Juneau, Alaska, was built on gold and today the city shines through its eclectic spirit. Explore the capital city and its natural attractions on two wheels for the ultimate up close and personal experience. There are a plethora of beautiful biking trails that will have you pedaling past old mining ruins, wildlife, glaciers and more. An Alaskan getaway is truly a one of a kind adventure, and traveling via bike is the ultimate way to experience “The Last Frontier.”

If you prefer to rent your two wheels when you get there, Cycle Alaska, Juneau’s premier bike shop, is the place to go. Rent road/mountain/street bikes at the following rates: $35 for 4 hours; $45 for 8 hours; or $49 for 24 hours. Multi day rentals are also available at $74 for two days and $99 for three days. Pay just $25 per day after three days. Rentals come with a helmet, mini-pump, tire levers, spare tube, multi-tool, lock and map.

During my stay in Alaska’s capital city, I traveled around exclusively via bike, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether you’re using your own personal bike or a loaner to commute or to enjoy the scenery, proper preparation is essential. Juneau is located within a temperate rainforest in the Tongass National Forest. Plan on rain and be overjoyed if you don’t get wet. That said, appropriate rain gear is a MUST to keep dry. And dressing in layers will ensure that you’re ready for anything—weather changes quickly in Alaska. (Note: average summer temps average in the 60s.)

Once you’ve gotten squared away with the appropriate clothing, gear and bicycle, you are ready to hit the trails—and there are plenty to choose from!

Level: Easy Rides

Dredge Lake Trail (3 miles, 25 foot elevation gain)
Access the area via three different trailheads--Dredge Lake Road, The NOAA weather station lot and the Upper Mendenhall River Bridge--located along the Mendenhall Back Loop Road. Once on the trail, pedal past natural and man-made lakes, creeks and beaver ponds on moderately flat, gravel/dirt/boardwalk paths. The forest consists of glacially formed soil and rock hills as the area was once covered by the Mendenhall Glacier. Today, the glacier has receded into the mountainsides and the only thing to cover the trail is a canopy of trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears, as well as spectacular glacier viewing from Mendenhall Lake viewing platforms and overlooks.

Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei / Mendenhall River Trail (2.1 miles, no elevation gain)
Translated from the Tlingit language, “Kaxdigoowu Heen” means “very clear water” and “Dei” means “trail.” One mile into the popular paved trail in the Mendenhall Valley sits Montana Creek, the waterway for which the trail was named. Expect traffic; many people bike, walk and jog along the zero elevation gain path. While you’re turning your pedals, drink in the beautiful Brotherhood Meadow and Mendenhall Glacier backdrop as you pass colorful wildflowers, fishing holes and friends of the feathered variety. To access: enter the trail from the parking lot on the west side of Brotherhood Bridge at 10-Mile Glacier Highway. Alternatively, the parking lot at the end of River Road accesses the trail as well.

Treadwell Historic Loop Trail (2 miles, 40 foot elevation gain)
A workout and a history lesson in one! The Treadwell Historic Loop Trail takes bikers back in time as they ride alongside the Treadwell Mine remains. Once the largest gold mine in the world, the Treadwell Mine was filled with seawater in 1917 after a cave-in. Today, you can see the cave-in site as well as the 300 stamp mill and main steam powerhouse ruins, and the old Treadwell town office building. Enter the trail in Douglas at Sandy Beach (Savikko Park) or the end of St. Anns Avenue.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these intermediate and advanced mountain biking trails in Juneau!