Imagine embarking on an unforgettable journey, cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Denali National Park. Bicycle camping, or bikepacking, along the Park Road offers a truly immersive experience into Denali’s wilderness. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure while you Bike Denali, careful planning and consideration are essential. When mapping out your daily cycling distances, it’s crucial to be conservative, paying close attention to the elevation changes along the route. Remember that transit buses require tickets for cyclists, except in genuine emergencies. If flexibility is desired, purchasing a discounted one-way bus ticket beforehand can be a wise decision to shorten your trip if needed.
Campground Camping for Bikepackers
Campgrounds within Denali National Park serve as excellent hubs for bikepacking adventures, providing convenient amenities right along the Park Road. A significant advantage of these campgrounds is the provision of bear-resistant food storage, crucial for safety in bear country. Currently, five campgrounds are available to cyclists: Riley Creek (Mile 0.25), Savage River (Mile 14), Sanctuary River (Mile 22), Teklanika River (Mile 29), and Igloo (Mile 34).
Advance reservations for campgrounds are highly recommended and can be made starting as early as December 1st of the year prior to your visit. Reservations can be secured online at reservedenali.com. For those arriving by vehicle, overnight parking is restricted to designated areas within the frontcountry. Consult the park map for specific parking locations.
Backcountry Bike Camping in Denali
For a more secluded experience, backcountry camping offers unparalleled immersion into Denali’s wild heart. However, venturing into the backcountry requires obtaining a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. This free permit process takes approximately one hour and is mandatory for all backcountry camping.
A non-negotiable requirement for backcountry camping is carrying an approved Bear Resistant Food Container (BRFC). Mounting a BRFC on a bicycle can be challenging, so a backpack is strongly advised for easier portage, especially given the likelihood of traversing trail-less terrain. Appropriate footwear is also essential for backcountry exploration. Regulations stipulate that campsites must be at least ½ mile (0.8 km) from the Park Road and completely out of sight of the road. In many areas, achieving complete visual seclusion may necessitate traveling further than ½ mile.
When stashing your bicycle in the backcountry, it must be positioned at least 25 yards (23 m) from the road and also hidden from view. To identify your bike and prevent concerns about abandonment, bicycles must be tagged with your name, backcountry permit number, and intended pickup date. Bicycle tags are provided when you obtain your backcountry permit. It’s important to be aware that wildlife damage to bicycles is not uncommon. Animals, attracted to the salty sweat on seats and handlebars, may cause damage. Denali National Park and Preserve does not assume responsibility for any damages to bicycles caused by wildlife or other park visitors.
For secure overnight bicycle storage, racks are available at campgrounds, visitor centers, and the Toklat Rest Area (Mile 52). Note that camping is strictly prohibited at visitor centers and other developed areas, including the Eielson Visitor Center and Toklat Rest Area.
Parking Considerations for Bike Camping Trips
If you plan to leave a vehicle overnight while bike camping, designated parking areas are available. Overnight parking is permitted at the Riley Creek Day Use Area, the small parking area adjacent to the Backcountry Information Center, and at the Denali Visitor Center. Overnight parking is not allowed within campgrounds (including Teklanika) or other developed zones such as Mountain Vista, Savage River, or Teklanika Rest Area, unless it is the shoulder season and bus services are suspended. For the most up-to-date parking regulations, it is recommended to inquire at the Denali Visitor Center, Backcountry Information Center, Denali Bus Depot, or Riley Creek Mercantile upon arrival.
