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Biking Routes

What to see in Juneau and where to go riding...

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular sight to see in Juneau, and for good reason! The beautifully rugged Glacier stretches approximately 13 miles out from the Juneau Ice Field, feeding into Mendenhall Lake. The area is home to all types of wildlife including spawning salmon, black bears, porcupine, eagles and more! It truly is a must see when visiting Juneau, and at a distance of 13 miles from Cycle Alaska it makes for a perfect trip during a four-hour bike rental. The biking route includes portions of paved bike paths, and roadside bike lanes.

Route difficulty: Easy (mostly flat ground, mix of roadside and paved bike path)

Distance: approximately 26 miles round trip

Highlights: Mendenhall Glacier and Lake, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center


*Please be aware that this area has a strong population of black bears and food and drink, other than water, are not allowed to be consumed in this area. Keeping your distance and not approaching wildlife is safe and mandatory. For more information on this area please visit, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Douglas Island

 If coastline views, sandy beaches, or even high alpine climbs peak your interest, then Douglas Island is the perfect place to take your bike rental! Cycle Alaska is conveniently located right next to the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, which means you can be exploring the Island within minutes of departing our shop. Once you’ve crossed the bridge you can turn left to tour the south end of Douglas. Which is home to the Perseverance Theater, a few local pubs and cafés, and Sandy beach, the only sand beach in Juneau! Those interested in Juneau’s rich mining history will appreciate the remanence of the Treadwell Mine, most noticeably the pump house. Build over a century ago, this iconic structure once supplied thousands of gallons of sea water for the Treadwell Mill.

 If you decide to turn right from the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, you will head north along the Douglas highway. This route features beautiful coastline views and on clear days you can even see the famous Mendenhall Glacier! At just under six miles heading north along the Douglas Hwy, you have the option of turning left on to Eaglecrest road. This road gains approximately 1000 ft in elevation over 5 miles, ending at the base of Eaglecrest, Juneau’s local ski area.

 If you decide not to turn on to Eaglecrest road, you can bike another 4.5 miles north to reach False Outer Point. This is a great area to take a brake and watch for whales!

Route difficulty: Easy (roadside bike lanes)

Optional route to Eaglecrest: Difficult (fairly steep climb up Eaglecrest road)

Distance: Sandy Beach: 3 miles from Cycle Alaska

Top of Eaglecrest Road: 11.5 miles from Cycle Alaska

False Outer Point: 11 miles from Cycle Alaska


Highlights: Sandy Beach, café’s and Pubs, Eaglecrest ski area, coastal views

Perseverance Trail

 Perseverance Trail is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their bike ride off the pavement and into mountains! With the trail head only 1.5 miles from Cycle Alaska, no time is wasted before you find yourself surrounded by towering trees and steep mountain faces. Look closely and you will see hints of the trails history, as it was originally a rail line built to service the Perseverance Mine.  As you continue to ascend the main trail you come upon the impressive Ebner Falls overlook. It is the perfect spot to catch your breath, and take in the sights and sounds of the rushing water below. After Ebner falls you will find the climb becomes mellower as you make your way towards the top of the trail. On the ride back down be cautious of other hikers and bikers, as Perseverance trail is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

Trail difficulty: more difficult (steep inclines, occasional exposed roots and larger rocks)

Distance: approximately 6 miles in total (ascending + descending trail), from Cycle Alaska to trail head 3.4 miles

Highlights: non-paved trail riding, Ebner Falls, Mining history


Other places to visit by bike:

Alaskan Brewery

DIPAC Salmon Hatchery

Auke Bay  


For more information and directions on these trails please visit Juneaurides.org to view bike map.