There’s a certain kind of quiet that settles in when you’re pedaling through a vast, wild landscape, where the only sounds are your own breath and the hum of your tires on the pavement. It’s a feeling of being both incredibly small and profoundly connected, and few places offer this experience as powerfully as the road stretching north from the coast into Alaska’s interior. The journey of cycling Richardson Highway in Alaska – Valdez to Paxson Route is more than just a bike ride; it’s a pilgrimage through some of the most dramatic and untamed scenery on the continent.
This 187-mile route is a historical pathway, following a trail first blazed by gold prospectors and later developed into Alaska’s first road. Today, it serves as a challenging yet immensely rewarding corridor for cyclists seeking an authentic adventure. From the towering, glacier-clad Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez to the high, rolling tundra of the Alaska Range near Paxson, the terrain and ecosystems transform with every turn, offering a continuous visual reward for the effort expended.
Preparing for Your Ride on the Richardson Highway
Embarking on this journey requires more than just a bike and a sense of adventure. This is a remote route with long stretches between services and unpredictable weather. Proper preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable experience. Your bike should be in excellent mechanical condition, ideally a sturdy touring bike, gravel bike, or a mountain bike with slicker tires. You’ll want low gears for the significant climbs, especially the ascent to Thompson Pass.
Packing is a critical balancing act. You must carry all your food, water, and camping gear for multiple days, as services are sparse. Reliable water filtration is a must, as you’ll be refilling from streams and rivers. Your clothing system should be built around layering, prepared for everything from cold rain and wind to brilliant, warm sunshine—sometimes all in the same day. Don’t forget a robust repair kit, including tools, spare tubes, a chain tool, and even a spare derailleur hanger.
Cycling Richardson Highway in Alaska – Valdez to Paxson Route: A Section-by-Section Guide
Breaking the ride down into manageable segments helps mentally and logistically. Most cyclists take three to five days to complete the route, depending on their pace and the weather.
The first leg out of Valdez is arguably the most challenging but also the most spectacular. You immediately begin climbing alongside the Lowe River, with views of the iconic Bridal Veil Falls. The gradient steepens as you approach the base of Thompson Pass, a long, sustained climb that rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the Worthington Glacier. Reaching the summit of the pass is a monumental achievement, offering a sweeping view of the coastal mountains you’ve just conquered.
From Thompson Pass, a long, fast descent leads to the small community of Glennallen. The landscape shifts from steep, U-shaped valleys to a flatter, boreal forest terrain. This section can feel exposed to wind, but the views of the Wrangell Mountains, including the colossal Mount Drum, are a constant, majestic companion. This is a good area to be vigilant for wildlife, including moose and bears.
The final push from Glennallen to Paxson is a journey into true interior Alaska. The road rolls gently through forests and opens up to vast expanses of tundra. The Alaska Range dominates the western horizon. Paxson itself is little more than a lodge at the junction of the Richardson and Denali Highways, but it represents the culmination of an incredible journey from the sea to the subarctic interior.
Embracing the Challenges and Rewards
It’s important to be honest about the difficulties. The weather is the single biggest variable. You could encounter relentless rain, strong headwinds, or even snow at the higher elevations, even in summer. The traffic, while generally light, includes large trucks and RVs, so constant awareness is necessary. The physical demand is significant, with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain.
Yet, the rewards are immeasurable. The profound solitude, the freedom of self-supported travel, and the raw, unfiltered beauty of Alaska are the true prizes. The sense of accomplishment you feel after a long day of climbing, setting up camp by a pristine lake, and watching the sunset over a glacier is a feeling that stays with you long after the journey is over.
Essential Tips for a Successful Journey
A few final pieces of advice can make all the difference. First, check road conditions with the Alaska Department of Transportation before you go. Second, plan your resupply points carefully; Glennallen is your only major stop for groceries. Third, always practice proper bear safety—carry bear spray and know how to store your food properly. Finally, be flexible with your schedule. Building in an extra day or two for bad weather can turn a miserable, rushed ride into a manageable and memorable adventure.
Cycling from Valdez to Paxson is an adventure that tests your legs, your spirit, and your preparation. It’s a route that demands respect but gives back tenfold in grandeur and personal satisfaction. It’s not just a line on a map, but a passage through the very heart of Alaska’s wild soul, experienced from the best seat possible: the saddle of a bicycle.