Chena Hot Springs Road (road ride)

The feel

This is a long, fully paved road ride out to Chena Hot Springs Resort. The first 25 miles pass rural homes. Then the houses end and the road enters the Chena River National Recreation Area, running on to the resort entrance.

Each June the Fairbanks Cycle Club holds its marquee annual event here, the Chena Hot Springs Bicycle Classic. Shoulders exist but are narrow in places.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Fully paved, about 56 to 62 miles one way from Fairbanks. Rated Advanced.

Crowds and best time

The Chena Hot Springs Bicycle Classic runs each June.

Hazards

Shoulders are narrow in places. A serious car-bike collision here involved cyclists riding two abreast.

Season and access

May through September.

Mingo says

Ride between May and September. The road has the mileage for a long day out of town, so plan it as one.

Before you go

• Ride single file and stay visible, since the shoulders narrow in places.
• Plan for the Chena Hot Springs Bicycle Classic if you visit in June.
• Plan the return too: the road ends at the resort entrance after 56 miles.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.