The Most Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Alaska Right Now!

Written by dave.abbett in Travel,Unrivaled Trails Of The U.S.

Offroad driving in Alaska, near Salmon glacier

Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Alaska

Alaska is a fascinating place to explore with your off-road vehicle. All off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes, jeeps, and ATVs can marvel here as the riders enjoy panoramic views in the parks around Alaska. While some states may limit ATVs, the state of Alaska has everything an off-road enthusiast would ask for to experience a memorable Overlanding adventure.

There are thousands of trails, tours, and adventures to explore in Alaska. This guide covers a good chunk of the phenomenal adventure trails to explore in Alaska.

Chugach State Park

(Spectacular views of the Chugach mountains in Alaska)

If you are an off-road enthusiast looking for magnificent trails to discover in Alaska, this is one of the trails that will reward you with fantastic views. Venture into this park that pays homage to Eklutna Lake, Chugach mountain range, Turnaway Arm fjord, and the Eagle River. More than 13 miles of trail traverse along the river to the Eklutna Glacier. Found in Bird Valley are the Bird Creek Trails that off-roaders can explore.

White Mountains National Recreation Area

If you want to catch breathtaking views of interior Alaska, then follow the off-road in the White Mountains. You can secure a geocached map as it was updated by the Bureau of Land Management. This recreation area offers the best trailheads to explore with your off-road vehicle. Check out our recent blog on making your vehicle ready for what’s in store in Alaska here.

Tangle Lakes Archaeological District

As you drive down Denali highway, your ATV will not be allowed in Denali National Park, but you can still access the three trails supervised by the Department of Natural Resources. These trails include the Maclaren Summit Trail, Old Sevenmile Lake Connector, and Old Sevenmile Lake Trail.

To enjoy alluring views of the Sevenmile Lake, consider crossing the tundra. Some other impressive trails here include Swede Lake Trail and Oscar Lake Trail.

Chena River State Recreation Area

Found near the Fairbanks, this sensational state park has ideal trails for off-roaders who wish to test their skills. If you are looking for unusual outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hiking, you can also come here to experience like no other. The public can also use the cabins if they wish to spend several days at the park. Avoid the winter-only trails as these could be drastic to your explorations.

Wrangell – St. Elias National Park

(Alaskan Lodge in St. Elias National Park, Wrangell, Alaska)

Off-roaders will find fantastic trails in this park that range from 5 to 20 miles. The trails offer eye-catching views to off-roaders and excellent access. Explore the trails along McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road. They are marked and always ensure you are riding on the ATV-only trails.

Petersville

Petersville is found 120 miles to the east of Anchorage. It is a multi-use area where off-roaders and hunters can enjoy memorable moments with family and friends. The space is open year-round and popular with swamps, muddy trails, and wet conditions. The trails here make up around 75 miles, and the good thing is that off-roaders from all skill levels can thrive here.

With the trails in Petersville, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Denali on a bright clear day. You could even go up to the Kroto Creek trailhead and marvel at the panoramic views here.

Eureka Trails

The skill level for the Eureka trails is varied as it could be moderate or advanced. Marvel at the 150 miles of track in these sensational trails in Alaska. The trails are located a few hours to the north of Anchorage. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has many trails, including horseback riding trails, hiking trails, ATV trails, cross country ski trails, and snowmobile trails.

This area is generally known as Mat-Su Valley and covers around 23,000 square miles. The bigger percentage of this area is wild Alaska. It incorporates everything Alaska is widely known for, including pristine lakes, rivers, excellent fishing, snow-capped peaks, and glacier valleys.

Local communities in the area have seen the economic essence of letting off-road enthusiasts access their backcountry. Therefore, they have enhanced the old mining routes, historic trade routes, and logging roads to provide efficient passage and trails to off-roaders. The Eureka trails may not be part of the extensive borough trail system, but they happen to be in the same vicinity.

Eureka trail system has the following trails:

  • John lake trail
  • Goober lake trail
  • Old man trail
  • Inner loop trail
  • Nelchina glacier trail
  • Outer loop trail
  • Four corners to monument
  • Marie’s trail
  • Willow Creek trail
  • Crooked creek trail
  • Cottonwood Creek trail
  • Alfred creek trail
  • Squaw creek
  • Caribou creek
  • Majestic valley trail
  • Cameron pass trail
  • Lake Louise route
  • Old Nelchina to Tyone creek
  • Yacko creek route
  • Little Nelchina to Tyone creek
  • Little Oshenta River
  • Little Nelchina to Horsepasture

However, you need to be aware that some of these lush trails cross private land, so it is vital to stay on it. With around 150 miles of trail to cover, you will almost find everything, including climbs, rocks, mud, hills, and water crossings. Eureka lodge is a good starting point where you will find ample parking space for your RV.

