Denali Highway

The feel

This is a remote, lightly trafficked road that opened in 1957 as the original road access to Denali National Park, before the Parks Highway was finished in the 1970s. It runs 135 miles between Paxson on the Richardson Highway and Cantwell Junction on the Parks Highway, with views of the Alaska Range, boreal vegetation and glacial features.

Most of the road is graded gravel that does not require a mountain bike, and most riders take 2 to 4 days. Caribou, moose, fox, marmot, wolf, ptarmigan and trumpeter swans live along the way, and camping is abundant.

What to expect

Route and terrain

135 miles one way from Paxson to Cantwell, rated Advanced. Paved for the first 21 miles west of Paxson and the last 3 miles into Cantwell; the remaining stretch is graded gravel that does not require a mountain bike.

Time

Most riders take 2 to 4 days.

Crowds and best time

Remote and lightly trafficked.

Hazards

Flying gravel rock on the unpaved sections; snowdrifts can block the road outside the open season.

Season and access

Generally open from mid-May to October 1. Do not travel the road at other times. Reached from Paxson on the Richardson Highway or Cantwell Junction on the Parks Highway.

Mingo says

Plan your ride between mid-May and October 1, when the road is generally open. Snowdrifts can block it outside those dates.

Before you go

• Fill up at Cantwell, because there is no gas at Paxson.
• Keep to the 35 mph maximum recommended speed when sharing the gravel with vehicles; flying rock can break a windshield.
• Call the Glennallen Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management at 907-822-3217 with questions.

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