specialized Roll which is a step through bike that sits upright. Great for those with restricted mobility or who do not ride often. (image on the right)
We provide Rocky Mountain Fat Tire bikes for tours on dirt trails and for all winter tours. Fat tire bikes provide more cushion then a traditional hard tail mountain bike and, with 5 inch tires, are more stable. If a full suspension bike is desired, one can be provided at an additional cost. (image in the center)
Worried about keeping up with your friends or family? E-Bikes are great for enjoying a biking tour regardless of varying fitness and experience levels. Our electric-assist bikes provide pedal assist power giving you more control and assistance when needed going up hills or on longer rides.
For our summer tours, we can provide Electric Bikes upon request for an additional $45 – $89 per bike (depending on the style of bike requested). E-bike requests do require advanced notice, we recommend a minimum of 1 week.
Summer biking tours on paved bike paths have a driver-guide who meets the group at the half-way viewpoint with the vehicle. At this point, guests can choose to join the driver guide for the 2nd half or continue biking with the group.
Mountain biking tours are out-and-back rides and have a maximum biking time, not mileage. The average distance biked in 2 hours with clients is 8 – 10 miles. Total mileage covered will be determined by the overall groups’ ability level.
Winter biking tours are out-and-back rides and have a maximum biking time, not mileage, and varies based on trail conditions for the day. Trips have a maximum biking time, not a set mileage to cover for this reason. The average distance biked in 2 hours with clients is 4 – 8 miles.
Box lunches are provided by Middle Way Cafe for full-day tours. During the booking process, you will be asked to select your lunch and provide any dietary restrictions we should be aware of.
Citing Biking Tours: 2 to 10 people
Mountain Biking Tours: 1 to 6 people
Winter Biking Tours: 1 to 6 people
We understand that circumstances arise and occasionally clients have to cancel a reservation. Alaska Trail Guides follows our cancellation policy to protect our ability to operate tours and maintain our price structures. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to safeguard against any unanticipated changes to travel plans.
Day Tours:
If you do need to cancel the reservation for any reason prior to your trip date, we require all cancellation requests in writing by email to info@alaskatrailguides.com.
Our minimum age requirement varies by trip, please see trip details pages. If booking a private trip we can accommodate any age. Note: we charge an additional fee for private trips. Please contact us for more details.
Independent travelers can sign up for any scheduled trip that has availability.
BOOK EARLY!
The more time we have to add other riders the better!! By contacting AKTG, early we have more time to pair you with other cyclists. If you’re the first to request a specific departure, we’ll make a reservation and attempt to add additional clients. To hold the tour we require the minimum be met, typically a 2 person minimum. If additional clients add to the tour, you will be refunded the difference. If no-one else books we will notify you 5 days prior, offering you dates and times of other trips that have met the minimum giving you the chance to reschedule.
Weather in Southcentral Alaska changes from day-to-day. We hope for warm, sunny days while being prepared for cool, rainy days. The weather and what you can expect will all change based on which trip you choose. Girdwood has a cooler climate as it is located in a temperate rain forest, whereas Anchorage is warmer and drier. Overall, the rule of thumb in Alaska is: do NOT wear cotton. Instead wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or Capilene. The athletic types of clothing work really well.
IN THE WINTER WE ALSO PROVIDE:
Most food can be adjusted based on client allergies and dietary restrictions
YOU PROVIDE
TOP LAYERS (SUMMER/FALL)
BOTTOM LAYERS (SUMMER/FALL)
TOP LAYERS (WINTER/SPRING)
BOTTOM LAYERS (WINTER/SPRING)
* “Toe Shoes” such as Five Fingers are NOT allowed. Flip-flops and sandals such Chacos, Tevas, or Keens are NOT allowed * AKTG does not have spare footwear. If you arrive for your trip in footwear that is not approved, you may not be able to participate.
RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING (SUMMER/FALL/WINTER/SPRING)
Protected by the Chugach Mountains and warmed by currents of the Pacific Ocean, Anchorage’s climate is mild. Summer temperatures here get into the low 70s. Between March 19 and September 23, Anchorage gets more hours of daily sunlight than anywhere in the other 49 states. Anchorage is near 61 degrees north latitude: about as far north as Stockholm, Sweden. Packing for a visit to Alaska can be summed up in one word: layers. Standing next to Exit Glacier in Seward, you may want a sweater or fleece. Then again, when you stop for lunch on a sun-soaked deck in Girdwood, you’ll want to be able to cool off in short sleeves or thinner materials. Just add or subtract layers as needed. The biggest factor is the wind, which can add a chill any day. A light windbreaker or rain jacket and rain pants can go a long way to provide warmth and comfort.
Girdwood is located in the northernmost region of the west coasts temperate rain forest. On average, the annual precipitation is about 70″. Typically, May and June are the driest months, while fall and winter bring heavy rains and snows. Temperatures range in the 50’s -70’s for May – August. Although this small town is relatively close to Anchorage, the weather can be dramatically different, in part because it is surrounded by mountains and water. To properly dress for your trip, check the weather the morning of.
SUMMER/FALL
Alaska is an amazing state to see wildlife in! In Anchorage, we share our roads and trails most often with moose, bears, and ptarmigan. For tours that take you out of Anchorage there is always a chance to see bald eagles, and depending upon the time of summer, it’s common to see beluga whales, mountain goats, salmon, and Dall sheep!