The lodge has RV spaces with electric cabins, lodge rooms, and a casual onsite restaurant. This lodge is not as fancy, but of course, it is ideal for your outdoor adventures.

Knik Glacier Trail

The 22-mile glacier trail is rated advanced to moderate. It is not free to park here as you must pay either a daily parking pass of $5 or an annual parking pass of $40 (at the time of writing). Off-road vehicles allowed here include ATVs, UTVs, OHVs, dirt bikes, and 4-wheel drives.

The Knik glacier forms part of the larger Mat-Su Valley. This glacier is the closest to Anchorage and among the top tourist attractions in this region. Popularity means that this trail offers excellent views and unforgiving sceneries. The Knik Glacier area incorporates several tracks, and most of them are effective for off-roading and multi-use.

You would expect the Knik glacier trail to be busy since it leads to Alaska’s most popular tourist attraction. Access to this trail is not guaranteed all the time because of the Knik River. Access to the trail entirely depends on the river; if it is full, the trail gets impassable. If you are visiting Alaska for a few days and only have one ride to take, consider this trail as it will surpass your expectations.

The trail is quite spectacular as you will discover the Chugach Mountains and enjoy the dramatic backdrops and horizon. The Knik glacier appears like an impressive piece of artwork, thanks to the region’s textures and colors infused. The trail is quite broad and used by many off-roaders, so getting lost here should not cross your mind.

However, expect to get wet as you will cross lots of mud and water crossing. Other trails around this Knik river area include:

  • Chain of lakes
  • Trail of envy
  • Sexton trail
  • 17B trails
  • Rippy trails
  • Maud road extension
  • Jim Lake overlook trails

Klutina Lake Trail

The 23 miles of trail is rated moderate and is open all year round. Vehicles allowed here include full-size UTV, ATV, ATV, and 4-wheel drives. The beautiful trail commences at the Richardson Highway. It is an impressive trail that traverses along the Klutina River tributary ending at the panoramic Klutina lake. To access this ATV trail, you have to go through the 60-foot easement on native lands.

This privately-owned land does not allow parking or camping. However, there is a parking area at the very end of the road where off-roaders can camp overnight to switch their transportation mode. The majority of this trail is forested, yet off-roaders will be rewarded with perplexing views of the mountains.

Follow the trail alongside a scenic river, making it even more fun as you enjoy what nature offers. Expect to come across runoffs and little streams of water and mud on the trail. Even though the track is not technical, the mud and water crossings give this trail a moderate rating.

Bald Mountain

The off-road trail sprawls to around 22 miles via the Bald Mountain in Alaska, a town called Wasilla. Most of the section is dirt, even though you will come across vast mud pits to experience some dirty fun. You could also decide to take the side trails and experience some gruesome surprises.

Found to one side trails is an Air Force tanker that crashed in this area in 1956. It was a KB29 used in World War II, and all crew members died in the crash. The trail is free of charge, so you can come and discover the beauty of Alaska here.

Coal Mine Road

Located in Fairbanks in Alaska is the Coal Mine Road that is accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. The trail is perfect for an off-road enthusiast. This magnificent trail includes eight lakes ideal for fishing, and cabins are also available for camping activities. Reward your eyes with breathtaking mountain views by following this trail. The cabins are free, but you need to book in advance as the cabins fill up quite fast.

Hatcher Pass

(Independence Mine tramway rail cart at Hatcher Pass Alaska on a foggy day)

This is another off-road trail in Alaska, and it is famous for its striking mountain views. The track is muddy and open during July. Hatcher Pass allows camping activities for off-roaders who wish to explore the trails for several days.

Wrapping Up

Off-roaders love exploring new adventures that offer them an adrenaline rush like no other. If you are the type that loves Overlanding while enjoying flabbergasting views of mountain ranges, then Alaska should be your next destination to explore.

Check Out Our “Unrivaled Trails” Series

Recent Posts