Using pedal power is a fun way to explore Alaska’s largest city, so check out our favorite options for bike rentals in Anchorage.

Anchorage is a city that rewards slow exploration. While cars get you from point A to point B, bikes let you experience the city’s wildlife, coastal views, and municipal park system in a way that feels far more connected to the landscape.

Fortunately, there are several places where visitors can rent bikes in Anchorage. The real question isn’t just where to rent one, but where to start riding, because location can make the difference between a smooth adventure and a complicated one.

Copper Whale Inn guests are fortunate to have an on-site bike rental service during the summer months. Operated by the local Trek Bicycle Store, this kiosk is located in front of the inn for quick and easy bike rentals seven days a week, with near-instant access to the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile paved out-and-back trail between downtown Anchorage and Kincaid Park.

Looking for a specific style of bicycle, or something out of the ordinary? Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals, also in downtown Anchorage (just across the street from the inn, actually), offers a wide range of styles and sizes for any type of rider. Bringing a friend? Check out their tandems! Want to test your mettle on an Anchorage dirt trail? Pablo’s mountain bikes are perfect. And, if you’re traveling with little ones, they even rent trailers so the whole family can ride in comfort.

Now, where to ride? Anchorage is fortunate to have more than 200 miles of trails available for cyclists. Depending on your schedule, riding ability, or group size, here are a few of our favorite options:

Explore Anchorage by bike

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

As mentioned, this is the most popular ride in Anchorage, namely due to the views of Cook Inlet for most of the way. Pick your ride length, and head out, watching for moose and the occasional bear (more about urban wildlife safety, here) and viewing the stunning scenery all around you.

Here’s a handy guide to popular destinations along the trail:

Copper Whale Inn to

→ Westchester Lagoon: 1.5 miles, approximately 15 minutes

→ Lyn Ary Park: 5 miles, approximately 45 minutes

→ Earthquake Park: 6 miles, approximately 60 minutes

→ Point Woronzof: 7 miles, approximately 1 hr, 10 minutes

Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail

Cutting an east-west route across the city, this paved trail is popular with residents as a connection route for bike commuters, families for access to several parks and playgrounds, and visitors for a look at life in the many neighborhoods accessed by the trail. Start at Westchester Lagoon and ride to Valley of the Moon Park, or continue on to Goose Lake Park, one of the few swimming beaches in town.

The “Moose” Loop

Looking for a true snapshot ride of the Anchorage community? The Moose Loop is a 32-mile route circling the city, in a pattern that looks a lot like a moose’s head. Anchorage riders love that they can combine the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and others to cycle among lovely urban greenspaces, along creeks, and through scenic coastline, all in one day. There are even shops and restaurants to visit along the way! If you’re looking for a distance ride, “The Moose” is it.

Ship Creek Trail

Beginning near the Alaska Railroad Depot downtown (just a short pedal from the Copper Whale Inn), this trail is perfect for those with a penchant for fish and fishing. Winding along namesake Ship Creek and traveling toward Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood, this trail provides access for viewing fishers as they cast a line in the productive creek, and the occasional river otter, bald eagle, or black bear. Be sure to stop by the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery, too, where visitors can watch salmon spawning and see the life cycle of Alaska salmon, egg to fingerling. The entire trail is about three miles, perfect for kids and families.

Important things to know to explore Anchorage by bike

Watch for moose and bears along all Anchorage trails during the spring and summer months, particularly along waterways. Make noise as you pedal along to let wildlife know you’re there, and never, ever approach a wild animal. Turn around and go another way.
Ride on the right side of all trails, and let walkers and other bicyclists know you’re passing using your voice or a bell.
Dress for changing weather conditions, even in the summer. Pack a rain jacket, extra mid-layer, and sunglasses. Some bike rental outlets will provide a water bottle, but if not, be sure to bring water along.
Use provided locks any time you park bikes.

For more information about riding bikes in Anchorage, check out Bike Anchorage’s cool map!

One subtle but powerful SEO trick for this article: if possible, include a small embedded trail map and a short “Coastal Trail distance guide.”

Renting bikes is easy when you stay at the Copper Whale Inn