Riding here
Denali's park road is one of the great wild rides on the continent. Private cars stop at Mile 15; beyond, the gravel road belongs to park buses, cyclists and wildlife, winding toward the Alaska Range. Since August 27, 2026, cyclists and hikers can travel the full road again, crossing the new Pretty Rocks bridge. Bikes ride the buses, so you can ride one way.
Where you can ride
Bikes may use the Park Road (paved for the first 15 miles, gravel to Mile 92) and the Roadside Bike Path. In spring and fall, when buses aren't running, public cars may reach Mile 13 or Mile 30 and bikes may go beyond.
Where you can't
No bikes in designated wilderness (off the road).
Rides
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Denali Park Road: Savage River and beyond
- Gravel
- From Mile 15
- Gravel
- Hard
Into the car-free part of the road, shared with buses and equipment. Check in at Savage River if you're heading to Kantishna.
Start: Savage River (Mile 15)
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Paved Park Road to Savage River
- Road
- 15 mi one way
- Paved
- Moderate
The paved section, open to private cars, with views of the Alaska Range on clear days.
Start: Denali Visitor Center
Car-free riding
Beyond Savage River (Mile 15), private cars aren't allowed on the Park Road: you share it with park buses and permitted vehicles. In spring and fall, when buses aren't running, public cars may go as far as Mile 13 or Mile 30 and bikes are welcome beyond.
Shuttles and bikes
Bikes ride free on the Savage River Shuttle and can go on transit buses (ticket required), but each bus carries only two bikes, so reserve space. Bikes must be 50 lb or less with tires up to 29" and 2.3" wide; fat, recumbent and tandem bikes don't fit.
When to go
June to mid-September. Shoulder seasons offer car-free riding beyond Mile 13 or 30 when buses aren't running.
Closures and restrictions
As of August 27, 2026, cyclists and hikers can travel the full road past Pretty Rocks (Mile 43). Expect long delays, limited emergency response and no services beyond. Wonder Lake Campground is closed through 2026.
Safety
Stay 300 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife; don't ride past a bear within 300 yards of the road. Carry bear spray on your body. You can't outride a bear: if chased, stop. Carry everything you need; there are no services on the road.
E-bikes
E-bikes (two or three wheels, working pedals, motor under 750 watts) are allowed on park roads, parking areas and the Roadside Bike Path, where you must pedal. Not in wilderness.
Fees
Arriving by bike, you pay the park's individual (per-person) entrance fee, normally valid for 7 days, or ride in on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Amounts change, so check the park's Fees & Passes page. Pick up a free Denali cycling sticker from a ranger after a safety talk. Backcountry camping needs a free permit and a bear-resistant food container; camp at least half a mile from the road and out of sight.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Denali: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near Denali? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.