Off-Road Trails: Alaska

Alaskans sure know how to work hard and play harder - especially when it comes to off-road fun. It's clear from getting to know our friends up North that they enjoy a good challenge once in a while, and the varied terrain in Alaska sure does test your limits. The state is so expansive, and offers many different areas to ride and play making this a very unique area to visit and ride in.

There is less regulation in riding areas in Alaska compared to other states, and while some National Parks restrict off-road use (i.e. Denali National Park), the majority of the state is available for your riding pleasure.

In Alaska, expect the unexpected. From glacial drainages, muddy pits, gnarly rock climbs, water crossings, and swamps that could engulf an entire machine, this state has it all. Make sure you strap a winch to your vehicle. Add on skid plates, A-arm guards, bumper, and a solid LED light bar and you've got the basics to get you started.

Denali ATV Adventures

Denali National Park is one of the most scenic areas in North America and is a destination for many. There are a few ways to see the scenery, but one of the best ways is by going on an ATV tour with Denali ATV Adventures on a unique trail system surrounded by the National Park. This Destination Yamaha experience is unlike anything else you will ever do, with guides not only giving you one of the most scenic rides you can do, but also giving you historical information about the area, a unique and informative view of the flora and fauna of the region, and more - all wrapped up in a rugged and challenging ride. Riders of all experience levels will enjoy the tour using Kodiak ATVS, and Wolverine and Viking SxSs. Iit is definitely something you will want to do if you are headed to the Last Frontier state.

Ketchikan Adventurevue

Ketchikan, Alaska is a special place. Located within the famous Inside Passage waterway, it is another of Alaska’s scenic areas that simply has to be seen to fully appreciate. With Ketchikan Adventurevue, you can see the area while having serious fun with a Yamaha Wolverine UTV. You can explore the mountainous trails of the George Inlet Fjords and the Tongass National Forest, all on your way to Mahoney Lake and Mahoney Falls, where you get to enjoy a campfire lunch. The trail has several stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and do some wildlife viewing. If you’re an ATV enthusiast doing one of the Inside Passage cruises, this Destination Yamaha adventure is a great way to see Ketchikan, take in the sights, and have serious fun doing it.

Snowhook Adventure Guides

There are a lot of great trails around Willow, Alaska, but going on an adventure with Snowhook Adventure Guides gives you an awesome experience at Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna mountains. Not many UTV tours get you above the treeline, but that’s where you’ll find yourself with this Destination Yamaha outfitter. With dramatic, 360-degree views, you can pilot a Yamaha Viking or Wolverine machine to some sweet scenery. On a clear day, it’s an amazing opportunity to see the majestic Denali Mountain and the stunning, snow-capped Alaska Range, and have more fun doing it. You can add a sled-dog adventure to your trip, or even take advantage of the Midnight Sun and take off on a fun adventure after 7pm.

Sumtdo ATV Adventures

Located in the heart of the famous Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage, Sumtdo ATV Adventures can take you on some off-road adventures unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Situated near the famous Kenai River, known for world-class fishing, Sumtdo gets you out on a personalized, guided Destination Yamaha ATV ride. You can go from their base of operations, or they will trailer the ATVs out to some remote locations known for excellent animal viewing and scenery. Since this is an ATV-only ride, everyone has to meet the recommendations for age to ride on a Yamaha Kodiak 450. The area is known for some big moose, large brown bears, and there is a caribou herd located not too far away. It’s a great way to experience Alaska from the off-road side of things.

• Distance 150 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead 2 Miles East of Eureka Lodge

Eureka Trails

Located about 160 miles Northeast of Anchorage, Eureka Trails is a higher elevation than other riding areas (at 2,500 ft.) so it is above the main tree line for most of the riding area. This means it's easier to travel long distances across mountain ridges, exploring old mining areas and glacier drainage areas. This is a popular hunting area in the fall and winter with large herds of caribou roaming through each season. The trail can be quite muddy during the thaw season and dusty during dryer months. It has a little bit of everything, from steep hill climbs, rock climbing, mud and water holes, and rutted areas.

• Distance 75 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Kroto Creek

Petersville

Petersville is located 120 miles northeast of Anchorage and is a multiuse area utilized by cabin owners, hunters and off-road riders. It's used year road, and tends to be more wet and swampy than other riding areas, making it a popular mud-slinging spot. There are lots of ponds, lakes, and rivers with both forested and open swamps in between. On a clear day, the area offers epic views of Mt. McKinley (aka. Denali), so stop and enjoy lunch with your family while taking in the amazing view!

• Distance 10-25 Miles
• Skill Level Moderate to Advanced
• Trailhead Kings River Bridge (mile post 72), Sullivan Ave (Palmer), or Glenn Hwy (mile post 91)

Matanuska Valley

The Matanuska Valley (i.e. Wasilla, Palmer, Jim Creek) is a popular riding area about an hour north of Anchorage. Wasilla and Palmer allow ATV/SXS use openly on the sides of the road so many people who live in that area ride from their homes to their favorite riding areas. Combined, this all makes the area an ideal living or vacation destination for off-road enthusiasts. Great trails to explore in this area include: Kings River / Permanente Trail, Jim Creek / Knik River, Purington Creek / Boulder Creek. Trails vary in terms of difficulty level: 1. Kings River is part of the Chikaloon Trail system which is made up of three separate trails. The Kings River Trail is a difficult trail with lots of mud and water crossings, while Permanent Trail on the Eastern side is easier to navigate. 2. Jim Creek / Knik River is a 22-mile long trail that follows along the Knik River. It's suited to all off-road vehicle types and offers a variety of terrain which the train ending at a large glacier. 3. Purington Creek / Boulder Creek - got mud? That's the one phrase that comes to mind when thinking about this trail. This is a more difficult trail that will lead you to multiple mud holes and water crossings. Just be sure to bring your winch - it will likely be put to use!

• Distance 8-20 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Richardson Hwy (post 190 or 214), or off Denali Hwy

Denali

To clarify, OHV use is not permitted in Denali National Park. However, the areas around the park (i.e. Paxson) are available for riders and offer some great trails, including: Fish Creek Tail, Osar Lake Trail, and Red Rock Canyon Trail. 1. Fish Creek Trail is open year round, and is accessible by all types and sizes of off-road vehicles. It features several water crossings, and is a great place to fish! 2. Osar Lake Trail is 8 miles long, and is heavily used by hunters in August/September. It's generally a dry trail that gives access to Osar Lake and also offers epic views of the Maclaren River basin. 3. Red Rock Canyon Trail is a primarily gravel trail (20 miles) that is a fairly easy ride with some sharp rocky areas and the occasionally water crossing. Riders enjoy the moderate elevation changes and beautiful mountain views that this area provides, so be sure to bring a friend along, pack a lunch and stop to enjoy the scenery!

• Distance 22 miles
• Skill Level Moderate to advanced
• Trailhead Sitze Rd, Wasilla

Bald Mountain

Alaska has all kinds of great trails, and Bald Mountain is definitely one you should look up - if you like a bit of a challenge. The first few miles are a nice, scenic ride through the woods along a dirt trail. But as you go along, you also go up, and it’s when you get near the treeline that things get interesting. The trail is known for mud holes - deep mud holes that last well into the summer months, so go prepared with the right equipment, and with a buddy or two. The wetter the conditions, the tougher the trail will be. The scenery is outstanding and the trail leads to an old B-29 crash site from 1956. All USFS regulations apply on the trail. This trail is in the Matanuska Valley area, but is a little off the radar for many ATV riders due to the lasting mud.