This 1,600 mile ride is 100% paved and makes a large circle through the south-central part of Alaska. This tour offers the rider the opportunity to experience the diverse areas of Alaska: both coastal and interior. You will ride past the tallest mountains on the continent, visit historical gold rush areas, and ride the epic Thompson Pass in and out of the quaint fishing town of Valdez, Alaska. There will also be the opportunity for the more adventurous to ride to the Arctic Circle! In seven days of riding, you will experience more of Alaska than most Alaskans!
Read a review of this tour from a 2012 participant
Tour Details
Road Conditions
This is an all-paved ride with most of it being a two-lane road through pristine wilderness full of mountains, glaciers and rivers.
Lodgings
Hotels range from upscale hotels to rustic cabins (with their own bathrooms!). All accommodations are clean and comfortable.
Tour Difficulty
Average
Highlights for this motorcycle tour
- Explore the Kenai Peninsula and ride to Seward, Alaska
- Ride Past Mt. McKinley, North America’s Tallest Mountain.
- Flight-see around Mt. McKinley
- Ride into Denali National Park
- Cross the Alaska Range twice!
- Explore Fairbanks and surrounding Gold Rush Historic areas
- Ride to the Arctic Circle (optional dirt)
- Soak in the Natural Hot Springs at Chena
- Ride past Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest N. P. in the USA
- Ride Thompson Pass, one of the most scenic rides in the World!
- Walk on a Glacier
- Visit the scenic fishing town of Valdez
- Ride the Glenn Highway, one of the top ten scenic rides in North America
Read a review of this tour from a 2012 participant
Back to TopBest of Alaska Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
Sunday, July 28th:
Arrival in Anchorage.
Hotel Check-in and welcome dinner at one of Anchorage’s premier restaurants.
Monday, July 29th:
Anchorage to Seward to Girdwood - 250 miles
Bike orientation, Ride the scenic Seward Highway to Seward, Alaska. Check our Exit Glacier. Ride back to Girdwood, Alaska. Try the spur road to the little town of Hope. Stay in Girdwood.
Tuesday, July 30th:
Girdwood to Talkeetna - 160 miles
Ride to Talkeetna. For those who would like more adventure, ride through Hatchers Pass. For those who want to flight-see around Mt. McKinley, arrive in Talkeetna by early afternoon. Stay in Talkeetna.
Wednesday, July 31th:
Talkeetna to Fairbanks - 272 miles
Ride from mountain climbers Mecca to the historical gold rush city of Fairbanks. On the way, pass by Mt. McKinley, ride into Denali National Park, cross the Alaska Range at Broad Pass. Stay in Fairbanks.
Thursday, August 1st
:
Fairbanks Free Day - up to 400 miles dirt and paved
For the adventurous, ride to the Arctic Circle (by dirt highway) and back! (400 miles round trip). Other options: relax, explore Fairbanks, take a gold rush tour, or soak and relax at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Friday, August 2nd:
Fairbanks to Paxson - 165 miles
Ride through the Alaska Range at Isabel Pass. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Alaska Range, alpine tundra and glaciers. Stay in comfortable cabins overlooking a wild and scenic Delta River. Stay near Paxson.
Saturday, August 3nd:
Paxson to Valdez - 200 miles
Ride by some of the tallest mountains in North America in Wrangell-St.Elias National Park. Enjoy Thompson Pass, arguably one of the best scenic rides in the world. Walk on Worthington Glacier.
Sunday, August 4th:
Valdez to Matanuska Glacier Area - 190 miles
Ride through gorgeous Thompson Pass. Head down the Glenn Highway: a National Forest Scenic Byway and considered to be one of the top ten scenic rides in North America.
Monday, August 5th:
Matanuska Glacier Area to Anchorage - 130 miles
Take the opportunity to walk on the Matanuska Glacier and ride the spectacular Glenn Highway. In Anchorage you're sure to enjoy the farewell party at our shop this evening. A catered dinner and hotel room within walking distance are also included for the night.
Information
SmugMug Gallery
To Book this Tour:
To secure a spot in this years' Best of Alaska tour please fill out and send in our Registration Form with a $1,000 deposit.
Travel:
Arrive and depart from Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
For any other travel options, please contact us at: 1-800-756-1990 for advice.
You may also reach our travel agent Sally at: Sally@alaskatravelsource.com, or (907) 562- 2213
Just tell her you are part of a MotoQuestTour!
Gear:
Bring riding gear that is warm and waterproof (a riding suit with pads is best). We recommend Olympia Moto Sports (AST Jacket Mens/Womens and Ranger 3 Pants for Men, Promax Pants for Women). Also bring: Stout water-proof boots, rain gear, a warm hat, rain-proof gloves (2 pair), hiking shoes, lots of underwear, fleece layers, full-faced helmet, swim suit, and a good camera.
Money:
US Dollar
Please note that meals and fuel are not included in the tour price. We recommend that you budget about $100.00 per day for food and fuel (this is just an estimate of expenses and is not including adult beverages.) Many places in Alaska accept Visa and MasterCard but it would be wise to have some cash on hand in case there are problems at remote lodges.
Reading:
Lonely Planet Alaska
Additional Insurance:
Optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for bike damage is $15.00 per riding day (cost not to exceed $300). When you purchase this agreement, you will not be responsible for bike damages. If you decline this option you are responsible forthe first $2,500 worth of all expenses. (Please note that the LDW does not cover personal property damage or bodily injury.) We recommend that you contact your motorcycle insurance carrier to see if you are covered for rental motorcycles.
Arrival day:
Send us your travel information so we know when and where to meet you. Please be prepared to show your current motorcycle drivers license.
